JP4497598B2 - Method and apparatus for producing a compressed image for image display using a lenticular lens - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a compressed image for image display using a lenticular lens, relates 及 beauty manufacturing apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, stereoscopic photography using a lenticular lens has become widespread. By observing a plurality of compressed images formed on the recording medium through a lenticular lens, the images can be viewed in three dimensions, or different images can be viewed depending on the viewing angle. Is.
[0003]
As a method for forming a compressed image, a method in which a film on which a plurality of original images with parallax are formed is formed by photographic printing on a photographic paper through a lenticular lens has been traditionally adopted, but in recent years, A method is often employed in which a compressed image is created in advance as image data on a computer by a computer and printed on a sheet by a printing apparatus based on the image data.
[0004]
In the latter method using a computer, the size of the compressed image is determined according to the dimension (pitch) of the lenticular lens used for observation, the number of compressed images, and the like.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Now, in order to make a stereoscopic photograph look clear with a clear image, it is necessary to accurately match the pitch of printing of the compressed image by the printing apparatus in accordance with the pitch of the lenticular lens.
[0006]
However, since the lenticular lens is usually manufactured by molding using plastic, an error occurs between the designed pitch and the actual product pitch. Further, the pitch slightly changes due to expansion and contraction due to temperature change or humidity change.
[0007]
For this reason, when the lenticular lens is placed on the compressed image produced by the printing apparatus, the lenticular lens and the compressed image are accurately matched in a certain part, but the other part is displaced.
[0008]
Therefore, conventionally, there has been a problem that the pitch of printing a compressed image by the printing apparatus and the pitch of the lenticular lens do not exactly coincide with each other, and the stereoscopic photograph cannot be clearly seen.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to match the pitch of a compressed image to be formed with the pitch of a lenticular lens as accurately as possible over the whole, so that a stereoscopic photograph or the like can be viewed more clearly. It allowed the manufacturing method of a compressed image, and an object thereof is to provide a 及 beauty manufacturing apparatus.
[0010]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a compressed image in which an image is displayed by observing through a lenticular lens, and the method includes one or more along a first scanning direction on a recording medium. A single compressed image is formed by lines, and a plurality of compressed images are formed by continuously arranging the lines at a predetermined pitch along a second scanning direction orthogonal to the first scanning direction. Preparing a printing device, pre-forming a plurality of compressed images on a recording medium so that adjacent compressed images are visually different from each other by the printing device, A step of observing moire by placing the lenticular lens on the compressed image formed in accordance with the condition, and a second run by the exposure unit in the printing apparatus according to the state of the observed moire. Adjust the direction of the exposure rate, and a step of performing said adjustments so moiré is reduced, in a coordinated exposed speed, the steps of the forming the compressed image on the recording medium.
[0011]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the printing apparatus 3 preliminarily forms a plurality of compressed images FP on a recording medium so that the adjacent compressed images FP have different colors, and the preliminarily formed on the recording medium. The lenticular lens LL is placed on the compressed image FP formed in the above, and the moire ME is observed.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method in which one compressed image is formed by one or a plurality of lines along the main scanning direction on a recording medium, and the lines are continuously arranged in the sub scanning direction. A plurality of compressed images are preliminarily formed on a recording medium so that adjacent compressed images have different colors from each other. The lenticular lens is placed on the preliminarily formed compressed image to observe the moire, and the feed condition in the sub-scanning direction of the recording medium in the printing apparatus is adjusted according to the moire state, thereby reducing the moire. After making the adjustment as described above, the compressed image is finally formed on the recording medium.
[0015]
The apparatus according to the invention of claim 5 forms a single compressed image with one or a plurality of lines along the main scanning direction on the recording medium, and continuously arranges the lines in the sub-scanning direction. Printing apparatus configured to form a plurality of compressed images, and preliminary forming means for preliminarily forming a plurality of compressed images on a recording medium so that adjacent compressed images have different colors by the printing apparatus And a means for detecting a moire state when a compressed image preliminarily formed on the recording medium is observed through the lenticular lens, and a recording medium in the printing apparatus according to the observed moire state. Means for adjusting the feed speed in the sub-scanning direction and means for forming a compressed image on the recording medium at the adjusted feed speed .
[0016]
Moire is caused by a slight pitch difference between the compressed image FP and the lenticular lens LL, for example, a phase difference between them. Usually, the difference in pitch cannot be accurately measured even by a measuring device. Even if there is such a slight difference in pitch, it is possible to detect it by observing moire.
[0017]
The invention of claim 1 detects such a slight pitch difference by preliminarily forming a plurality of compressed images FP on a recording medium and observing the moire ME generated by the compressed images FP and the lenticular lens LL. According to the state, the exposure speed in the second scanning direction by the exposure unit of the printing apparatus 3 is adjusted, and thereby the pitch of the compressed image FP is matched with the pitch of the lenticular lens LL as accurately as possible throughout. It is.
[0018]
In the present specification, the “compressed image” refers to an image or a diagram that is observed through a lenticular lens. The “compressed image” is originally an image to be observed that is compressed in the width direction so as to be placed under the lenticular lens, but at present, when image processing technology or image creation technology by a computer has advanced, The original image itself is not necessarily required, and the process of “compression” is not necessarily performed. Therefore, in this specification, even an image that has not been subjected to the process of “compression” is called a “compressed image” if it is observed through a lenticular lens.
[0019]
For example, it is possible to directly create a “compressed image” by performing image creation or image processing by a computer without performing “compression” processing. In addition, the “compressed image” may be just one line, or two or three lines.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of a printing apparatus 3 used in the manufacturing method according to the present invention.
In FIG. 1, a printing apparatus 3 includes a main body 11, an image memory 12, an exposure unit 13, a donor supply unit 14, a paper supply unit 15, a transfer drum 16, cutters 17 and 18, a water application unit 19, and feed rollers 21 and 22. It consists of peeling rollers 23 and 24, discharge rollers 25 and 26, a control device 31, and the like.
[0021]
Image data created by a computer (not shown) is temporarily stored in the image memory 12. Based on the image data stored in the image memory 12, the surface of the donor DN is exposed by the laser light from the exposure unit 13, and an image (latent image) is formed there.
[0022]
The donor DN is sent out from the donor supply unit 14, cut to a predetermined size by the cutter 17, transported to an exposure position, and exposed while being moved at a predetermined speed by the feed roller 21. The exposed donor DN once leaves the exposure position, then moves in the reverse direction, and passes through the water application unit 19 so that water is applied to the surface thereof.
[0023]
On the other hand, the paper PP is fed out from the paper supply unit 15 and cut into a predetermined size by the cutter 18, and then pasted in synchronization with the donor DN at the position of the feed roller 22 and wound around the transfer drum 16. The transfer drum 16 is heated by a heater, and the image formed on the donor DN is developed and transferred onto the paper PP by heat.
[0024]
After being developed and transferred to the paper PP, the donor DN is peeled from the paper PP by the peeling roller 23 and discharged by the discharge roller 25. Further, the paper PP is peeled from the transfer drum 16 by the peeling roller 24 and discharged by the discharge roller 26. These entire operations and processes are controlled by the control device 31. The control device 31 also controls the rotation speed of the feed roller 21 to control the exposure speed of the exposure unit 13 in the sub-scanning direction (the direction along the conveyance direction of the donor DN). Note that a pulse motor, an AC servo motor, a DC servo motor, or the like is used to rotationally drive the feed roller 21.
[0025]
Various images are formed on the paper PP in accordance with the contents of the image data sent to the image memory 12. For example, when the image data is compressed image data of a plurality of images having parallax, a compressed image for a stereoscopic photograph is formed on the paper PP. In the case of compressed images of a plurality of different images, compressed images for viewing different images depending on the observation angle are formed. In the case of normal image data, the normal image is formed. A method for creating these image data and a method for forming an image based on the image data are known per se.
[0026]
In the present embodiment, the image memory 12 stores image data corresponding to a compressed image, such that adjacent compressed images have different colors. Hereinafter, a case where three compressed images are formed under one lenticular lens will be described as an example. However, four or more compressed images may be formed.
[0027]
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an example of a preliminary compressed image FP formed on the paper PP. FIG. 3 is a lenticular disk LLT including a large number of lenticular lenses LL on the paper PP on which the compressed image FP is formed. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining how moire ME occurs due to the compressed image FP on the paper PP and the lenticular lens LL.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 2, preliminary compressed images FPa, FPb, and FPc of three types of colors are formed on the surface of the paper PP. The colors of these compressed images FPa, b, and c are, for example, red, blue, and green.
[0029]
In FIG. 3, below the lenticular lenses LL, three compressed images FP are arranged correspondingly. When the three compressed images FP are arranged in exact alignment with each lenticular lens LL, the stereoscopic photograph looks beautiful.
[0030]
That is, when the pitch (width dimension) PL of the lenticular lenses LL matches the width dimension PFa of the three compressed images FP, the three compressed images FP are arranged exactly for each lenticular lens LL. Is done. In that case, the width dimension PFa is three times the pitch PF between the compressed images FP.
[0031]
However, in order to correct that the angle of the line of sight of the observer when viewing the stereoscopic photograph with respect to the lenticular lens LL differs between the center and the edge of the paper PP, or that the adjacent compressed image FP is mixed. In order to prevent this, the pitch PF or the width dimension PFa is intentionally made different or larger or smaller than the pitch PL. Here, a state before such correction will be described. Further, in the present embodiment, the description will be made on the assumption that it is an ideal state that does not require such correction. Therefore, applying such correction to the present embodiment can be arbitrarily performed as necessary.
[0032]
In the example shown in FIG. 3, the width dimension PFa of the three compressed images FP is slightly smaller than the pitch PL of the lenticular lens LL. For this reason, the compressed images FP arranged under each lenticular lens LL are shifted little by little depending on the lenticular lens LL, and three compressed images FP having different arrangement orders are arranged under the lenticular lens LL at a constant period. Will be.
[0033]
By placing the lenticular board LLT shown in FIG. 4A on the paper PP shown in FIG. 4B on which the compressed image FP is formed, the photograph TP shown in FIG. 4C is formed. . By shifting the lenticular lens LL and the compressed image FP from each other, their directions and positions are matched. If they match completely, the entire surface of the photograph TP appears as a single color. However, although the directions can be matched, the positions are not completely matched because the width dimension PFa of the three compressed images FP is slightly smaller than the pitch PL of the lenticular lens LL. Therefore, moire ME occurs on the surface of the photograph TP as shown in FIG.
[0034]
The moiré ME typically looks like a color stripe pattern in which a plurality of colors have a width centered on one of the three colors. Since the lenticular lens LL and the compressed image FP are not actually completely straight lines, the respective stripes of the moire ME are not straight lines, and may be distorted, curved, or circular. The greater the deviation between the lenticular lens LL and the compressed image FP, the greater the number of moire ME stripes. For example, when the compressed image FP under the lenticular lens LL is shifted by one pitch PF, one stripe is generated there. Therefore, the amount of deviation between the pitch PL of the lenticular lens LL and the pitch PF of the compressed image FP can be known from the number of moire ME stripes. Further, the magnitude relationship between the pitch PL and the pitch PF can be known from the order in which the colors of the stripes of the moire ME appear.
[0035]
Therefore, the rotational speed of the feed roller 21 is adjusted by the control device 31 according to the state of the moire ME, or the exposure speed in the sub-scanning direction by the exposure unit 13 is adjusted.
[0036]
There are various methods for this adjustment. For example, it is adjusted by turning a knob for changing the rotation speed of the feed roller 21. Data that designates the rotation speed of the feed roller 21 is newly input and updated. Or input variable data. In this case, the unit of input can be expressed as a ratio to the current speed, or can be expressed as an image density (dpi). For example, the speed is varied every 0.01 percent or every 0.1 percent. Or, it is variable every 0.2 dpi and every 1 dpi. It is also possible to enter an anonymous number. The rotation speed of the feed roller 21 can be kept constant, and the exposure speed in the sub-scanning direction by the exposure unit 13 can be varied in the same way. It is also possible to input such a command from a computer connected to the printing apparatus 3.
[0037]
By performing the adjustment, the moire ME stripes disappear or the number of stripes decreases. Such adjustment may be performed once, or may be performed a plurality of times.
After the adjustment, a compressed image is fully formed based on the original image data. Then, the formed compressed image and the lenticular lens LL coincide with each other, and the resulting photograph TP looks clear with a clear image.
[0038]
When the photograph TP is a stereoscopic photograph, the original stereoscopic effect can be enjoyed with a clear stereoscopic image. When the photograph TP is a compressed image of a plurality of different images, when viewing the image at a certain observation angle, a clear image can be seen without causing ghost of other images.
[0039]
When a plurality of printing apparatuses 3 are used, adjustment is performed using one printing apparatus 3, and the adjustment value is used or a value obtained by adding an apparatus error to the adjustment value is used. By controlling the printing apparatus 3, it is possible to form a large number of compressed images FP easily adjusted for the same type of lenticular board LLT in a short time.
[0040]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between one line by the laser beam of the exposure unit 13 and the compressed image FP.
As shown in FIG. 5A, one compressed image FP can be formed by one line in the main scanning direction by laser light. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, one compressed image FP can be formed by two lines in the main scanning direction by the laser light. Furthermore, one compressed image FP can be formed by three or more lines in the main scanning direction by laser light.
[0041]
Further, instead of forming the compressed image FP along the main scanning direction of the laser light, it is also possible to form the compressed image FP along the sub-scanning direction of the laser light. In this case, since the pitch PF of the compressed image FP is determined according to the speed in the main scanning direction (pixel pitch in the main scanning direction), the speed in the main scanning direction is used to vary the pitch PF of the compressed image FP. For example, the clock frequency may be adjusted.
[0042]
In the above-described embodiment, the colors of the preliminary compressed images FPa, FPb, and FPc are different from each other. However, the density or the pattern may be different from the colors. The preliminary compressed image FP may be formed not on the entire surface of the paper PP but on a part of the paper PP, for example, a portion along the lower side, and further on the same surface as the original compressed image.
[0043]
In the above-described embodiment, the lenticular board LLT is placed on the paper PP on which the compressed image FP is formed, and the moire ME at that time is visually detected. However, these steps are automatically performed. Then, a command may be automatically given to the control device 31 based on the detection result, and the preliminary formation and the main formation of the compressed image may be automatically performed.
[0044]
In this case, for example, a preliminary forming unit that preliminarily forms a plurality of compressed images FP on a sheet so that adjacent compressed images FP have different colors, and a compressed image FP that is preliminarily formed on a sheet. Is provided with a detection unit that detects the state of the moire ME when the image is observed through the lenticular lens LL, a speed control unit that adjusts the feed condition (speed, etc.) of the paper in the sub-scanning direction according to the state of the moire ME, and the like. That's fine. These can be realized by a camera such as a CCD, a RAM or ROM in which an appropriate program is stored, a CPU that executes the program, and other elements and devices. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 is configured by including these circuits and devices.
[0045]
In the above-mentioned embodiment, although the example using the printing apparatus 3 of the format which exposes to donor DN with the exposure unit 13 was demonstrated, it does not restrict to this. For example, an image formed on a donor DN with a thermal head, an image formed on plain paper or photographic glossy paper using an electrophotographic process, an image on plain paper or photographic glossy paper using an inkjet or thermal head It is possible to use various types of printing devices, such as those that form.
[0046]
In the printing apparatus 3, the rotation speed of the feed roller 21 can be controlled by the control device 31, and the pitch PF of the compressed image FP can be variably adjusted. For example, the pitch PL of the lenticular lens LL is measured and measured. It is also possible to perform control so that the compressed image FP corresponding to the pitch PL has a pitch PF.
[0047]
In the above-described embodiment, the paper PP or the like is used as the recording medium. However, it is also possible to use a film for an overhead projector or other films. In addition, the type, number, color, size, configuration or operation method of the printing apparatus 3 of the compressed image FP or the lenticular board LLT can be appropriately changed in accordance with the spirit of the present invention.
[0048]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to match the pitch of the formed compressed image with the pitch of the lenticular lens as accurately as possible as a whole, so that stereoscopic photographs and the like can be viewed more clearly.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printing apparatus used in a manufacturing method according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an example of a preliminary compressed image formed on a sheet.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state where a lenticular board made up of a number of lenticular lenses is placed on a sheet on which a compressed image is formed.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which moire is generated by a compressed image on a sheet and a lenticular lens.
FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a relationship between one line by a laser beam of an exposure unit and a compressed image.
[Explanation of symbols]
3 Printing device FP Compressed image PP Paper (recording medium)
LL Lenticular Lens ME Moire

Claims (4)

A method for producing a compressed image for displaying an image by observing through a lenticular lens,
On the recording medium, one compressed image is formed by one or a plurality of lines along the first scanning direction, and the lines are formed at a predetermined pitch along the second scanning direction orthogonal to the first scanning direction. Providing a printing apparatus configured to form a plurality of compressed images by sequentially arranging; and
A step of pre-forming a plurality of compressed images on a recording medium so that adjacent compressed images are visually different from each other by the printing apparatus;
Placing the lenticular lens on a compressed image preliminarily formed on a recording medium and observing moire;
Adjusting the exposure speed in the second scanning direction by the exposure unit in the printing apparatus according to the observed moire state, and performing the adjustment so that the moire is reduced;
Forming a compressed image on a recording medium at an adjusted exposure speed ; and
A method for producing a compressed image for image display using a lenticular lens, comprising: A method for producing a compressed image for displaying an image by observing through a lenticular lens,
On the recording medium, one compressed image is formed by one or a plurality of lines along the first scanning direction, and the lines are formed at a predetermined pitch along the second scanning direction orthogonal to the first scanning direction. Providing a printing apparatus configured to form a plurality of compressed images by sequentially arranging; and
A step of preforming a plurality of compressed images on a recording medium so that adjacent compressed images have different colors by the printing apparatus;
Placing the lenticular lens on a compressed image preliminarily formed on a recording medium and observing moire;
Adjusting the exposure speed in the second scanning direction by the exposure unit in the printing apparatus according to the observed moire state, and performing the adjustment so that the moire is reduced;
Forming a compressed image on a recording medium at an adjusted exposure speed ; and
A method for producing a compressed image for image display using a lenticular lens, comprising: A method for producing a compressed image for displaying an image by observing through a lenticular lens,
On the recording medium, one compressed image is formed by one or a plurality of lines along the main scanning direction, and a plurality of compressed images are formed by continuously arranging the lines in the sub scanning direction. Preparing a printing device,
A step of preforming a plurality of compressed images on a recording medium so that adjacent compressed images have different colors by the printing apparatus;
Placing the lenticular lens on a compressed image preliminarily formed on a recording medium and observing moire;
Adjusting the feed speed in the sub-scanning direction of the recording medium in the printing apparatus according to the observed moire state, and performing the adjustment so that the moire is reduced;
Forming a compressed image on the recording medium at an adjusted feed rate; and
A method for producing a compressed image for image display using a lenticular lens, comprising: An apparatus for producing a compressed image that displays an image by observing through a lenticular lens,
On the recording medium, one compressed image is formed by one or a plurality of lines along the main scanning direction, and a plurality of compressed images are formed by continuously arranging the lines in the sub scanning direction. Printing device,
Preliminary forming means for preliminarily forming a plurality of compressed images on a recording medium so that adjacent compressed images have different colors by the printing apparatus;
Means for detecting a moire state when a compressed image preliminarily formed on a recording medium is observed through the lenticular lens;
Means for adjusting the feed speed in the sub-scanning direction of the recording medium in the printing apparatus according to the observed moire state;
Means for permanently forming a compressed image on a recording medium at an adjusted feed rate;
An apparatus for producing a compressed image for image display using a lenticular lens, comprising:

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