JP2013111950A - Image printing device, image printing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image printing device capable of enhancing concealability so that information of characters and figures cannot be recognized even if a viewing angle is changed.SOLUTION: An image printing device for printing a dye layer forming an image and an overcoat layer for protecting the dye layer on a printed matter includes: a dividing means for dividing first image data into a plurality of areas; a generating means for generating third image data by arranging second image data between the first image data divided by the dividing means; and a printing means for printing the third image data by setting a non-printing area in which the overcoat layer is not printed on the second image data in the third image data generated by the generating means.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image printing apparatus, an image printing method, and a program, and more particularly to an image printing apparatus that prints a dye layer that forms an image and an overcoat layer that protects the dye layer on a printed material.

  2. Description of the Related Art A sublimation thermal transfer type image printing apparatus capable of printing an image taken with a digital still camera or the like is known. Here, the sublimation type thermal transfer method is a method in which a heated thermal head is pressed against an ink ribbon to sublimate ink from a solid to a gas and adhere to photographic paper. A yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) sublimation dye layer and an overcoat (OC) layer are disposed on the ink ribbon, and the ink ribbon is formed of Y, M, and C sublimation dye layers. By protecting the image with a colorless and transparent OC layer, a finish excellent in durability and water resistance can be realized.

  Some image printing apparatuses have an image processing function for inserting character information, graphic information such as a pattern or a balloon at an arbitrary position in an image. With such an image processing function, the user can create and enjoy various images. On the other hand, there is a need for a function that initially hides character / graphic information inserted in an image so that it can be recognized by a user's specific work. For example, when mailing a printed matter with character / graphic information containing personal information as a postcard, the personal information is concealed from a third party other than the mailing partner, and the mailing partner performs a specific task. It would be convenient if it could be recognized. This function can also be widely used for amusement applications such as lotteries.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for recording information requested by a user on a printed matter by changing the transfer amount of the OC layer. Character / graphic information recorded on the colorless and transparent OC layer is difficult to recognize and can be hidden.

JP 2009-73034 A

  However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, since the thickness of the character / graphic information portion and the OC layer in the peripheral portion are different and the reflectance of light is different, the user changes the viewing angle and tilts the printed matter. By looking from the direction, the character / graphic information becomes recognizable. That is, since the character / graphic information can be recognized only by changing the viewing angle, it may be unintentionally read by a third party, and the concealability is not sufficient. Further, since the character / graphic information is recorded in the colorless and transparent OC layer, the object to be concealed is limited to the colorless and transparent character / graphic information.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to improve concealment so that characters and figures cannot be recognized even if the viewing angle is changed. Moreover, it aims at enabling it to conceal characters and figures other than colorless and transparent.

  The present invention relates to an image printing apparatus for printing an image-forming dye layer and an overcoat layer for protecting the dye layer on a printed material, the dividing means for dividing the first image data into a plurality of regions, and the division Generating means for generating third image data by arranging second image data between the first image data divided by the means, and the third image data generated by the generating means Printing means for printing the third image data by setting a non-printing area on which the overcoat layer is not printed on the second image data.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve concealment so that characters and figures cannot be recognized even if the viewing angle is changed. Moreover, characters and figures other than colorless and transparent can be concealed.

It is a figure which shows the structure of an ink ribbon. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of an image printing apparatus and a cartridge. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of an image printing apparatus. It is sectional drawing which looked at the image printing apparatus from the side. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process of the image printing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the character and figure input process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram of the character and figure concealment process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the printing screen of the photographic paper which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cross section of the photographic paper which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram of the character and figure concealment process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the printing screen of the photographic paper which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram of the reduction process of the 1st image data which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example which is not suitable for the 2nd image data which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
(First embodiment)
First, a configuration of an ink ribbon used in a sublimation thermal transfer type image printing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a printing apparatus) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the ink ribbon 100. On the base material of the ink ribbon 100, yellow (Y) 101, magenta (M) 102, cyan (C) 103, which are sublimation dye layers for forming an image, and finally a heat-meltable resin for protecting the image forming layer. An overcoat (OC) 104 which is a material clear layer is arranged in order. An ink ribbon head detection marker 105 is arranged at the head of Y, M, C, and OC. One image is formed by sequentially transferring a set of Y, M, C, and OC to a roll paper as a print product. On the ink ribbon 100, Y, M, C, and OC are repeatedly arranged for the number of printable sheets.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of the printing apparatus and the cartridge according to the present embodiment.
The printing apparatus 200 can attach and remove the paper cartridge 210 and the ink cartridge 211 to and from the cartridge insertion opening 202 provided on the side surface of the exterior 201.
The printing apparatus 200 includes a display unit 203, operation units 204 to 209, and the like. The display unit 203 includes a display screen such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays an operation menu for inputting image data display and print settings. Among the operation units 204 to 209, the power button 204 is a button for turning on / off the power of the printing apparatus 200. A menu button 205 is a button for calling various operation menus and displaying them on the display unit 203. A cross key 206 is a button for selecting image data and selecting an operation menu. The SET button 207 is a button for executing the operation menu selected by the cross key 206. A print / cancel button 208 is a button for executing printing when pressed after completion of image data selection and print setting, and canceling printing when pressed during printing. The touch screen 209 is a transparent resistive film type touch screen provided on the display unit 203. By directly touching the display screen instead of the cross key 206 and the SET button 207, image data selection and operation menus are performed. Can be selected and executed.

In addition, the paper cartridge 210 is stored in a state in which a strip-shaped roll paper (not shown) is wound around the roller 212 in the exterior 215.
The ink cartridge 211 is housed in the exterior 216 in a state where the ink ribbon 100 is wound around the ink ribbon supply roller 213 and the ink ribbon take-up roller 214.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the printing apparatus 200. The printing apparatus 200 includes a main controller 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, an image data input unit 304, a thermal head 305, a head control unit 306, a roll paper transport motor driver 307, a drive motor 308, a paper feed motor driver 309, and a paper feed motor 310. Prepare. The printing apparatus 200 includes an ink ribbon winding motor driver 311, an ink ribbon winding motor 312, a head up / down motor driver 313, a head up / down motor 314, a cutter motor driver 315, and a cutter motor 316. Further, the printing apparatus 200 includes a ribbon remaining amount detection sensor 317, a roll paper detection sensor 318, a roll paper head detection sensor 319, an ink ribbon head detection sensor 320, an environmental temperature detection sensor 321, a paper type detection sensor 322, and an ink type detection sensor. 323 and the like.

The main controller 301 is a CPU (central processing unit) that controls system control of the entire printing apparatus 200 and arithmetic processing according to various programs. The ROM 302 stores various programs for operating the main controller 301. The RAM 303 is used for the arithmetic processing work memory of the main controller 301 and temporary storage of print data, and stores various setting data input by the operation units 204 to 209.
An image data input unit 304 inputs image data by controlling three input interfaces (I / F). The first input I / F is a memory card. Image data is input by inserting a memory card into a card slot (not shown) of the printing apparatus 200. The second input I / F is a digital camera. Image data is input by connecting the printing apparatus 200 and the digital camera with a USB cable. At this time, the printing apparatus 200 functions as a host device and can be operated from the digital camera side. The third input I / F is a PC (Personal Computer). Image data is input by connecting the printing apparatus 200 and a PC with a USB cable. At this time, the printing apparatus 200 functions as a device device and can be operated from the PC side.

The head control unit 306 controls energization of a heating resistor (not shown) disposed on the thermal head 305.
The roll paper transport motor driver 307 outputs a motor excitation waveform in accordance with the pulse signal sent from the main controller 301, and rotationally drives the drive motor 308, which is a stepping motor, by the number of steps of the pulse signal. The drive motor 308 is coupled to a curl correction roller, a grip roller, a paper discharge roller, and a paper discharge kick roller, which will be described later, via a rotation mechanism. The roll paper transport motor driver 307 controls the rotation of these rollers to transport the roll paper.

The paper feed motor 310 is coupled to a roll paper roller 212 via a rotation mechanism. A paper feed motor driver 309 controls the rotation of the roller 212 via the paper feed motor 310 to pull out and retract the roll paper.
The ink ribbon winding motor 312 is coupled to the ink ribbon winding roller 214 via a rotation mechanism. The ink ribbon take-up motor driver 311 controls the rotation of the ink ribbon take-up roller 214 via the ink ribbon take-up motor 312 to take up the ink ribbon 100.

The head up / down motor driver 313 controls the rotation of the head up / down motor 314 to move the thermal head 305 up and down.
The cutter motor driver 315 controls the cutter motor 316 to operate a cutter unit, which will be described later, and cuts roll paper.
The ribbon remaining amount detection sensor 317 calculates the ribbon remaining amount by detecting the rotation speed at the time of winding the ribbon. The ribbon remaining amount calculated by the ribbon remaining amount detection sensor 317 is displayed on the display unit 203.
The roll paper detection sensor 318 detects the leading edge of the roll paper drawn from the exit of the paper cartridge 210.
The roll paper head detection sensor 319 is disposed behind a platen roller provided opposite to the thermal head 305, and detects that the top of the roll paper has passed the platen roller at the start of printing.
The ink ribbon head detection sensor 320 detects the ink ribbon head detection marker 105.

The environmental temperature detection sensor 321 detects the temperature of the environment where the printing apparatus 200 is installed. Based on the environmental temperature detected by the environmental temperature detection sensor 321, the head controller 306 controls the energy input to the thermal head 305.
The paper type detection sensor 322 detects the mounting of the paper cartridge 210 and the paper type. Specifically, the plurality of protrusions provided on the exterior 215 of the paper cartridge 210 presses the plurality of switch portions of the paper type detection sensor 322, so that the paper type detection sensor 322 installs the paper cartridge 210 and the paper type. Is detected.
The ink type detection sensor 323 detects the mounting of the ink cartridge 211 and the ink type. Specifically, the plurality of protrusions provided on the exterior 216 of the ink cartridge 211 pushes in the plurality of switch portions of the ink type detection sensor 323 so that the ink type detection sensor 323 has the ink cartridge 211 mounted and the ink type. Is detected.

The configuration of each part related to the printing process of the printing apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the printing apparatus 200 as viewed from the side.
In the printing apparatus 200, the roll paper 401 stored in the paper cartridge 210 is peeled off from the roller 212 by the separation member 402 and passes through the cartridge conveyance path 403 and the cartridge outlet 404.
The roll paper 401 that has passed through the cartridge outlet 404 passes between the curl correction roller 405a and the curl correction driven roller 405b, and the tension is applied to the side opposite to the direction wound around the roller 212, whereby the curl is corrected. The
The roll paper 401 with the curl corrected is sandwiched between the front and back surfaces by the pinch roller 406a and the grip roller 406b, and the roll paper 401 is printed by rotating the pinch roller 406a counterclockwise and the grip roller 406b rotating clockwise when viewed on the paper surface. It is conveyed toward the position 407.

At the printing position 407, the ink ribbon 100 is exposed to the outside of the ink cartridge 211. That is, the ink ribbon 100 is wound around the ink ribbon supply roller 213 and the ink ribbon take-up roller 214, and the space between them is exposed at a portion located at the printing position 407. At the printing position 407, the ink ribbon 100 and the roll paper 401 are overlapped between the platen roller 408 and the thermal head 305.
A position regulating member 409 that regulates the head position of the thermal head 305 moves up and down in conjunction with a control mechanism of a head up / down motor 314 (not shown).
A cutter unit including a cutter blade 410 and a cutter receiving blade 411 is disposed on the right side (sheet discharge side) of the print position 407 as viewed in the drawing. The cutter blade 410 and the cutter receiving blade 411 are arranged at positions facing each other across the conveyance path of the roll paper 401.

A gear train 412 for transmitting the operation of the cutter motor 316 to the cutter unit is disposed at a position close to the cutter unit. When the gear train 412 is driven, the cutter blade 410 and the cutter receiving blade 411 are rubbed together in scissors to cut the roll paper 401.
On the paper discharge side of the cutter unit, a paper discharge roller 413 and a paper discharge kick roller 414 are arranged. The roll paper 401 cut by the cutter unit is sandwiched between the front and back surfaces by a paper discharge roller 413 and a paper discharge kick roller 414, and is discharged from a paper discharge port.

Next, the printing process of the printing apparatus 200 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This process is realized by the main controller 301 executing a program stored in the ROM 302.
In step S501, the main controller 301 detects the selected image data according to the selection of image data to be printed by the user. Here, the main controller 301 displays a list of thumbnails of the image data input to the image data input unit 304 on the display unit 203 so that the user can easily select the image data. The user can select image data to be printed from image data displayed in a list by operating the cross key 206 or the touch screen 209.

  In step S <b> 502, the main controller 301 performs various print settings such as character / graphic input, paper size setting, and print number setting for the selected image data in response to a print setting operation by the user. Details of character / graphic input will be described later. The user can call up various operation menus with the menu button 205 and operate the cross key 206 and the SET button 207 or the touch screen 209 to select and execute the operation menu.

In step S503, the main controller 301 starts printing according to the print settings in response to the user pressing the print / cancel button.
In step S504, the main controller 301 pulls out the roll paper 401. Specifically, the main controller 301 rotates the paper feed motor 310 via the paper feed motor driver 309 to pull out the roll paper 401 from the paper cartridge 210 and pinch it between the pinch roller 406a and the grip roller 406b. Subsequent sheet conveyance is performed by the main controller 301 rotating the drive motor 308 to rotate the grip roller 406b.

In step S505, the main controller 301 detects the top of the roll paper 401 drawn from the paper cartridge 210 via the roll paper top detection sensor 319. Subsequent sheet conveyance from the time when the roll sheet head is detected is controlled by the number of steps of the drive motor 308 which is a stepping motor.
In step S <b> 506, the main controller 301 conveys the roll paper 401 to the printing position 407 by the drive motor 308. Specifically, the main controller 301 rotates the drive motor 308 by a predetermined number of steps until the print start position of the roll paper 401 reaches just below the thermal head 305. Here, the main controller 301 executes the drawing of the roll paper 401 from the roll paper head detection point.

  In step S507, the main controller 301 generates print data. The main controller 301 converts JPEG data into Y, M, and C data to generate image data, and stores the generated image data in the RAM 303. The maximum gradation value of the Y, M, and C data is 255, and each pixel has a gradation value corresponding to the image data. In addition, the main controller 301 generates OC data in which the gradation value of all the pixels is 170, and stores the generated OC data in the RAM 303. However, when the character / graphic input menu is executed in the print setting in step S502, OC data in which the gradation value of the pixels in the specified range is 0 is generated. Details of the character / graphic input will be described later.

  In step S508, the main controller 301 detects the head of Y101 of the ink ribbon 100. The ink ribbon 100 is wound around the ink ribbon winding roller 214 by the rotational drive of the ink ribbon winding motor 312. At this time, the main controller 301 detects the head of Y101 by detecting the ink ribbon head detection marker 105 of Y101 of the ink ribbon via the ink ribbon head detection sensor 320.

In step S509, the main controller 301 prints Y101 on the roll paper 401. Specifically, the main controller 301 presses the thermal head 305 evacuated until now to the platen roller 408 and sandwiches the roll paper 401 and the ink ribbon 100 between the thermal head 305 and the platen roller 408. The main controller 301 transfers the Y data stored in the RAM 303 to the head controller 306. The head control unit 306 controls the energization of a heating resistor (not shown) of the thermal head 305 using Y data, so that the heating resistor generates heat, and the ink of the ink ribbon 100 is sublimated and fixed to the roll paper 401. Let The main controller 301 conveys the paper in the direction in which the roll paper 401 is drawn to the paper cartridge 210 side via the drive motor 308 in synchronization with the energization of the thermal head 305. That is, during printing, the conveyance direction of the roll paper 401 and the winding direction of the ink ribbon 100 are the same direction.
The Y data is printed on the roll paper 401 by the process of step S509.

  In step S <b> 510, the main controller 301 retracts the thermal head 305 away from the platen roller 408. Next, the main controller 301 conveys the roll paper 401 until the print start position of the roll paper 401 reaches directly below the thermal head 305 in the direction in which the roll paper 401 is pulled out from the paper cartridge 210 by the drive motor 308. This position is the same position as the position conveyed in step S506.

In steps S511 to S513, the same processing as in steps S508 to S510 is performed on M102 of the ink ribbon 100. In steps S514 to S516, the same processing as that in steps S508 to S510 is performed on C103 of the ink ribbon 100.
In step S512, the main controller 301 prints M102 so as to overlap the image printed by Y101. In step S515, the main controller 301 prints C103 so as to overlap the image printed by Y101 and M102.
In steps S517 to S518, the same processing as in steps S508 to S509 is performed on the OC 104 of the ink ribbon 100. In step S518, the OC 104 that forms the overcoat layer is printed on the image printed by Y101, M102, and C103.

In step S <b> 519, the main controller 301 retracts the thermal head 305 and then transports the roll paper 401 in the direction of pulling out the paper cartridge 210 until the cut position of the roll paper 401 reaches the position of the cutter blade 410.
In step S520, the main controller 301 rotates the cutter motor 316 to cut the roll paper 401 to form one photographic paper on which an image is printed.
In step S <b> 521, the main controller 301 sandwiches the front and back surfaces of the photographic paper between the paper discharge roller 413 and the paper discharge kick roller 414 and rotationally drives it in the paper discharge direction via the drive motor 308. Paper is discharged to the outside.
As described above, the printing process for one piece of image data is completed by executing steps S501 to S521.

Next, a detailed description will be given of a method of printing with high concealment so that character / graphic information cannot be recognized even if the viewing angle is changed.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing character / graphic input processing according to this embodiment. The character / graphic input process is one of the processes performed in the print setting in step S502 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, the character / graphic means a character (character graphic) including at least one of a character or a graphic.
First, in step S601, the main controller 301 shifts to a character / graphic input menu according to an operation for executing a character / graphic input menu for print setting by the user. Here, when the image data selected by the user is displayed on the display unit 203, the user presses the menu button 205 to call up a list of operation menus. The user operates the cross key 206 and the SET button 207 or the touch screen 209 to select and execute a character / graphic input menu from the operation menu list. The main controller 301 displays a character / graphic input screen (not shown) on the display unit 203 in accordance with an operation for executing a character / graphic input menu.

In step S602, the main controller 301 detects an input of a character / graphic (first image data) by the user. Here, the character / graphic input in step S602 is defined as the first image data.
As an input method of characters / graphics, the main controller 301 displays so that the user can select either an option to be input from a list or an option of handwriting input, and the input method is changed according to the user's selection. it can. When an option to be input is selected from the list, the main controller 301 displays a list of characters / graphics that can be input, and the user operates the cross key 206 and the SET button 207 or the touch screen 209 to input as image data. Determine text and graphics. The main controller 301 reads the determined characters / graphics from the ROM 302 and stores them in the RAM 303 as first image data. On the other hand, when the handwriting input option is selected, the main controller 301 enters a state in which the touch screen 209 can be input, and the user operates the touch screen 209 to input an arbitrary character / graphic. Here, any color can be designated as the color scheme of the characters / graphics. The main controller 301 stores the input characters / graphics in the RAM 303 as first image data.

In step S603, the main controller 301 detects the input of a character / graphic (second image data) by the user. Here, the image data used for the concealment process of the first image data is set as the second image data. A plurality of image data serving as second image data candidates are stored in the ROM 302. In the present embodiment, the main controller 301 reads from the ROM 302 what has high concealment with respect to the first image data, and stores it in the RAM 303 as second image data.
In step S604, the main controller 301 divides characters / graphics (first image data).
In step S605, the main controller 301 divides the character / graphic (second image data). As a first step of concealing the first image data, the main controller 301 divides the first image data and the second image data stored in the RAM 303 into a plurality of areas.

  FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of the character / figure concealment process of this embodiment. In this example, the first image data is “spring”, and the second image data is a pattern having no regularity. The first image data and the second image data are 12 in the horizontal direction. It is divided into equal areas. The division direction and the number of divisions are set values determined in advance. However, the division direction is not limited to the horizontal direction, and the same concealment effect can be obtained even in the vertical direction or the oblique direction. Therefore, the user may set an arbitrary division direction. Further, since the concealability of the first image data varies depending on the number of divisions, the user may set an arbitrary number of divisions while confirming the appearance of the first image data divided into a plurality of regions.

In step S606, the main controller 301 combines the first image data and the second image data. As a second step of concealing the first image data, the main controller 301 combines the divided second image data so as to be arranged between the divided first image data, and the RAM 303 as the third image data. To store.
The above concealment process makes it difficult to recognize the first image data and enhances concealment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the divided first image data and the divided second image data are alternately arranged and combined, so that the first image data “spring” is in the third image data state. Is difficult to recognize.
Further, the main controller 301 sets the OC 104 of the ink ribbon 100 as a non-printing area not to be printed on the second image data, and sets the OC gradation value to 0. By setting in this way, the second image data is not protected by the OC layer. Therefore, the Y, M, and C dye layers printed on the photographic paper are removed by erasing or rubbing with a finger or the like. Only the image data can be deleted. Therefore, the user can make the first image data hidden on the photographic paper recognizable.

In step S607, the main controller 301 determines the insertion position of the character / graphic (third image data). The user determines the insertion position of characters / graphics (third image data) in the image data to be printed by operating the cross key 206 and the SET button 207 or the touch screen 209. The main controller 301 combines the image data and the characters / graphics (third image data) according to the insertion position determined by the user, and stores the combined image data in the RAM 303.
In step S608, the main controller 301 displays the image data into which the character / graphic is inserted on the display unit 203, and ends the character / graphic input menu.
As described above, the character / graphic input process is completed for the image data selected by executing Steps S601 to S608.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a printing screen of photographic paper on which an image is formed when image data into which characters / graphics are inserted is printed. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a photographic paper on which an image is formed.
As shown in FIG. 8A, the entire image data and the portion where the first image data is inserted is an OC layer printing area 801. In the OC layer printing region 801, as shown in FIG. 9A, the Y, M, and C dye layers 903 are thermally transferred to the dye receiving layer 902 provided on the surface of the photographic paper 901. An OC layer 904 is formed on 902. Therefore, since the Y, M, and C dye layers 903 are protected by the OC layer 904, the Y, M, and C dye layers 903 are dye-receptive even when the printing screen of the photographic paper is erased or rubbed with a finger or the like. It is not removed from layer 902.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8A, the portion where the second image data is inserted is an OC layer non-printing area 802. In the OC layer non-printing area 802, as shown in FIG. 9B, the dye layer 903 of Y, M, and C is thermally transferred to the dye receiving layer 902 provided on the surface of the printing paper 901, and the dye receiving The OC layer 904 is not formed over the layer 902. Therefore, since the Y, M, and C dye layers 903 are not protected by the OC layer 904, when the printing screen of the photographic paper is erased or rubbed with a finger or the like, as shown in FIG. , C dye layer 903 is removed from the dye receiving layer 902. FIG. 8B shows a state in which the Y, M, and C dye layers 903 present in the OC layer non-printing region 802 have been completely removed. In the OC layer non-printing area 802 in FIG. 8B, since the background color (white, etc.) of the photographic paper is exposed, the first image data “Spring” which is hidden by the presence of the second image data is displayed. It becomes possible to recognize.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the first image data is divided into a plurality of regions as the character / graphic concealment process, and the second image data is arranged between the divided first image data. Then, the OC is printed on the first image data, and the OC is not printed on the second image data. By performing this concealment process, the first image data can be made difficult to recognize due to the presence of the second image data. On the other hand, since there is a difference in the thickness of the second image data and the OC layer around the second image data and the reflectance of light is different, a non-printing area where the OC layer is not printed can be recognized by changing the viewing angle. However, since only the non-printing area where the OC layer set on the second image data is not printed can be recognized, the concealability can be improved so that the first image data cannot be recognized even if the viewing angle is changed.

  In addition, since there are no restrictions on the first image data and various color schemes can be used, even characters and figures other than colorless and transparent can be concealed. In addition, in order to make the first image data concealed in a recognizable state, the user erases or rubs the printing screen on the photographic paper with a finger or the like to change the Y, M, and C of the second image data. It is necessary to remove the dye layer. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a third party from reading characters / graphics unintentionally.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. However, description of the same processing as that of the first embodiment will be omitted, and description will be made focusing on processing unique to the present embodiment.
In step S602, the main controller 301 detects a user's input of characters / graphics (first image data) from the list or by handwriting input. Here, the main controller 301 sets the first image data using only the OC data. Specifically, the character / graphic part of the first image data is set as a non-printing area where OC is not printed, for example, OC gradation value 0. In addition, a portion other than characters / graphics in the first image data is set as an OC printing region, for example, an OC gradation value 170.

In step S603, the main controller 301 detects an input of a character / figure (second image data) by the user from the list or by handwriting input. Since the main controller 301 sets the second image data as Y, M, and C data, the user can designate the color scheme of characters / graphics in any color. On the second image data, a non-printing area where OC is not printed, for example, an OC gradation value 0 is set.
In steps S604 to S606, the first image data concealment process is performed as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of the character / graphic hiding process of the present embodiment. Here, the first image data “Spring” and the second image data “Summer” are equally divided into 12 regions in the horizontal direction, and the divided first image data and second image data Are combined alternately.
In step S607, when the main controller 301 synthesizes the image data to be printed and the third image data, the Y, M, and C data of the image data to be printed is converted into Y, M, and C data of the second image data. replace. Further, the OC data of the image data to be printed is replaced with the OC data of the first image data and the second image data.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a printing screen of photographic paper on which an image is formed when image data into which characters / graphics are inserted is printed. Since the first image data “Spring” is set only with OC data, it is colorless and transparent and difficult to recognize. In the initial state, only the second image data “summer” can be recognized.
As shown in FIG. 11A, the entire image data and the portion of the first image data other than the characters / graphics is an OC layer print area 1101. In the OC layer printing area 1101, the Y, M, and C dye layers thermally transferred to the photographic paper are protected by the OC layer, so that the Y, M, and C dye layers are removed even when erasing or rubbing with a finger or the like. It will never be done. On the other hand, the character / graphic part of the first image data and the part of the second image data are the OC layer non-printing area 1102. In the OC layer non-printing area 1102, the Y, M, and C dye layers thermally transferred to the photographic paper are not protected by the OC layer. Removed.
FIG. 11B shows a state in which the Y, M, and C dye layers existing in the OC layer non-printing area 1102 have been completely removed. In the OC layer non-printing area 1102, the background color (white or the like) of the photographic paper is exposed. That is, the second image data that has concealed the first image data disappears, and the character / graphic part of the first image data changes to the background color (white, etc.) of the photographic paper. It becomes possible to recognize the image data “spring”.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the character / graphic portion of the first image data is set as a non-printing area where OC is not printed. The second image data is set as Y, M, and C data, and the OC is set as a non-printing area in which OC is not printed on the second image data. Then, the first image data and the second image data are divided into a plurality of regions as a character / graphic concealment process, and the divided second image data is arranged between the divided first image data. To do.
When the first image data is not concealed, there is a difference in the thickness of the OC layer in the character / graphic portion of the first image data and its peripheral portion, and the light reflectance is different. The figure can be recognized. By performing the concealment process of the present embodiment, the first image data can be made difficult to recognize due to the presence of the second image data, and the first image data cannot be recognized even if the viewing angle is changed. Can be increased.

  Further, the second image data is recognizable before the Y, M, and C dye layers are removed by erasing or rubbing the printing screen of the photographic paper with a finger or the like, and after the removal, the first image is recognized. Data can be made recognizable. That is, the display of two types of characters / graphics can be switched by removing the Y, M, and C dye layers.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing a reduction process for the first image data. In the present embodiment, a reduction process is performed on the first image data. Note that the reduction process for the first image data is a process executed before the division of characters / graphics (first image data) in step S604 in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 12A, the widths in the direction of dividing the first image data and the second image data into a plurality of regions are defined as L1 and L2, respectively. In this case, the width of the third image data obtained by combining the first image data and the second image data is L1 + L2. That is, the width of the third image data is surely longer than the width of the first image data. As a result, the first image data extends in the dividing direction, and the appearance of characters / graphics changes.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the main controller 301 can reduce changes in the appearance of characters and figures by executing a reduction process before dividing the first image data. As shown in FIG. 12B, the width in the dividing direction of the first image data reduced at the reduction ratio a is defined as aL1. In this case, the total width of the third image data obtained by combining the reduced first image data and the second image data is aL1 + L2. Here, by making the width L1 of the first image data before reduction and the total width aL1 + L2 of the third image data coincide with each other, it is possible to reduce the change in appearance of the characters / graphics.
L1 = aL1 + L2 (1)
The reduction ratio a is calculated from the equation (1), and a = (L1-L2) / L1 (2)
Is defined.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, before the first image data is divided, the reduction ratio a at which the width L1 of the first image data before reduction and the total width aL1 + L2 of the third image data match is set. The first image data is reduced by calculation. Since the first image data is divided, a change in appearance due to fragmentation of characters and figures cannot be avoided. According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the extension and change in appearance of characters / graphics generated by the synthesis of the first image data and the second image data by performing the reduction process described above.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
When the first image data concealment process shown in FIG. 7 is performed, the concealability of the first image data differs depending on the second image data to be combined. Therefore, the condition of the second image data for improving the concealability of the first image data will be described with reference to an example that is not suitable as the second image data shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13A shows third image data when the same image data as the first image data is used as the second image data. In this case, since the divided first image data and second image data are alternately arranged in the third image data, the original characters / graphics can be inferred although they look different from the original characters / graphics. It looks good. Therefore, one condition for improving the concealability of the first image data is to use image data different from the first image data as the second image data.

FIG. 13B shows the third image data when a regular pattern is used as the second image data.
FIG. 13C shows third image data when image data having a completely different color scheme from the first image is used as the second image data.
In FIG. 13B and FIG. 13C, the difference in appearance between the first image data and the second image data is very large. For this reason, the first image data becomes conspicuous and characters / graphics can be recognized. Therefore, one condition for improving the concealability of the first image data is to use a pattern having no regularity as the second image data. Another condition is that image data having the same color scheme as the first image data is used as the second image data.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the concealability of the first image data can be improved by using the second image data that satisfies the above conditions.

As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated with various embodiment, this invention is not limited only to these embodiment, A change etc. are possible within the scope of the present invention.
In the first embodiment described above, the case where the second image data is divided in step S605 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, the pre-divided second image data is stored in the ROM 302, and the main controller 301 arranges the pre-divided second image data stored in the ROM 302 between the divided first image data. It may be synthesized as follows.
In the third embodiment described above, the case where the division direction is the horizontal direction has been described. However, for example, when the division direction is the vertical direction, the width in the third embodiment is the width shown in FIG. The direction is orthogonal to the direction.

Each means constituting the image printing apparatus or each step of the image printing method in the embodiment of the present invention described above can be realized by the main controller operating a program stored in a ROM or the like. This program and a computer-readable recording medium on which this program is recorded are included in the present invention.
In addition, the present invention can be implemented as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system from a plurality of apparatuses.

  Note that the present invention supplies a software program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments directly or remotely to a system or apparatus. And the case where it is achieved also by reading and executing the supplied program code by the computer of the system or apparatus is included.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100: Ink ribbon 101: Yellow (Y) 102: Magenta (M) 103: Cyan (C) 104: Overcoat (OC) 801: OC layer printing area 802: OC layer non-printing area 901: Printing paper 902: Dye reception Layer 903: Y, M, C dye layer 904: Overcoat (OC) layer 1101: OC layer printing area 1102: OC layer non-printing area

Claims (9)

An image printing apparatus for printing on a printed material a dye layer that forms an image and an overcoat layer that protects the dye layer,
Dividing means for dividing the first image data into a plurality of regions;
Generating means for generating third image data by arranging second image data between the first image data divided by the dividing means;
Printing means for printing the third image data by setting a non-printing area in which an overcoat layer is not printed on the second image data among the third image data generated by the generating means. An image printing apparatus characterized by that. The dividing unit divides the second image data into a plurality of regions,
The generating means generates third image data by alternately arranging the second image data divided by the dividing means between the first image data divided by the dividing means. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1.   The printing means sets a non-printing area in which an overcoat layer is not printed on a character graphic portion on the first image data among the third image data generated by the generating means, and sets the third image. 3. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein data is printed. A reduction means for reducing the width of the first image data;
The reduction means reduces the first image data so that the width of the first image data before reduction matches the total width of the second image data and the first image data after reduction. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image printing apparatus is reduced to a rate.   5. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second image data is image data different from the first image data. 6.   5. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second image data is a pattern having no regularity.   5. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second image data has the same color scheme as the first image data. 6. An image printing method for an image printing apparatus for printing an image forming dye layer and an overcoat layer for protecting the dye layer on a printed material,
A division step of dividing the first image data into a plurality of regions;
A generating step of generating second image data by arranging second image data between the first image data divided by the dividing step;
A printing step for printing the third image data by setting a non-printing area in which an overcoat layer is not printed on the second image data among the third image data generated by the generation step. An image printing method characterized by the above. A program for controlling an image printing apparatus that prints on a printed material a dye layer that forms an image and an overcoat layer that protects the dye layer,
A division step of dividing the first image data into a plurality of regions;
A generating step of generating second image data by arranging second image data between the first image data divided by the dividing step;
A printing step of setting a non-printing area in which an overcoat layer is not printed on the second image data of the third image data generated by the generation step and printing the third image data; A program to make it run.

Images