JP2021189855A - Image data creating device and image data creating method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image data creating device for creating proper image data that defines a dot pattern where a plurality of dots are distributed.SOLUTION: In accordance with information specifying rules for distributing a plurality of dots in a first drawing region of a drawing object surface, image data of a first layer that specifies positions of the plurality of dots to be arranged in the first drawing region is created. In accordance with information specifying rules for distributing a plurality of dots in a second drawing region of the drawing object surface, image data of a second layer that specifies positions of the plurality of dots to be arranged in the second drawing region is created. When the second drawing region is overlapped with one section of the first drawing region, processing is applied to the image data of the first layer in order to eliminate dots that are positioned inside the second drawing region. Subsequently, synthesized image data is created for specifying positions of the dots specified in one of either the image data of the first layer or the image data of the second layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

The present invention relates to an image data generation device and an image data generation method.

A dot spacer is used for the resistance film type touch panel to prevent a short circuit between the two conductive films. The dot spacer is composed of a plurality of dots made of an insulating material that is regularly distributed in the plane. The following Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for forming a dot spacer by spraying ink on a dot spacer forming surface using an inkjet printer. When drawing a desired pattern using an inkjet printer, raster-formed image data is used to control ink ejection from the inkjet head. Raster format image data is generally generated by converting vector format data created using CAD.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-139162

When converting the image data of the vector formation into the image data of the raster format, a situation may occur in which one dot of the image data of the vector format is allocated to two pixels of the image data of the raster format. Further, there may be a situation where dots are assigned to pixels that are shifted by one pixel from the pixels to which dots should be assigned.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image data generation device that generates image data that defines a dot pattern in which a plurality of dots are distributed, and an image data generation method, without performing conversion from image data in a vector format. be.

According to one aspect of the invention
An image of the first layer that specifies the positions of a plurality of dots arranged in the first drawing area based on the first distribution rule information that specifies a rule for distributing a plurality of dots in the first drawing area of the surface to be drawn. The first step to generate the data and
A second layer that specifies the positions of a plurality of dots arranged in the second drawing area based on the second distribution rule information that specifies a rule for distributing a plurality of dots in the second drawing area of the surface to be drawn. The second step to generate image data and
When the second drawing area overlaps a part of the first drawing area, the third step of deleting the dots located inside the second drawing area with respect to the image data of the first layer, and the third step.
After the third step, an image to be executed is a fourth step of generating composite image data that specifies the position of a designated dot on either one of the image data of the first layer and the image data of the second layer. A data generator is provided.

According to another aspect of the invention
In the first drawing area of the surface to be drawn, the image data of the first layer that defines the positions of the plurality of dots arranged according to the first distribution rule is generated.
An image data of a second layer that defines the positions of a plurality of dots arranged according to a second distribution rule in a second drawing area that overlaps a part of the first drawing area on the surface to be drawn is generated.
For the image data of the first layer, a process of deleting dots located inside the second drawing area is performed.
After that, an image data generation method for generating a composite image data in which both are combined based on the position of the dot designated by the image data of the first layer and the position of the dot designated by the image data of the second layer. Is provided.

By inputting distribution rule information of a plurality of dots formed in a drawing area without creating image data in a vector format, it is possible to generate image data that defines a dot pattern in which a plurality of dots are distributed. Further, by performing the third and fourth steps, dots are arranged inside the first drawing area and outside the second drawing area according to the first distribution rule, and inside the second drawing area. The dots can be arranged according to the second distribution rule.

FIG. 1A is a schematic front view of an image data generation device according to an embodiment and an ink coating device that draws using image data generated by the image data generation device, and FIG. 1B is a movable table and an ink ejection unit. , And a diagram showing the positional relationship of the image pickup apparatus in a plan view. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a pattern formed by ink on the surface of the substrate. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the image data generation device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a window for inputting print conditions. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a window when the drawing information file reading tab is active. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a window when the drawing information setting tab is active. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a window when the drawing information editing tab is active. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a window when the drawing information deletion tab is active. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing the image data of the first layer generated by executing the first procedure on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 9B is a diagram generated by executing the second procedure. 2D is a diagram showing the image data of the second layer on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 9C shows the image data of the first layer generated by executing the third procedure in two dimensions of the pixel coordinate system. It is a figure shown on a plane, and FIG. 9D is a figure which shows the composite image data generated by performing the 4th procedure on the 2D plane of a pixel coordinate system. FIG. 10A is a diagram showing the image data of the second layer generated by executing the second procedure according to another embodiment on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 10B is an extension of the second drawing area. It is a figure which shows the image data of the 2nd layer after this on the 2D plane of a pixel coordinate system, and FIG. It is a figure shown on a dimensional plane, and FIG. 10D is a figure on a two-dimensional plane of a pixel coordinate system that the synthetic image data generated by performing a 4th procedure is performed. FIG. 11A is a diagram showing image data of the second layer generated by executing the second procedure according to still another embodiment on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a second drawing area. FIG. 11C is a diagram showing the expanded image data of the second layer on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 11C shows the image data of the first layer generated by executing the third procedure in the pixel coordinate system. It is a figure shown on a two-dimensional plane, and FIG. 11D is a figure on a two-dimensional plane of a pixel coordinate system the synthetic image data generated by executing the fourth procedure. FIG. 12A is a diagram showing image data of the first layer generated by executing the first procedure according to still another embodiment on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 12B is a diagram showing the second procedure. 12C is a diagram showing the image data of the second layer generated in the above-mentioned manner and the margin area to be secured on the two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 12C is the first generated by executing the third procedure. FIG. 12D is a diagram showing the image data of the layer on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 12D is a diagram showing the composite image data generated by executing the fourth procedure on the two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system. Is. FIG. 13A is a diagram showing image data of the second layer generated by executing the second procedure according to still another embodiment on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a plurality of dots. FIG. 13C is a diagram showing the image data of the second layer after translational movement on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 13C shows the image data of the first layer generated by executing the third procedure. It is a figure which shows on the two-dimensional plane of a pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 13D is a figure which shows the synthetic image data generated by performing the 4th procedure on the 2D plane of a pixel coordinate system. FIG. 14A is a diagram showing an arrangement of a drawing area of the first layer designated by the image data of the first layer according to still another embodiment, and FIG. 14B is a diagram showing a second layer designated by the image data of the second layer. It is a figure which shows the arrangement of the drawing area of a layer, and FIG. 14C is a figure which shows the arrangement of the 1st drawing area and the 2nd drawing area specified by the composite image data. 15A and 15B are diagrams showing a window for inputting drawing information according to still another embodiment. FIG. 16A is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the surface to be drawn and the two first drawing areas arranged on the first layer, and FIG. 16B is a diagram showing the second drawing area of the second layer. 16C is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing before the data generation unit (FIG. 3) executes the third procedure. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a window for inputting drawing information according to still another embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing composite image data on a two-dimensional plane of a pixel coordinate system. 19A is a diagram showing the arrangement of the first drawing area arranged on the first layer, FIG. 19B is a diagram showing the arrangement of the second drawing area arranged on the second layer, and FIG. 19C is a diagram showing the arrangement of the second drawing area. It is a figure which shows the drawing area and the height of a dot specified by the composite image data, and FIGS. It is a figure which shows. FIG. 20A is a diagram showing composite image data according to still another embodiment on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 20B shows composite image data according to a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 20A in the pixel coordinate system. It is a figure which shows on the dimensional plane. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the first drawing area of the first layer and the second drawing area of the second layer designated by the composite image data generated by the image data generation device according to still another embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a drawing area designated by the composite image data generated by the image data generation device according to still another embodiment.

An image data generation device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 9D.
FIG. 1A is a schematic front view of an image data generation device according to the present embodiment and an ink coating device that draws using image data generated by the image data generation device. The movable table 12 is supported on the base 10 by the moving mechanism 11. It defines an xyz Cartesian coordinate system in which the x-axis and y-axis are oriented horizontally and the z-axis is vertically downward. The moving mechanism 11 is controlled by the control device 50 to move the movable table 12 in two directions, the x direction and the y direction. As the moving mechanism 11, for example, an XY stage including an X-direction moving mechanism 11X and a Y-direction moving mechanism 11Y can be used. The X-direction moving mechanism 11X moves the Y-direction moving mechanism 11Y with respect to the base 10 in the x-direction, and the Y-direction moving mechanism 11Y moves the movable table 12 with respect to the base 10 in the y-direction.

The substrate 20 to be applied with ink is held on the upper surface (holding surface) of the movable table 12. The substrate 20 is fixed to the movable table 12 by, for example, a vacuum chuck. The moving mechanism 11 moves the substrate 20 held by the movable table 12 in a direction parallel to the xy plane. The ink ejection unit 30 and the image pickup apparatus 40 are supported above the movable table 12 by, for example, a gate-shaped support member 13. The ink ejection unit 30 and the image pickup apparatus 40 are supported so as to be able to move up and down with respect to the base 10. The ink ejection unit 30 has a plurality of nozzles facing the substrate 20. Each nozzle droplets and ejects a photocurable (for example, ultraviolet curable) ink toward the surface of the substrate 20. The ink ejection is controlled by the control device 50.

The image pickup apparatus 40 takes an image of the upper surface (the surface to which the ink is applied) of the substrate 20. A region of the upper surface of the substrate 20 located within the angle of view of the image pickup apparatus 40 is imaged by the image pickup apparatus 40.

The control device 50 includes a storage unit 51 and a control unit 52. Information (hereinafter referred to as image data) for designating a position where ink should be applied is stored in the storage unit 51. The image data is composed of a plurality of pixels associated with each of the plurality of positions on the surface of the substrate 20. By associating each pixel with information that specifies whether or not ink is applied, the pixel on which the ink should land is specified. In the present specification, the position on the substrate corresponding to each of a plurality of pixels of image data may be simply referred to as "pixel".

The control unit 52 controls the moving mechanism 11 and the ink ejection unit 30 based on the image data to land the ink at a predetermined position on the surface of the substrate 20. As a result, a dot pattern or a film pattern made of ink is formed on the surface of the substrate 20. In the present specification, among dots, an ink that has landed on one pixel is not continuous with an ink that has landed on another pixel and is isolated, which is referred to as an "isolated dot".

The image data generation device 60 generates image data based on various drawing conditions input by the user. The generated image data is input to the control device 50. The input of image data from the image data generation device 60 to the control device 50 is performed using a removable media, a communication network such as LAN, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like.

FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the movable table 12, the ink ejection unit 30, and the image pickup apparatus 40 in a plan view. The substrate 20 is held on the holding surface of the movable table 12. The ink ejection unit 30 and the image pickup apparatus 40 are supported above the substrate 20. The ink ejection unit 30 includes an inkjet head 31 and a curing light source 33. A plurality of nozzles 32 are provided on the surface of the inkjet head 31 facing the substrate 20. The plurality of nozzles 32 are arranged at equal intervals in the x direction. This interval is a dimension corresponding to a resolution of, for example, 600 dpi. The plurality of nozzles 32 do not need to be arranged on one straight line parallel to the x direction, and may be arranged at positions regularly deviated in the y direction from the reference line parallel to the x direction. For example, they may be arranged in a staggered pattern.

The curing light source 33 is arranged on both sides of the inkjet head 31 in the y direction, and irradiates the substrate 20 with light for curing the ink applied to the substrate 20. For example, when the ink is an ultraviolet curable type, the curing light source 33 irradiates the substrate 20 with ultraviolet rays. The curing light source 33 functions as a curing device that cures the ink applied to the substrate 20.

The moving mechanism 11 is controlled by the control device 50 to move the movable table 12 in the x-direction and the y-direction. Further, the control device 50 controls the ejection of ink from each nozzle 32 of the inkjet head 31.

By ejecting ink from the inkjet head 31 while moving the substrate 20 in the y direction (in other words, moving the inkjet head 31 relative to the substrate 20 in the y direction), for example, 600 dpi in the x direction. Ink can be applied to the substrate 20 at resolution. The ink that has landed on the substrate 20 is cured by the light emitted from the curing light source 33 located on the downstream side in the moving direction of the substrate 20. The operation of landing ink on the substrate 20 from the inkjet head 31 while moving the substrate 20 in the y direction is referred to as a “scan operation”. The y direction is called the scan direction.

The inkjet head 31 may be reciprocated at least once in the y direction in one scanning operation. At this time, by shifting the inkjet head 31 in the x direction with respect to the substrate 20 by half the pitch of the nozzle 32 on the outward path and the return path, the ink can be landed on the substrate 20 at a resolution of 1200 dpi. By setting the displacement amount of the inkjet head 31 to 1/4 of the pitch of the nozzle 32 and reciprocating the inkjet head 31 twice, the ink can be landed on the substrate 20 at a resolution of 2400 dpi. As described above, even when the inkjet head 31 is moved a plurality of times in the negative direction and the positive direction of the y-axis in order to increase the resolution, the plurality of movements are collectively referred to as one scanning operation.

The control device 50 moves the movable table 12 in the x direction when one scanning operation is completed. In other words, the inkjet head 31 is moved relative to the substrate 20 in the x direction. This operation is referred to as "shift operation". The x direction is called the shift direction. By repeating the scanning operation and the shifting operation, the ink can be applied to the entire area of the substrate 20. The relative movement amount of the inkjet head 31 with respect to the substrate 20 in the x direction may be substantially equal to the distance between the two nozzles 32 located at both ends in the x direction. When some nozzles 32 in the vicinity of both ends are not used for ejecting ink, the distance between the nozzles 32 located at both ends of the actually used nozzles 32 may be substantially equal to the distance.

By performing the scanning operation a plurality of times without performing the shifting operation, the ink can be landed on one pixel a plurality of times. That is, the ink can be overcoated. By recoating the ink, the isolated dots can be made higher and the film can be made thicker.

When the scanning operation is performed while the substrate 20 is irradiated with light from the curing light source 33, the ink ejected from the inkjet head 31 is temporarily cured immediately after landing on the substrate 20. Specifically, after the ink has landed, the ink is temporarily cured in a short time until the landing point of the ink moves into the path of the light emitted from the curing light source 33. Until the ink is temporarily cured, the ink landing on the substrate 20 spreads in the in-plane direction of the substrate 20. The degree of this spread depends on the degree of liquidity on the surface of the substrate 20. After the ink is temporarily cured, the ink does not spread in the in-plane direction of the substrate 20.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a pattern formed by ink on the surface of the substrate 20. In this embodiment, a dot spacer used for a resistance film type touch panel is formed. Four touch panels are multi-chamfered on one substrate 20. The surface (upper surface) to which the ink of the substrate 20 is to be applied is referred to as the surface to be drawn 23. Four square or rectangular drawing areas 25 are defined on the surface to be drawn 23 corresponding to each of the four touch panels. The four edges of the surface to be drawn 23 and each of the four edges of the drawing area 25 are parallel to the x direction (shift direction) or the y direction (scan direction).

As an example, one vertex of the surface to be drawn 23 is defined as the origin O of the xy coordinate. In FIG. 2, the upper left vertex is defined as the origin O, the rightward direction is defined as the positive direction of the x-axis, and the downward direction is defined as the positive direction of the y-axis. A reference point 24 whose relative position to the drawing area 25 is fixed is defined in each of the drawing areas 25. As the reference point 24, for example, the vertex closest to the origin O among the four vertices in the drawing area is adopted. In FIG. 2, the upper left apex of each of the surface to be drawn 23 is the reference point 24. By specifying the position of the reference point 24 in the xy coordinate system, the position of the drawing area 25 on the surface to be drawn 23 can be specified.

The position where the ink ejected from the inkjet head 31 (FIG. 1B) lands is designated by the pixel coordinates defined on the surface to be drawn 23. A pixel having the origin of the xy coordinate system as one vertex corresponds to the origin (0,0) of the pixel coordinate system.

A plurality of isolated dots 22 are regularly distributed in the x-direction and the y-direction in the drawing area 25. The distribution rule of the plurality of dots 22 is different between the inner inner portion and the peripheral portion of the drawing area 25. The image data generation device 60 (FIG. 1A) generates image data that specifies the positions of a plurality of dots 22 arranged in the drawing area 25.

FIG. 2 shows an example in which the dot density in the inner part of the drawing area 25 is lower than the dot density in the peripheral portion, but the mode of distribution of the plurality of dots 22 is limited to the example shown in FIG. No. The dot density in the inner part of the drawing area 25 may be higher than the dot density in the peripheral part, and the plurality of dots 22 may be uniformly distributed over the entire drawing area 25.

The area where ink can be applied by one scanning operation is called a pass area 21. A plurality of path regions 21 are arranged side by side in the x direction. In FIG. 2, the four pass regions 21 cover the regions of one substrate 20 to which ink should be applied. The required number of pass regions 21 depends on the dimensions of the substrate 20 in the x direction and the size of the inkjet head 31.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the image data generation device 60 according to the present embodiment.
The image data generation device 60 includes a processing device 61, an input device 67, and an output device 68. The processing device 61 includes an input control unit 62, a data generation unit 63, an output control unit 64, a drawing condition storage unit 65, and an image data storage unit 66.

From the input device 67, various printing conditions and drawing information necessary for forming the dots 22 on the substrate 20 (FIG. 2) are input. As the input device 67, for example, a keyboard, a display device and a pointing device, a communication device, a removable media reader, and the like are used.

By controlling the input device 67, the input control unit 62 causes the user to input printing conditions, drawing information, and the like from the input device 67. Further, the input control unit 62 receives the print conditions and drawing information input from the input device 67 and stores them in the drawing condition storage unit 65. The print conditions and drawing information stored in the drawing condition storage unit 65 are provided to the data generation unit 63 as needed. The printing conditions include the size, drawing resolution, and conversion coefficient of the surface to be drawn 23 (FIG. 2) of the substrate 20 (FIG. 2). The drawing information includes range information that specifies a range of each of the plurality of drawing areas 25 (FIG. 2), distribution rule information that specifies a rule for distributing a plurality of dots, and the like. The range information includes, for example, information that specifies the position, shape, and size of the drawing area 25. The distribution rule information includes, for example, information that specifies the pitch of the dots 22 in the x-direction and the y-direction.

The data generation unit 63 generates raster format image data based on the range information, distribution rule information, and the like stored in the drawing condition storage unit 65, and stores the generated image data in the image data storage unit 66. The output control unit 64 outputs the image data stored in the image data storage unit 66 to the output device 68. As the output device 68, for example, a removable media writing device, a communication device, or the like is used. The image data output from the output device 68 is read into the control device 50 (FIG. 1A) of the ink coating device. Further, the output device 68 includes a display screen and displays image data on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system. Further, some parts can be shared between the output device 68 and the input device 67.

Next, a method of inputting print conditions, drawing information, and the like from the input device 67 (FIG. 3) will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8. A window for inputting various information is displayed on the display screen of the input device 67.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a window 70 for inputting print conditions. Various procedures relating to the window 70 described below are executed by the input control unit 62 controlling the input device 67.

In the window 70, an input area 72 for performing "print condition setting", "drawing information file reading", "drawing information setting", "drawing information editing", and "drawing information deletion" is displayed as a tab. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the print condition setting tab is active. In addition to the input area 72, a print condition display area 73, a drawing information list display area 74, a save button 75, and an image data creation start button 76 are displayed in the window 70.

In the print condition display area 73, the print conditions registered as basic information for generating image data are displayed. In the drawing information list display area 74, a list of drawing information registered as basic information for generating image data is displayed. When the user specifies the save button 75, the currently registered print conditions and drawing information are stored in the drawing condition storage unit 65 (FIG. 3) with a file name. The file name can be freely set by the user. When the user specifies the image data creation start button 76, the input control unit 62 (FIG. 3) instructs the data generation unit 63 (FIG. 3) to generate image data. Upon receiving this command, the data generation unit 63 generates image data based on the print conditions and drawing information stored in the drawing condition storage unit 65. The save button 75 and the image data creation start button 76 are designated by a tap operation by the user, a mouse click operation, or the like.

When the print condition setting tab is active, the input control unit 62 displays the size of the surface to be drawn 23 (FIG. 2) in the x-direction and the y-direction, the drawing resolution in the x-direction and the y-direction, and x in the input area 72. Six input boxes 81 for inputting the conversion coefficients in the direction and the y direction are displayed. Further, the print condition application button 82 is displayed.

The size of the surface to be drawn 23 is specified by the lengths in the x-direction and the y-direction. The lengths in the x-direction and the y-direction are specified in the unit "mm". The drawing resolutions in the x-direction and the y-direction are input by the pull-down menu method. The drawing resolution is specified in the unit "dpi". A pixel coordinate system is defined on the surface to be drawn 23 (FIG. 2) according to the specified resolution.

Next, the conversion coefficient will be described. Since 1 inch = 25.4 mm, transform coefficients _{C 0} of the normal to convert inches to millimeters is 25.4. When the position in the xy coordinate system is specified in mm, and xy coordinates of the position, the conversion coefficient C _0, and a given resolution can be determined pixel coordinates in the pixel coordinate system.

For example, the nozzle pitch of an inkjet head having a resolution of 600 dpi is 25.4 / 600 [mm]. However, depending on the inkjet head 31, the design value of the pitch of the nozzle 32 may be slightly deviated from the pitch corresponding to the resolution. For example, even if the resolution according to the specifications of the inkjet head is 600 dpi, the actual design value of the nozzle pitch may be 0.04225 (= 25.35 / 600) mm.

When the design value of the nozzle pitch is expressed as Pn, when an inkjet head with a resolution of 600 dpi is used, the number of pixels assigned to the length Lx [mm] in the x direction on the surface to be drawn is (Lx / C ₀ ) × 600 [ Pieces]. The length Lxc [mm] corresponding to this number of pixels is (Lx / C ₀ ) × 600 × Pn [mm].

When using an inkjet head with a resolution of 600 dpi and a nozzle pitch design value of 0.04225 mm, the correct pixel coordinates can be obtained by applying the _{regular conversion coefficient C 0 and converting the x-coordinates expressed in millimeters to pixel coordinates.} May not be obtained. In this embodiment, the input control unit 62, as a conversion coefficient, the conversion coefficient C ₀ of the normal, not to enter the appropriate conversion factor based on the design value of the nozzle pitch of the ink-jet head actually used. For example, when an inkjet head having a resolution of 600 dpi and a nozzle pitch of 0.04225 mm is used, 25.35 may be given as a conversion coefficient. Correct pixel coordinates can be obtained by converting the x-coordinate expressed in millimeters into pixel coordinates using this conversion coefficient. The conversion coefficient is input by, for example, a pull-down menu method. The menu list of the pull-down menu may include the conversion coefficient corresponding to the design value of the nozzle pitch of the inkjet head actually used, and the normal conversion coefficient C _0.

When the user specifies the print condition application button 82, the input control unit 62 (FIG. 3) registers and registered the current information input in the input box 81 as print conditions for generating image data. The print condition is displayed in the print condition display area 73.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a window 70 when the drawing information file reading tab is active. In the input area 72, a list of the file name and update date and time of the drawing information file stored in the drawing condition storage unit 65 (FIG. 3) and the folder name in which the drawing information file is stored is displayed. Further, the file read button 83 is displayed in the input area 72.

When the user selects one file from the list and specifies the file read button 83, the input control unit 62 (FIG. 3) reads the specified file from the drawing condition storage unit 65 (FIG. 3) and its contents. Is displayed in the print condition display area 73 and the drawing information list display area 74.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a window 70 when the drawing information setting tab is active. Layer identification information for designating a layer, x-direction and y-direction positions (reference point position) of the reference point 24 (FIG. 2), x-direction and y-direction size (drawing area size) of the drawing area 25 (FIG. 2), A total of seven input boxes 84 for inputting the dot pitches in the x-direction and the y-direction are displayed in the input area 72. Further, the drawing information application button 85 is displayed.

The layer identification information is an integer of 1 or more and is input by the pull-down menu method. The role of the information that specifies the layer will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9D. The position of the reference point 24 (FIG. 2) is specified by the x-coordinate and the y-coordinate of the xy coordinate system in which one vertex of the surface to be drawn 23 (FIG. 2) is the origin O. The x-coordinate and the y-coordinate are specified in millimeters. The size of the drawing area 25 is specified by the length of the side extending in the x direction and the length of the side extending in the y direction of the drawing area 25 (FIG. 2). The length of these sides is specified in millimeters. Information including the position information of the reference point 24 and the length information of the side indicating the size of the drawing area 25 may be referred to as "range information" for designating the range of the drawing area 25.

The dot pitch in the x direction and the dot pitch in the y direction are defined by the distance between the centers of two dots adjacent to each other in the x direction and the distance between the centers of two dots adjacent to each other in the y direction. Dot pitch is specified in millimeters. The pitch information that specifies the dot pitch may be referred to as "distribution rule information" that specifies the distribution rule of a plurality of dots.

When the user specifies the drawing information application button 85, one drawing area 25 (FIG. 2) is newly registered as basic information for generating image data based on the information currently input to the input box 84. When newly registering one drawing area 25, the input control unit 62 attaches drawing area identification information (drawing area ID) to the newly registered drawing area 25. The drawing area ID is information for distinguishing each of the plurality of drawing areas 25 in one layer, and is composed of, for example, integers assigned in order from 1. Further, the input control unit 62 additionally displays the newly registered drawing area ID of the drawing area 25 in the drawing information list display area 74.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a window 70 when the drawing information editing tab is active. The content displayed in the input area 72 is the same as the content when the drawing information setting tab is active (FIG. 6). When the user selects one drawing area from the drawing information list display area 74, the input control unit 62 displays the layer information, the range information, and the distribution rule information regarding the selected drawing area 25 in the input area 72, and displays the layer information, the range information, and the distribution rule information to the user. Have this information corrected.

By operating the input device 67 (FIG. 3), the user can modify the layer information, the range information, and the distribution rule information displayed in the input area 72. After the correction of these information, when the user specifies the drawing information application button 85, the input control unit 62 rewrites the drawing information of the selected drawing area 25 to the corrected drawing information. When the layer information is modified, the input control unit 62 reassigns the drawing area ID to all the drawing areas 25 currently registered.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a window 70 when the drawing information deletion tab is active. When the user selects one drawing area 25 from the drawing information list display area 74, the input control unit 62 grays out and displays the drawing information of the selected drawing area 25 in the input area 72. The user cannot modify this information. A delete button 86 is further displayed in the input area 72.

When the user instructs the delete button 86, the registration of the currently selected drawing area 25 is deleted. Further, the drawing area ID is reassigned to the currently registered drawing area 25 except for the erased drawing area 25. The input control unit 62 deletes the deregistered drawing area 25 from the drawing information list display area 74.

Next, a procedure in which the data generation unit 63 (FIG. 3) generates image data will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9D. One drawing area is set for each of the two layers. The two layers are referred to as a first layer and a second layer, a first drawing area 26 is set in the first layer, and a second drawing area 27 is set in the second layer. The first layer is a layer lower than the second layer.

The data generation unit 63 executes the first procedure of generating the image data 91 of the first layer based on the drawing information of the first drawing area 26 of the first layer. The image data 91 is raster format image data composed of a plurality of pixels 90.

FIG. 9A is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 91 of the first layer generated by executing the first procedure. .. The image data 91 of the first layer designates pixels corresponding to a plurality of dots 22 distributed in the first drawing area 26. In FIG. 9A, the pixel 90 in which the dot 22 is arranged is shown by painting it in black. Similarly, in the following drawings, the pixels 90 in which the dots 22 are arranged are shown by painting them in black.

A plurality of pixels 90 are arranged in a matrix in the x-direction and the y-direction in the first drawing area 26. The pitches in the x-direction and the y-direction of the plurality of pixels 90 (hereinafter referred to as pixel pitches) are obtained based on the drawing resolution and conversion coefficient of the printing conditions shown in FIG. When the drawing resolution in the x direction is 2400 dpi and the conversion coefficient is 25.35, the pixel pitch in the x direction is 25.35 / 2400 = 0.0105625 mm. When the drawing resolution in the y direction is 2400 dpi and the conversion coefficient is 25.4, the pixel pitch in the y direction is 25.4 / 2400 = 0.01058333 mm.

The position of the reference point 24A of the first drawing area 26 on the surface to be drawn 23 (FIG. 2) is determined by converting the xy coordinates of the reference point position input in the window 70 shown in FIG. 6 into pixel coordinates. .. The sizes of the first drawing area 26 in the x-direction and the y-direction can be obtained from the drawing area size input in the window 70 shown in FIG. The range of the first drawing area 26 can be defined, for example, by the position of the reference point 24A and the position of the pixel located diagonally to the reference point 24A. The pixel coordinates of the pixels located diagonally to the reference point 24A are the xy coordinates of the reference point position input in the window 70 shown in FIG. 6, and the drawing area size in the x and y directions expressed in millimeters. Can be calculated based on.

In the first procedure, the data generation unit 63 arranges a plurality of dots 22 at a designated dot pitch in the x-direction and the y-direction starting from the reference point 24A of the first drawing area 26. Hereinafter, the pixel 90 in which the dot 22 is arranged may be simply referred to as “dot 22”. The dot pitch is equal to the center-to-center distance of the pixel 90 corresponding to two adjacent dots 22.

FIG. 9A shows an example in which two pixels 90 are arranged between two adjacent dots 22 in both the x-direction and the y-direction, but in the case of forming a dot spacer of a resistance film type touch panel. Generally, the number of pixels between two adjacent dots 22 is greater than two. Since the pixel pitch in the x direction and the pixel pitch in the y direction are not exactly the same, even if the dot pitch in the x direction and the dot pitch in the y direction expressed in unit millimeters are the same, they are adjacent to each other in the x direction. The number of pixels between two matching dots 22 and the number of pixels between two adjacent dots 22 in the y direction are not always the same.

After executing the first procedure, the data generation unit 63 executes the second step of generating the image data 92 of the second layer based on the drawing information of the second drawing area 27.

FIG. 9B is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 92 of the second layer generated by executing the second procedure. .. The second drawing area 27 is included in the first drawing area 26, and is located in the inner part of the first drawing area 26.

The position of the reference point 24B of the second drawing area 27, the dimensions in the x and y directions, and the dot pitch are the same as in the case of the first drawing area 26, with the window 70 shown in FIG. 6 being displayed by the user. Is set by inputting. The dot pitch of the second drawing area 27 is wider than the dot pitch of the first drawing area 26. The plurality of dots 22 are arranged at designated dot pitches in the x-direction and the y-direction, starting from the reference point 24B of the second drawing area 27, as in the case of the first drawing area 26. The image data 92 of the second layer specifies the positions of the plurality of dots 22 distributed in the second drawing area 27.

After executing the first procedure (FIG. 9A) and the second procedure (FIG. 9B), the data generation unit 63 executes the third procedure described below.

FIG. 9C is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 91 of the first layer generated by executing the third procedure. .. In the third procedure, the data generation unit 63 (FIG. 3) is defined as a second layer relatively higher than the image data 91 of the first layer (that is, image data of the relatively lower layer). A process of deleting the dot 22 located inside the drawing area 27 is performed. As a result, among the plurality of pixels 90 of the image data 91 of the first layer, all the pixels 90 located inside the second drawing area 27 become pixels in which the dots 22 are not arranged.

After executing the third procedure (FIG. 9C), the data generation unit 63 executes the fourth procedure described below.

FIG. 9D is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the composite image data 93 generated by executing the fourth procedure. In the fourth procedure, the data generation unit 63 of the dot 22 designated by either the image data 91 of the first layer (FIG. 9C) or the image data 92 of the second layer (FIG. 9B) after the third procedure. Generates composite image data 93 that specifies the position. For example, "1" is associated with the pixel 90 in which the dot 22 is arranged, "0" is associated with the pixel 90 in which the dot 22 is not arranged, and the image data 91 of the first layer and the image data 92 of the second layer are associated with each other. The composite image data 93 is generated by ORing each pixel 90.

The third and fourth steps are equivalent to the process of overwriting the pixel 90 of the second drawing area 27 of the image data 91 of the first layer with the pixel 90 of the second drawing area 27 of the image data 92 of the second layer. be.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 9D, a plurality of dots 22 are arranged inside the second drawing area 27 at the dot pitch specified by the drawing information of the second drawing area 27. Further, in a region inside the first drawing area 26 and outside the second drawing area 27 (hereinafter referred to as a peripheral portion 29), a plurality of dots pitch specified by the drawing information of the first drawing area 26. Dot 22 is arranged. In FIG. 9D, the peripheral portion 29 is hatched. The second drawing area 27 with respect to the peripheral edge portion 29 may be referred to as an inner inner portion.

Next, the excellent effect of the above-mentioned embodiment will be described.
In the above embodiment, the composite image data 93 specifies the positions of a plurality of dots 22 by designating the range of the drawing area and the dot pitch without the user creating image data in vector format using CAD or the like. (FIG. 9D) can be generated. The data generation unit 63 stores the composite image data 93 in the image data storage unit 66.

The output control unit 64 outputs the composite image data 93 stored in the image data storage unit 66 to the output device 68. This composite image data is given to the control device 50 of the ink coating device.

Further, when specifying the distribution rule of the plurality of dots 22 to be arranged on the peripheral edge portion 29 (FIG. 9D), the user specifies the position and shape of the inner peripheral edge of the peripheral edge portion 29 as shown in FIG. 9A. It is not necessary to specify only the range of the first drawing area 26, that is, the edge on the outer peripheral side of the peripheral edge portion 29.

When the dot pitches in the x-direction and the y-direction are specified to be the same as the pixel pitches in the x-direction and the y-direction in a certain drawing area, ink is applied to all the pixels in the drawing area. This makes it possible to form a film made of ink. Such a film can be used, for example, as a protective film (overcoat) for covering the wiring of the resistance film type touch panel. Therefore, the image data generation device according to the above embodiment can be used to generate image data for forming both the dot spacer and the overcoat of the resistance film type touch panel.

Further, the user can input the position and size of the drawing area and the dot pitch in millimeters without considering the pixel pitch. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of input errors by the user, as compared with the method in which the user individually specifies the pixels 90 in which the plurality of dots 22 are arranged in consideration of the pixel pitch.

Further, the drawing information once registered can be modified for each drawing area 25 as shown in FIG. 7, or can be deleted for each drawing area 25 as shown in FIG. Therefore, the convenience for the user is improved.

Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described. In the above embodiment, an example of forming a dot spacer of a resistance film type touch panel using an image data generation device 60 (FIG. 1A) has been taken up, but in the image data generation device 60 according to the above embodiment, a plurality of dots are regular. It is also possible to generate image data for forming other dot patterns arranged in. For example, it can be used to generate image data for forming pixels for each emission color of an organic EL (OLED) panel or a quantum dot display panel.

In the above embodiment, the positions of the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 are specified in the surface to be drawn 23, and a plurality of dots 22 are arranged in the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27. , It is not always necessary to specify the positions of the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27. For example, without specifying the positions of the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 in the drawn surface 23, only the distribution rule of the plurality of dots 22 arranged in the drawn surface 23 may be specified. For example, when a plurality of dots 22 are arranged in almost the entire area of the surface to be drawn 23, only the distribution rule needs to be specified.

Next, an image data generation device according to another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10D. Hereinafter, the description of the configuration common to the examples shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D will be omitted.

By the same procedure as the first procedure (FIG. 9A) and the second procedure (FIG. 9B) of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D, the data generation unit 63 (FIG. 3) is subjected to the image data 91 (FIG. 3) of the first layer. FIG. 9A) and the image data 92 of the second layer (FIG. 9B) are generated.

FIG. 10A is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 92 of the second layer generated by executing the second procedure. It is the same as that shown in FIG. 9B. Since a plurality of dots 22 are arranged at predetermined dot pitches in the x-direction and the y-direction starting from the reference point 24B of the second drawing area 27, the positions in contact with the two sides (outer peripheral lines) extending from the reference point 24B. Some dots 22 are placed (or above the sides). In this embodiment, the second drawing area 27 is expanded before the third procedure (FIG. 9C) of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D is executed. Dots are not placed in the expanded area of the second drawing area 27.

FIG. 10B is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 92 of the second layer after the second drawing area 27 is expanded. The data generation unit 63 expands the second drawing area 27 by moving the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area 27 toward the outside. For example, in order to expand the second drawing area 27, the upper, lower, left, and right outer peripheral lines of the second drawing area 27 may be moved in the up, down, left, and right directions, respectively. The amount of movement of the outer peripheral line is determined based on the density of the dots 22 (FIG. 9A) arranged in the first drawing area 26 or the density of the dots 22 (FIG. 10A) arranged in the second drawing area 27. ..

For example, the outer peripheral line is moved in the x direction by the number of pixels between two dots 22 adjacent to each other in the x direction of the second drawing area 27. Similarly, the outer peripheral line is moved in the y direction by the number of pixels between two dots 22 adjacent to each other in the y direction. In the example shown in FIG. 10B, since there are three pixels arranged between two dots 22 adjacent to each other in the x direction, the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area 27 is moved in the x direction by three pixels. ing. The same applies to the y direction.

FIG. 10C is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 91 of the first layer generated by executing the third procedure. In the third procedure, the data generation unit 63 performs a process of deleting the dot 22 located inside the expanded second drawing area 27 with respect to the image data 91 of the first layer. As a result, among the plurality of pixels 90 of the image data 91 of the first layer, all the pixels 90 located inside the expanded second drawing area 27 become pixels in which the dots 22 are not arranged.

After executing the third procedure (FIG. 10C), the fourth procedure is executed in the same manner as in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D.

FIG. 10D is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the composite image data 93 generated by executing the fourth procedure. In the expanded second drawing area 27, a plurality of dots 22 are arranged in the same manner as the image data 92 of the second layer shown in FIG. 10B. Similar to the image data 91 of the first layer shown in FIG. 10C, a plurality of dots 22 are arranged on the peripheral edge portion 29. In FIG. 10D, the peripheral portion 29 is hatched. No dots are arranged in the area corresponding to the difference between the expanded second drawing area 27 and the second drawing area 27 before expansion.

Next, the excellent effects of the examples shown in FIGS. 10A to 10D will be described.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D, as shown in FIG. 9D, the distance between the centers of the dot 22 arranged in the peripheral edge portion 29 and the dot 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 is the first. It may be shorter than either the dot pitch of the drawing area 26 or the dot pitch of the second drawing area 27. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9D, the dots 22 are close to each other with the outer peripheral lines on the left and upper sides of the second drawing area 27 in between.

On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A to 10D, the second drawing area 27 is expanded and the dots are not arranged in the expanded area as compared with the area before the expansion, so that the dots 22 arranged on the peripheral edge portion 29 are not arranged. And, it is possible to prevent excessive proximity to the dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 (inner inner part). Therefore, it is possible to secure a non-arranged area in which dots are not arranged at the boundary between the second drawing area 27 (inner inner portion) and the peripheral edge portion 29.

For example, if the amount of movement of the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area 27 in the x direction is equal to the number of pixels between two dots 22 adjacent to each other in the x direction of the second drawing area 27, the inside of the second drawing area 27 The shortest distance in the x direction between the dots 22 and the dots 22 arranged on the peripheral edge portion 29 can be set to be equal to or larger than the dot pitch in the x direction of the second drawing area 27. The same applies to the y direction.

Next, still another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A to 11D. Hereinafter, the description of the configuration common to the examples shown in FIGS. 10A to 10D will be omitted.

FIG. 11A is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 92 of the second layer generated by executing the second procedure. It is the same as that shown in FIG. 10A. The dot pitch in the x-direction and the y-direction of the second drawing area 27 is four times the pixel pitch. That is, three pixels 90 are arranged between two adjacent dots 22. The dot pitch in the x-direction and the y-direction of the first drawing area 26 is three times the pixel pitch, as shown in FIG. 9A. That is, two pixels 90 are arranged between two adjacent dots 22.

FIG. 11B is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 92 of the second layer after the second drawing area 27 is expanded. In this embodiment, the movement amount of the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area 27 (the width extending the second drawing area 27) is the shorter of the dot pitch of the first drawing area 26 and the dot pitch of the second drawing area 27. Calculated based on the dot pitch of. For example, the outer peripheral line is moved by the number of pixels 90 between two dots 22 adjacent to each other in the region having the shorter dot pitch.

In this embodiment, the dot pitch of the first drawing area 26 (FIG. 9A) is shorter than the dot pitch of the second drawing area 27 (FIG. 11A). Therefore, the outer peripheral line is moved by the number of pixels 90 between the two dots 22 adjacent to each other in the first drawing area 26.

FIG. 11C is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 91 of the first layer generated by executing the third procedure. In the third procedure, similarly to the third procedure shown in FIG. 10C, the data generation unit 63 (FIG. 3) is located inside the expanded second drawing area 27 with respect to the image data 91 of the first layer. A process of deleting the dot 22 to be performed is performed.

FIG. 11D is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the composite image data 93 generated by executing the fourth procedure. In the expanded second drawing area 27, a plurality of dots 22 are arranged in the same manner as the image data 92 of the second layer shown in FIG. 11B. In FIG. 11D, the peripheral portion 29 is hatched.

Next, the excellent effects of the examples shown in FIGS. 11A to 11D will be described.
In this embodiment, the width of the dot non-arrangement region secured at the boundary between the peripheral edge portion 29 and the second drawing region 27 (inner inner portion) is narrowed as compared with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10A to 10D. be able to. When this embodiment is applied to an application in which it is not preferable that the width of the non-arranged area of dots is too wide, a greater effect can be obtained.

Next, still another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12A-12D. Hereinafter, the description of the configuration common to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11A to 11D will be omitted.

FIG. 12A is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 91 of the first layer generated by executing the first procedure. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A, the data generation unit 63 (FIG. 3) arranges a plurality of dots 22 in the first drawing area 26 at a designated dot pitch.

FIG. 12B is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 92 of the second layer generated by executing the second procedure.

The data generation unit 63 (FIG. 3) arranges a plurality of dots 22 in the second drawing area 27 at a designated dot pitch. When a plurality of dots 22 are arranged in the x direction (right direction) at a specified dot pitch starting from the reference point 24B on the upper left, between the dot 22 at the right end and the outer peripheral line on the right side of the second drawing area 27. In some cases, a region 96x in which the dots 22 are not arranged may occur. As shown in FIG. 12B, when the number of pixels 90 between two dots 22 adjacent to each other in the x direction is 5, the dimension of the region 96x in which the dots 22 are not arranged is 5 pixels or less. Is. Similarly, in the y direction, a region 96y in which the dots 22 are not arranged may occur between the dot 22 at the lower end and the outer peripheral line on the lower side of the second drawing region 27.

In this embodiment, after arranging a plurality of dots 22 in the second drawing area 27, the ring is formed so as to surround all the dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 outside the dots 22 located on the outermost side. The margin area 95 of is defined. In FIG. 12B, the margin area 95 is hatched. The outermost dot 22 of the second drawing area 27 touches the pixel 90 located on the inner peripheral side of the margin area 95. The width of the margin area 95 is equal to the length of the number of pixels between the dots in the drawing area having the narrower dot pitch of the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27.

In this embodiment, the dot pitch of the first drawing area 26 (FIG. 12A) is narrower than the dot pitch of the second drawing area 27, and the number of pixels between the dots in the first drawing area 26 is two, so that there is a margin area. The width of 95 corresponds to two pixels. The data generation unit 63 moves the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area 27 to a position equal to the outer peripheral line of the margin area 95.

FIG. 12C is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 91 of the first layer generated by executing the third procedure. The data generation unit 63 (FIG. 3) deletes the dot 22 inside the second drawing area 27 after moving the outer peripheral line among the plurality of dots 22 arranged in the first drawing area 26.

FIG. 12D is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the composite image data 93 generated by executing the fourth procedure. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9D, the data generation unit 63 is either one of the image data 91 (FIG. 12C) of the first layer and the image data 92 (FIG. 12B) of the second layer after the third procedure. Generates composite image data 93 that specifies the position of the designated dot 22.

Next, the excellent effects of the examples shown in FIGS. 12A to 12D will be described.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12B, the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area 27 is moved to a position equal to the outer peripheral line of the margin area 95. Therefore, it is possible to secure a non-arranged area having a sufficient width in which dots are not arranged at the boundary portion between the peripheral edge portion 29 and the second drawing area 27 (inner inner portion). In FIG. 12D, the peripheral portion 29 is hatched.

The width of the margin area 95 is set based on the dot pitch of the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27, whichever has the narrower dot pitch, and the outermost dot 22 of the second drawing area 27 is the margin. Since the margin area 95 is defined so as to be in contact with the pixel 90 located on the inner peripheral side of the area 95, as shown in FIG. 12B, even when the area 96x or the area 96y in which the dots 22 are not arranged is generated, the area 96y is generated. It is less likely that the width of the non-arranged area will be wider than necessary.

Next, still another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13A to 13D. Hereinafter, the description of the configuration common to the examples shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D will be omitted. The image data 91 of the first layer generated by executing the first procedure is the same as the image data 91 of the first layer shown in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 92 of the second layer generated by executing the second procedure. The data generation unit 63 (FIG. 3) arranges a plurality of dots 22 in the second drawing area 27 based on the designated distribution rule.

When the dots 22 are arranged in the x direction (right direction) at the specified dot pitch starting from the reference point 24B on the upper left of the second drawing area 27, the dot 22 at the right end and the outer periphery on the right side of the second drawing area 27 are arranged. A region 96x in which the dot 22 is not arranged is generated between the line and the line. Also in the y direction, a region 96y in which the dots 22 are not arranged is generated between the dot 22 at the lower end and the outer peripheral line on the lower side of the second drawing region 27.

In this embodiment, the data generation unit 63 has a plurality of dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 in a state where the relative positional relationship of the plurality of dots 22 is fixed before the third procedure is executed. Translated within the second drawing area 27. More specifically, the distance between the geometric center of the second drawing area 27 and the center of gravity of the plurality of dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 is made shorter than before the translational movement. More preferably, the centroids of the plurality of dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 are aligned with the geometric center of the second drawing area 27.

FIG. 13B is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 92 of the second layer after the plurality of dots 22 are translated and moved. .. By translating the plurality of dots 22, the dots are located between the outermost dot 22 among the plurality of dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 and the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area 27. The margin area 97 in which is not arranged is secured. In FIG. 13B, the margin area 97 is hatched.

FIG. 13C is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 91 of the first layer generated by executing the third procedure. The data generation unit 63 performs a process of removing a plurality of dots 22 arranged inside the second drawing area 27 with respect to the image data 91 (FIG. 12A) of the first layer.

FIG. 13D is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the composite image data 93 generated by executing the fourth procedure. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9D, the data generation unit 63 is either one of the image data 91 (FIG. 13C) of the first layer and the image data 92 (FIG. 13B) of the second layer after the third procedure. Generates composite image data 93 that specifies the position of the designated dot 22.

Next, the excellent effects of the examples shown in FIGS. 13A to 13D will be described.
In this embodiment, a plurality of dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 are translated and moved, and synthetic image data 93 (FIG. 13D) is generated based on the arrangement of the dots 22 after the translational movement. Therefore, it is possible to secure a non-arranged area in which dots are not arranged at the boundary between the peripheral edge portion 29 and the second drawing area 27 (inner inner portion). In FIG. 13D, the peripheral portion 29 is hatched. This non-arranged region includes a margin region 97 generated by translational movement.

Next, a modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A to 13D will be described.
In the example shown in FIG. 13B, the margin region 97 is generated by translating the plurality of dots 22. However, for example, when two dots 22 located at both ends in the x direction are in contact with the left and right outer peripheral lines of the second drawing area 27, that is, the center of gravity of the plurality of dots 22 and the geometric center of the second drawing area 27. If the x-coordinates of and are the same, the distance of translational movement in the x-direction becomes zero. In this case, the margin area 97 (FIG. 13B) along the left and right outer peripheral lines of the second drawing area 27 does not occur. A similar situation can occur in the y direction.

In this modification, after the plurality of dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 are translated and moved, the dots 22 located outside the outermost dots 22 are formed in the same manner as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12B. An annular margin area 95 is defined so as to surround all the dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27. Further, the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area 27 is moved to a position equal to the outer peripheral line of the margin area 95. In the third procedure, the data generation unit 63 (FIG. 3) deletes the dot 22 inside the second drawing area 27 after moving the outer peripheral line among the plurality of dots 22 arranged in the first drawing area 26. do.

Next, the excellent effect of this modification will be described. In this modification, even if the width of the margin region 97 (FIG. 13B) generated by translating the plurality of dots 22 is not sufficient, the margin region 95 is performed by the same procedure as that shown in FIG. 12B. To secure. Therefore, a non-arranged area having a sufficient width can be secured at the boundary between the peripheral edge portion 29 and the second drawing area 27 (inner inner portion).

Next, still another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14A to 14C. Hereinafter, the description of the configuration common to the examples shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D will be omitted.

FIG. 14A is a diagram showing the arrangement of the drawing area of the first layer designated by the image data 91 of the first layer. In this embodiment, two first drawing areas 26A and 26B are arranged on the surface to be drawn 23. The data generation unit 63 (FIG. 3) arranges a plurality of dots in the first drawing areas 26A and 26B by executing the same procedure as the first procedure shown in FIG. 9A. Specifically, the data generation unit 63 generates the image data 91 of the first layer that specifies the positions of the plurality of dots arranged in the two first drawing areas 26A and 26B by executing the first procedure. do. In FIG. 14A, only the outer peripheral lines of the first drawing areas 26A and 26B are shown, and the description of the plurality of dots is omitted.

FIG. 14B is a diagram showing the arrangement of the drawing area of the second layer designated by the image data 92 of the second layer. One second drawing area 27 is arranged on the surface to be drawn 23. The data generation unit 63 (FIG. 3) arranges a plurality of dots in the second drawing area 27 by executing the same procedure as the second procedure shown in FIG. 9B. Specifically, the data generation unit 63 generates the image data 92 of the second layer that specifies the positions of the plurality of dots arranged in the second drawing area 27 by executing the second procedure. In FIG. 14B, only the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area 27 is shown, and the description of the plurality of dots is omitted.

FIG. 14C is a diagram showing the arrangement of the first drawing areas 26A and 26B and the second drawing area 27 designated by the composite image data 93. The data generation unit 63 generates the composite image data 93 by executing the third procedure shown in FIG. 9C and the fourth procedure shown in FIG. 9D. Before executing the third procedure, the data generation unit 63 draws from the plurality of first drawing areas 26A and 26B arranged in the first layer so as to overlap with the second drawing area 27 arranged in the second layer. Extract the area. Whether or not the drawing area of the first layer and the drawing area of the second layer overlap can be determined from the positions (xy coordinates) of the vertices of the drawing area.

For example, the data generation unit 63 calculates the xy coordinates of each of the four vertices of the plurality of first drawing areas 26A and 26B arranged in the first layer. The positions of the four vertices can be obtained from the reference point positions shown in FIG. 6 and the drawing area size. Further, the xy coordinates of the four vertices of the second drawing area 27 arranged on the second layer are calculated.

At least one of the four vertices of the second drawing area 27 is located within the range surrounded by the four vertices of any of the first drawing areas 26A and 26B of the first layer. At the same time, it is determined that the drawing area of the first layer overlaps with the second drawing area 27 of the second layer at least partially. For example, as shown in FIG. 14C, when the four vertices of the second drawing area 27 are located within the range of the first drawing area 26A of the first layer, the second drawing area 27 is included in the first drawing area 26A. Has been done. If one or two vertices of the second drawing area 27 are located within the range of the first drawing area 26A, but the other vertices are located outside the range of the first drawing area 26A, the first drawing area 26A A part of the drawing area 27 overlaps with a part of the second drawing area 27.

Within the range of the other first drawing area 26B, none of the vertices of the second drawing area 27 of the second layer exists. In this case, the first drawing area 26B does not overlap with any drawing area of the second layer.

Next, the excellent effects of the examples shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C will be described.
In this embodiment, when the user inputs the drawing information of the drawing area of the second layer, the information for specifying the drawing area of the lower layer (first layer) on which the drawing area for which the drawing information is currently input overlaps is input. There is no need. This makes it possible to reduce the burden on the user in the operation of inputting drawing information.

Next, still another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15A to 16C. Hereinafter, the description of the configuration common to the examples shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D will be omitted.

15A and 15B are diagrams showing a window 70 for inputting drawing information according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, in addition to the input box 84 displayed in the window 70 (FIG. 6) for inputting the drawing information according to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D, the input control unit 62 is the overlapping drawing area of the lower layer. An input box 87 for inputting an ID is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 15A, when inputting the drawing information of the drawing area of the first layer, the input box 87 for inputting the drawing information identification information is left blank. At this time, the input control unit 62 (FIG. 3) stores the drawing information in the drawing condition storage unit 65 in the same procedure as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D. As shown in FIG. 15B, when inputting the drawing information of the drawing area of the second layer, the user leaves the input box at the reference point position blank and inputs the overlapping drawing area ID of the lower layer. This information can be input by selecting one drawing area ID from the list displayed in the drawing information list display area 74. The input control unit 62 stores the input drawing information in the drawing condition storage unit 65.

FIG. 16A is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the surface to be drawn 23 and the two first drawing areas 26A and 26B of the first layer. The drawing area IDs of the first drawing areas 26A and 26B are "1" and "2", respectively. For example, the dimension of the first drawing area 26A in the x direction is 70 mm, and the dimension in the y direction is 80 mm.

FIG. 16B is a diagram showing a second drawing area 27 of the second layer. As shown in FIG. 15B, since the reference point position of the second drawing area 27 has not been input, the position of the second drawing area 27 on the surface to be drawn 23 can be obtained only from the drawing information input for the second drawing area 27. Cannot be confirmed. However, the size of the second drawing area 27 can be determined. For example, the dimension of the second drawing area 27 in the x direction is 50 mm, and the dimension in the y direction is 60 mm.

FIG. 16C is a schematic diagram for explaining a process before the data generation unit 63 (FIG. 3) executes the third procedure. As shown in FIG. 15B, the second drawing area 27 overlaps with the drawing area where the drawing area ID of the first layer is “1”, that is, the first drawing area 26A. The data generation unit 63 arranges the second drawing area 27 in the center of the lower first drawing area 26A on which the second drawing area 27 overlaps. Specifically, the second drawing area 27 is arranged so that the geometric center of the second drawing area 27 coincides with the geometric center of the first drawing area 26A. As a result, the width of any of the upper, lower, left, and right portions of the peripheral edge portion 29 becomes 10 mm. It can be said that the overlapping drawing area IDs of the lower layers shown in FIG. 15B are information that indirectly specifies the position of the second drawing area 27 on the surface to be drawn 23.

The data generation unit generates the composite image data 93 by executing the third procedure and the fourth procedure shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D after determining the position of the second drawing area 27 on the surface to be drawn 23. do.

Next, the excellent effects of the examples shown in FIGS. 15A to 16C will be described.
Depending on the use of the plurality of dots 22 formed on the substrate 20 (FIG. 2), it may be desired to arrange the second drawing area 27 (FIG. 9D) in the center of the first drawing area 26 (FIG. 9D). In this embodiment, the second drawing area 27 is arranged in the center of the first drawing area 26A only by specifying the overlapping drawing area of the lower layer without specifying the position of the second drawing area 27 on the surface to be drawn 23. be able to. Since the user does not need to calculate the position of the second drawing area 27 on the surface to be drawn 23, an excellent effect of improving operability can be obtained.

Next, still another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19F. Hereinafter, the description of the configuration common to the examples shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D will be omitted.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a window 70 for inputting drawing information according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, in addition to the input box 84 displayed in the window 70 (FIG. 6) for inputting the drawing information according to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D, the input control unit 62 inputs the dot height. The input box 88 for input is displayed. The dot height is specified by the number of times the ink is landed on the same pixel.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing pixels 90 in a region including the first drawing regions 26A, 26B, 26C, and 26D among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the composite image data 93. Four first drawing areas 26A, 26B, 26C, and 26D are arranged on the surface to be drawn 23. A numerical value that specifies the height of the dot is assigned to each of the pixels 90. Do not place dots on pixel 90 where the assigned number is zero. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the height of the dots arranged in the first drawing areas 26A and 26B is "1", the height of the dots arranged in the first drawing area 26C is "2", and the first The height of the dots arranged in the drawing area 26D is "3".

FIG. 19A is a diagram showing the arrangement of the first drawing areas 26A and 26B of the first layer. Two first drawing areas 26A and 26B are arranged on the surface to be drawn 23. The positions of the plurality of dots arranged in the two first drawing areas 26A and 26B are designated by the image data 91 of the first layer. The height of the dots arranged in one first drawing area 26A is "2", and the height of the dots arranged in the other first drawing area 26B is "3".

FIG. 19B is a diagram showing the arrangement of the second drawing areas 27A to 27F of the second layer. Six second drawing areas 27A to 27F are arranged on the surface to be drawn 23. The positions of the plurality of dots arranged in the six second drawing areas 27A to 27F are designated by the image data 92 of the second layer. The height of the dots arranged in the second drawing area 27A, 27B, 27D, 27E, 27F is "1", and the height of the dots arranged in the remaining second drawing area 27C is "3".

FIG. 19C is a diagram showing a drawing area and dot heights designated by the composite image data 93. Three second drawing areas 27A, 27B, and 27C of the second layer are arranged in the first drawing area 26A of the first layer, and 3 of the second layer is arranged in the first drawing area 26B of the first layer. Two second drawing areas 27D, 27E, and 27F are arranged. The height of the dots arranged in the peripheral edge portion 29A inside the first drawing area 26A and outside the second drawing areas 27A, 27B, 27C is the first height specified by the image data 91 of the first layer. It is equal to the height "2" of the dots arranged in the drawing area 26A. Similarly, the height of the dots arranged in the peripheral portion 29B inside the first drawing area 26B and outside the second drawing areas 27D, 27E, 27F is specified by the image data 91 of the first layer. It is equal to the height "3" of the dots arranged in the first drawing area 26B. The height of the dots arranged in the second drawing areas 27A to 27F is equal to the height specified by the image data 92 (FIG. 19B) of the second layer.

The data generation unit 63 (FIG. 3) generates print data based on the composite image data 93. In this embodiment, since the maximum value of the dot height is "3", printing is performed three times. The data generation unit 63 generates the first, second, and third print data.

FIG. 19D is a diagram schematically showing the first print data 101 on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system. The first printing data 101 specifies the positions of dots to which ink should be applied in the first printing. In FIG. 19D, the area where the dots to be applied with ink are arranged is hatched. In the first printing, the ink is applied to the positions of the dots whose dot heights are "1", "2", and "3". Therefore, the positions of all the dots arranged in the first drawing areas 26A and 26B are the ink application targets.

FIG. 19E is a diagram schematically showing the second print data 102 on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system. The second printing data 102 specifies the positions of dots to which ink should be applied in the second printing. In FIG. 19E, the area where the dots to be applied with ink are arranged in the second printing is hatched. In the second printing, the ink is applied to the positions of the dots whose dot heights are "2" and "3". Therefore, the positions of the dots in the second drawing area 27A, 27B, 27D, 27E, 27F (FIG. 19C) are out of the ink application target, and the dots arranged in the peripheral portions 29A, 29B, and the second drawing area 27C. The position is the target of ink application.

FIG. 19F is a diagram schematically showing the third print data 103 on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system. The third printing data 103 specifies the positions of dots to which ink should be applied in the third printing. In FIG. 19F, hatching is provided in the area where the dots to be applied with ink are arranged. In the third printing, the ink is applied to the position of the dot whose dot height is "3". Therefore, the positions of the dots in the peripheral edge portion 29A (FIG. 19C) are deviated from the ink application target, and the positions of the dots arranged in the peripheral edge portion 29B and the second drawing area 27C are the ink application targets.

Next, the excellent effects of the examples shown in FIGS. 17 to 19F will be described.
In this embodiment, a plurality of dots having different heights can be formed on one surface to be drawn 23. The user does not need to create the first, second, and third print data, respectively, and may input the dot height in the drawing information input window 70 shown in FIG. When the user inputs the height of the dots, the data generation unit 63 generates a plurality of print data. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time for creating image data including the first, second, and third print data.

Next, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described.
In the above embodiment, the maximum value of the dot height is "3", but the dot height may be "2" or "4" or more. For example, when the dot height is specified by an integer of 1 or more and N or less, the data generation unit 63 generates a plurality of printing data from the first time to the Nth time. It is preferable that the parameter n is an integer of 1 or more and N or less, and the position of a dot having a height of n or more is specified for the nth printing data.

Next, still another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 20A and 20B. Hereinafter, the description of the configuration common to the examples shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D will be omitted.

FIG. 20A is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the composite image data 93 according to the present embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D, a peripheral portion 29 (FIG. 9D) surrounding the second drawing area 27 (FIG. 9D) of the second layer is provided. On the other hand, in this embodiment, a part of the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area 27 of the second layer coincides with a part of the outer peripheral line of the first drawing area 26 of the first layer. For example, the reference point 24B of the second drawing area 27 is arranged on the outer peripheral line on the upper side of the first drawing area 26. As described above, the area inside the first drawing area 26 and outside the second drawing area 27 does not necessarily have to surround the second drawing area 27.

Also in this embodiment, the data generation unit 63 (FIG. 3) generates the composite image data 93 by executing the procedures from the first procedure (FIG. 9A) to the fourth procedure (FIG. 9D). Further, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10B, 11B, or 12B, the second drawing area 27 may be expanded before performing the third procedure. As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13B, the plurality of dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 may be moved in translation.

Further, various procedures of the examples shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C and the examples shown in FIGS. 17 to 19F may be applied to this embodiment.

FIG. 20B is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside and around the first drawing area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the composite image data 93 according to the modified example of this embodiment. In this modification, a part of the second drawing area 27 overlaps with the first drawing area 26, and the other part of the second drawing area 27 is located outside the first drawing area 26. Also in this modification, it is possible to apply various procedures of the above-described embodiment. As in this modification, the second drawing area 27 does not necessarily have to be included in the first drawing area 26.

Next, still another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the description of the configuration common to the examples shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D will be omitted.

FIG. 21 shows the arrangement of the first drawing area 26 of the first layer and the second drawing area 27 of the second layer designated by the composite image data 93 generated by the image data generation device 60 (FIG. 3) according to the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D, the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 are squares or rectangles. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 having a shape other than a square or a rectangle are arranged on the surface to be drawn 23. The shape of the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 is a circle, an ellipse, or a regular hexagon.

When the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 are circular, the center point may be used as a reference point, and the length of the radius may be adopted as the information for designating the size. When the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 are elliptical, the center point is used as a reference point, the major axis and the minor axis are adopted as information for designating the size, and the posture on the surface to be drawn 23. As the information for designating, the angle between the x-direction and the major axis may be adopted. When the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 are regular hexagons, the center point is used as a reference point, the diagonal length (diameter of the circumscribed circle) is adopted as the information for designating the size, and the surface to be drawn 23 is drawn. As the information for designating the posture in, the angle formed by the x direction and one side may be adopted.

As in this embodiment, the shapes of the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 can be defined as a point that serves as a reference for the position, and the size and the posture on the surface to be drawn 23 can be defined. It may be a two-dimensional figure.

Next, still another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the description of the configuration common to the examples shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D will be omitted.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a drawing area designated by the composite image data 93 generated by the image data generation device 60 (FIG. 3) according to the present embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D, the drawing area is arranged in two layers, the first layer and the second layer. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the drawing area is arranged on three layers.

The first drawing area 26 is arranged in the first layer of the lowermost layer, the second drawing area 27 is arranged in the second layer of the middle layer, and the third drawing area 28 is arranged in the third layer of the uppermost layer. The second drawing area 27 is included in the first drawing area 26, and the third drawing area 28 is included in the second drawing area 27. When the composite image data 93 is generated, as in the third procedure shown in FIG. 9C or the like, inside the drawing area of the layer one above the plurality of dots defined by the image data of one layer. All you have to do is delete the located dot. As described above, the total number of layers is not limited to two, and may be three or more.

It goes without saying that each of the above embodiments is exemplary and the configurations shown in different examples can be partially replaced or combined. Similar actions and effects due to the same configuration of a plurality of examples will not be mentioned sequentially for each example. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned examples. For example, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes, improvements, combinations, etc. are possible.

10 Base 11 Moving mechanism 11X X direction moving mechanism 11Y Y direction moving mechanism 12 Movable table 13 Support member 20 Board 21 Pass area 22 Dot 23 Drawing surface 24 Reference point 24A Drawing area Reference point 24B Second Reference point 25 of drawing area Drawing area 26, 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D First drawing area 27, 27A, 27B, 27C, 27D, 27E, 27F of the first layer Second drawing area of the second layer (inner inner part) )
28 Third drawing area of the third layer 29, 29A, 29B Peripheral portion 30 Ink ejection unit 31 Inkjet head 32 Nozzle 33 Curing light source 40 Imaging device 50 Control device 51 Storage unit 52 Control unit 60 Image data generation device 61 Processing device 62 Input control unit 63 Data generation unit 64 Output control unit 65 Drawing condition storage unit 66 Image data storage unit 67 Input device 68 Output device 70 Input window 72 Input area 73 Print condition display area 74 Drawing information list display area 75 Save button 76 Image data Creation start button 81 Input box 82 Print condition application button 83 File read button 84 Input box 85 Drawing information application button 86 Delete button 87 Input box for inputting the overlapping drawing area ID of the lower layer 88 Input for inputting dot height Box 90 Pixel 91 Image data of the first layer 92 Image data of the second layer 93 Composite image data 95 Margin area 96x, 96y Area where dots are not arranged 97 Margin area 101 First printing data 102 Second printing data 103 Data for the third print

Claims (8)

An image of the first layer that specifies the positions of a plurality of dots arranged in the first drawing area based on the first distribution rule information that specifies a rule for distributing a plurality of dots in the first drawing area of the surface to be drawn. The first step to generate the data and
A second layer that specifies the positions of a plurality of dots arranged in the second drawing area based on the second distribution rule information that specifies a rule for distributing a plurality of dots in the second drawing area of the surface to be drawn. The second step to generate image data and
When the second drawing area overlaps a part of the first drawing area, the third step of deleting the dots located inside the second drawing area with respect to the image data of the first layer, and the third step.
After the third step, an image to be executed is a fourth step of generating composite image data that specifies the position of a designated dot on either one of the image data of the first layer and the image data of the second layer. Data generator. In the second procedure, some dots are arranged at positions in contact with the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area.
Prior to the third step, the movement amount determined based on the density of the plurality of dots arranged in the first drawing area or the density of the plurality of dots arranged in the second drawing area is the first. 2 The outer peripheral line of the drawing area is moved outward to expand the second drawing area.
The image data generation device according to claim 1, wherein in the third procedure, a process of deleting a plurality of dots located inside the expanded second drawing area is performed on the image data of the first layer. The plurality of dots arranged based on the first distribution rule information are arranged in the first drawing area at the first dot pitch in the first direction and the second direction orthogonal to each other.
The plurality of dots arranged based on the second distribution rule information are arranged in the second drawing area at the second dot pitch in the first direction and the second direction.
In the third procedure, the second drawing area is expanded in the first direction and the second direction by the width obtained based on the shorter dot pitch of the first dot pitch and the second dot pitch. The image data generation device according to claim 2. When expanding the second drawing area,
The plurality of dots to be arranged in the second drawing area and the first drawing based on the density of the plurality of dots arranged in the first drawing area or the density of the plurality of dots arranged in the second drawing area. Determine the margin area to be secured between multiple dots to be placed in one drawing area,
The image data generation device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when the second drawing area is expanded, the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area is moved to secure the margin area. After the second procedure, before expanding the second drawing area, the plurality of dots arranged in the second drawing area are translated and moved in a state where the relative positional relationship is fixed. The distance between the geometric center of the drawing area and the center of gravity of the plurality of dots arranged in the second drawing area is made shorter than before the translational movement.
The image data generation device according to claim 4, wherein when the second drawing area is expanded, the margin area is determined based on the positions of the plurality of dots inside the second drawing area after translational movement. After the second procedure and before the fourth procedure, the plurality of dots arranged in the second drawing area are translated and moved in a state where the relative positional relationship is fixed, so that the second drawing area can be moved. The distance between the geometric center and the center of gravity of the plurality of dots arranged in the second drawing area is made shorter than before the translational movement.
The image data generation device according to claim 1, wherein in the fourth procedure, the composite image data is generated based on the positions of a plurality of dots inside the second drawing area after translational movement. The image data of the first layer specifies the positions of a plurality of dots with respect to the plurality of the first drawing areas.
The plurality of the first drawing area and the second drawing area are squares or rectangles in which one side is arranged parallel to each other.
When at least one vertex of the second drawing area is located inside one of the plurality of first drawing areas, at least of the second drawing area of the plurality of first drawing areas. The image data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein it is determined that the second drawing area overlaps with the first drawing area having one vertex inside. In the first drawing area of the surface to be drawn, the image data of the first layer that defines the positions of the plurality of dots arranged according to the first distribution rule is generated.
An image data of a second layer that defines the positions of a plurality of dots arranged according to a second distribution rule in a second drawing area that overlaps a part of the first drawing area on the surface to be drawn is generated.
For the image data of the first layer, a process of deleting dots located inside the second drawing area is performed.
After that, an image data generation method for generating a composite image data in which both are combined based on the position of the dot designated by the image data of the first layer and the position of the dot designated by the image data of the second layer. ..

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