JP4506151B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms a three-dimensional image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic process, and more specifically, by using a plurality of developing units loaded with foaming developers each having a different foaming rate, The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that realizes stereoscopic image printing in which stereoscopic images having different heights are mixed.

  Image forming apparatuses such as printers and copiers based on electrophotographic and electrostatic recording methods form black and white or full-color characters and figures, or images such as photographs on a recording medium such as recording paper in a plane. It has been generally used for visually recognizing an image formed on a recording medium and transmitting desired information.

  In contrast, today, for example, in an electrophotographic recording process, a toner image containing a color material of a predetermined color is placed on a foamed toner image, and the foamed toner image is foamed by heating in a fixing process. In addition, a technique for forming a three-dimensional image by melting and fixing each color toner image mounted thereon has been developed.

  As a known image forming apparatus to which this type of technology is applied, for example, as described in Patent Document 1 below, a non-foaming toner image is first formed at the same location on a recording medium, and then, In other cases, a foamable toner image is formed in a laminated state to form a three-dimensional image on a recording medium.

  Also, in Patent Document 2 below, image formation is performed in which a heat-foamable toner is used to form a convex image having a plurality of wall surfaces, and a plurality of different types of images are formed on different wall surfaces of the convex image. An apparatus is disclosed.

Patent Document 3 below discloses an image forming apparatus using an image forming toner containing at least a binder resin and a foaming agent, and the foaming agent is not substantially exposed on the toner surface.
JP 2001-134091 A JP 2002-278370 A JP 2000-131875 A

However, in this type of known image forming apparatus, when forming a three-dimensional image, a toner image is formed using toner having one kind of foaming rate.
As described above, when a three-dimensional image is formed using toner having one kind of foaming rate, there is a problem that the three-dimensional image has a uniform height everywhere and lacks impact as three-dimensional printing. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that solves the above-described problems, and that enables stereo image printing with a higher impact, in which stereo images having different heights are mixed.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an area to be three-dimensionally printed in image information to be printed is designated, and a height selected from a plurality of preset heights is set. Designation means for designating corresponding to the three-dimensional print area, and height information indicating the height designated by the designation means is given to the pixels in the three-dimensional print area designated by the designation means in the image information Separating the image information including all the pixels and the image information including the pixels to which the height information has been input by inputting the image information to which the height information has been applied by the providing unit Means for generating print data including gradation information of each color component from the image information including all the pixels separated by the separation means, and the height information separated by the separation means. Granted picture Determining means for determining the height indicated by the height information given to each pixel in the image information including, and each height component corresponding to the pixel for each pixel having the same height determined by the determining means 3D printing data generating means for generating the 3D printing data, an image carrier carrying an electrostatic latent image, an exposure means for forming an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier, and development containing a toner of a predetermined color Gradation information of the color component on the image carrier by exposure scanning in the exposure unit based on the print data of the corresponding color component in the print data generated by the print data generation unit An image forming unit that forms an electrostatic latent image in accordance with the color toner, develops the electrostatic latent image with the color toner supplied from the developer, and forms an image with the color toner, the image carrier, and the exposure Means, developing device containing thermally foamable toner Each of the developing units foams at a corresponding one of the plurality of heights selectively designated by the designation means when the same amount of toner is foamed by heat. It contains heat-foamable toners having different foaming characteristics, and the exposure scanning by the exposure unit based on the print data of the corresponding height component in the three-dimensional print data generated by the three-dimensional print data generation unit Forming the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the printing data of the height component on the image carrier and supplying the electrostatic latent image from the developing unit with the foaming characteristic corresponding to the height component; A plurality of heat-foamable toner image forming portions that form a heat-foamable toner image by developing with a heat-sensitive toner, a corresponding color toner image formed in the image-forming portion, and each heat-foamable toner image-forming portion Formed by Transfer means for superimposing and transferring the thermally foamable toner image of each corresponding height component onto a recording medium, the color toner image superimposed on the recording medium by the transfer means, and each height component Fixing means for heating the heat-foamable toner image and foaming the heat-foamable toner image of each height component at a corresponding height to fix it as a three-dimensional image of the color toner image in the upper layer .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming unit contains black toner and is based on the black component print data generated by the image processing means. Forming the electrostatic latent image according to the tone information, developing the electrostatic latent image as a black toner image, and transferring the black toner image to a recording medium; The black toner image formed by the black image forming unit is transferred onto the heat-foamable toner image of each height component formed by the unit to form a three-dimensional black and white image.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming unit accommodates toner of each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, and the corresponding color generated by the image processing unit. Based on the print data of the component, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the gradation information of the color component is formed, the electrostatic latent image is developed as a corresponding color toner image, and the color toner image is transferred to a recording medium. The toner image of each color formed by the image forming unit of each color is transferred onto the heat foaming toner image of each height component formed by the image forming unit of each color and formed by the heat foaming toner image forming unit. At least, a three-dimensional color image is formed.

According to the present invention, the area to be three-dimensionally printed in the image information to be printed and the height of the area (one height selected from a plurality of preset heights) are designated. Thermally expandable toner developing device having thermal foaming characteristics corresponding to the height designated for each of the three-dimensional printing areas among the plurality of thermal-foamable toner image forming portions provided with the images of the three-dimensional printing areas Can be formed as a three-dimensional image having a height designated for the three-dimensional print area, and on the recording medium for each three-dimensional print area designated by the user. It is possible to realize high- impact stereoscopic image printing in which stereoscopic images having different heights corresponding to the stereoscopic printing regions are mixed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  This image forming apparatus is used as a copying machine, and particularly has a monochrome copying function.

  The image forming apparatus includes an image reading unit 1 that reads an image on a document G, and an image reading unit according to designation of a region to be three-dimensionally printed (a three-dimensional print region) and a height of the region by a three-dimensional print designation unit 5 described later. A foaming toner information providing unit 2 that provides foaming toner information including the specified height information to the pixels of the three-dimensional print designation region (region designated as the three-dimensional print region) in the image information read in 1; Print image information for normal printing is generated based on the read image information input from the foamed toner information adding unit 2, and print image information for three-dimensional printing is generated based on the foamed toner information added to the read image information. An image processing unit 3 that performs normal print image or three-dimensional print image according to print image information generated by the image processing unit 3 Embossing print designation section 5 that specifies the height of the solid print area and region, constituted by the main control unit 6 for controlling the entire apparatus.

  The image reading unit 1 illuminates a document G placed on a platen glass with a light source, scans and exposes a reflected light image from the document G onto an image reading element including a CCD or the like via a reduction optical system, The reflected image of the original G is read at a predetermined dot density by the image reading element.

  The document reflected light image read by the document reading unit 1 is sent to the image processing unit 3 as binary document reflectance data.

  At that time, the foaming toner information giving unit 2 gives foaming toner information to the pixels in the three-dimensional print designation area designated by the three-dimensional print designation unit 5 in the document reflectance data.

  The foamed toner information is a flag in which, for example, a value of “1” is set when foamed toner (foamable developer) is used, and a value of “0” is set when foamed toner is not used. Consists of information. Further, in the present invention, the foamed toner information includes the height information of the three-dimensional print designation area designated in accordance with the three-dimensional print area designation by the three-dimensional print designation section 5.

  The image processing unit 3 takes in the document reflectance data sent from the foamed toner information adding unit 2 and performs predetermined image processing, thereby inputting the document floor to be input to the black image forming unit 4K of the image forming unit 4 described later. Key data [K component image signal in FIG. 4A] is generated.

  Further, the image processing unit 3 checks whether or not the foamed toner information is given to each pixel of interest in the document reflectance data. If the foamed toner information is given, the image processing unit 3 adds the foamed toner information to the foamed toner information. In accordance with the included height information, foamed toner signals input to the stereoscopic image forming units 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3 of the image forming unit 4 to be described later (foaming shown in FIGS. 4B, 4C, and 4D, respectively). Toner H1 component image signal, foamed toner H2 component image signal, foamed toner H3 component image signal].

  Then, the foamed toner signals for the three-dimensional image forming units 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3 are combined with the above-described document reflectance data for the black image forming unit 4K and sent to the image forming unit 4.

  The image forming unit 4 is a functional unit that forms an image on a recording sheet using an electrophotographic process based on an image signal of each component input from the image processing unit 3, and in this embodiment, black toner (K ) A black image forming unit 4K that forms a black image using [non-foamable developer] and a three-dimensional image forming unit 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3 that form a three-dimensional image using foamed toner.

  The three-dimensional image forming units 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3 have developing units (44H1, 44H2, and 44H3) filled with foaming toners H1, H2, and H3 having different foaming rates, respectively, and can form three-dimensional images having different heights. It has a configuration.

  The black image forming unit 4K and the three-dimensional image forming units 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3 input image signals of components (K component, H1 component, H2 component, and H3 component) corresponding to each of them from the image processing unit 3. , Exposure units 41K, 41H1, 41H2, and 41H3 that perform image exposure with lasers, photosensitive drums 42K, 42H1, 42H2, and 42H3 as image carriers on which electrostatic latent images are formed, and before formation of electrostatic latent images, respectively. The electrostatic latent images formed on the charging units 43K, 43H1, 43H2, and 43H3, and the photosensitive drums 42K, 42H1, 42H2, and 42H3 for charging the photosensitive drums 42K, 42H1, 42H2, and 42H3 are developed to produce black toner. Development units 44K, 44H1, 44H2, and 44H3 are provided that form images of foamed toner images (foamable developer images) having different foaming rates.

  Among these, the developing units 44H1, 44H2, and 44H3 are filled with foamed toners having different foaming ratios.

  Further, the image forming unit 4 includes an intermediate transfer belt 45 that multiplex-transfers (primary transfer) the black toner image developed by the developing units 44K, 44H1, 44H2, and 44H3 and each of the foamed toner images, and the intermediate transfer belt 45. A transfer unit 46 that transfers (secondary transfer) the multiple transferred toner image to the recording paper 48, and a fixing unit 47 that fixes the toner image on the recording paper 48 to which the toner image is transferred by the transfer unit 46. Have.

  The image signal of the K (black) component generated by the image processing in the image processing unit 3, and the image signal (foamed toner signal) of each component of the foamed toner (H1), the foamed toner (H2), and the foamed toner (H3) ) Is sent to the exposure units 41K, 41H1, 41H2, and 41H3 of the corresponding image forming units 4K, 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3 of the image forming unit 4, respectively.

  The exposure units 41K, 41H1, 41H2, and 41H3 perform image exposure with laser light on the corresponding photosensitive drums 42K, 42H1, 42H2, and 42H3 in accordance with the corresponding image signals or foamed toner signals, respectively, and each of the above components. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to is formed.

  The electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive drums 42K, 42H1, 42H2, and 42H3 are filled with the developing unit 44K filled with black toner and the foamed toner (H1), foamed toner (H2), and foamed toner (H3), respectively. The developing units 44H1, 44H2, and 44H3 develop the black toner, the foamed toner (H1), the foamed toner (H2), and the foamed toner (H3), respectively, to form toner images.

  Each toner image (black toner image, H1 toner image, H2 toner image, H3 toner image) formed on the photosensitive drums 42K, 42H1, 42H2, and 42H3 is below the photosensitive drums 42K, 42H1, 42H2, and 42H3. Are transferred (multiple transfer) in a state of being sequentially superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 45 arranged in the above.

  The intermediate transfer belt 45 is configured to be rotated along the direction of the arrow by a predetermined driving means at the same moving speed as the peripheral speed of the photosensitive drums 42K, 42H1, 42H2, and 42H3. , 42H1, 42H2, and 42H3, multiple transfer of toner images onto the intermediate transfer belt 45 is performed in accordance with the rotation.

  The multiple toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 45 are transferred by the transfer unit 46 onto the recording paper 48 conveyed at a predetermined timing by a pressure contact force and an electrostatic attraction force.

  The recording paper 48 is fed by a feed roll of a predetermined size from a paper feed cassette (not shown) as a plurality of recording medium accommodating members arranged in the copying machine main body. Are conveyed to a secondary transfer position (transfer portion 46) of the intermediate transfer belt 45 at a predetermined timing by a transfer roller and a resist roll (not shown).

  In the transfer unit 46, the multiple transfer toner images are collectively transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 45 to the recording paper 48.

  The recording paper 48 on which the multiple transfer toner image has been transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 45 is then separated from the intermediate transfer belt 45 and then transported to the fixing unit 47 where the fixing unit 47 is heated and pressed. The toner image is fixed on the recording paper 48 by heat and pressure by the roll, and is discharged to the outside of the copying machine main body.

  In the developing step, multiple transfer is performed on the intermediate transfer belt 45 such that the black toner image is at the bottom and the foamed toner images of the foamed toners H1, H2, and H3 are on the intermediate transfer belt 45.

  Next, when the toner image multiple-transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 45 is transferred to the recording paper 48, the order of the multiple transfer toner images is reversed, and the foamed toner images by the foamed toners H1, H2, and H3 are in the lowest layer. Transcribed.

  As a result, when the toner image multiple-transferred to the recording paper 48 is fixed by the fixing unit 47, the lowermost foamed toner (H1, H2, H3) is foamed by the heat applied at that time, and is three-dimensionalized. To do.

  At that time, the black toner image transferred onto the three-dimensional foamed toner by the foaming is fixed as a black image. As a result, the black image is formed on the three-dimensional foamed toner on the recording paper 48. Can be formed.

  In the present embodiment, the foaming toners H1, H2, and H3 have different foaming rates.

  Here, if the expansion ratios of the expanded toners H1, H2, and H3 are a1, a2, and a3 (a1> a2> a3), these expanded toners H1, H2, and H3 are formed as base portions (lowermost layers). In the three-dimensional image, the height of the three-dimensional image having the foaming toner having a large expansion ratio in the base portion is inevitably higher.

  In the present invention, paying attention to this characteristic (foaming height varies depending on the foaming rate), a plurality of three-dimensional developing units each filled with foamed toner having different foaming rates are provided, and a foamed toner image developed by each of these three-dimensional developing units. By using the difference in foaming height, three-dimensional images having different heights are formed.

  Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described in more detail.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image processing unit 3 in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing unit 3 includes an information separating unit 30, a signal converting unit 31, an output signal combining unit 35, and a foamed toner information processing unit 36. The foamed toner information processing unit 36 includes a three-dimensional print region determining unit 361, a three-dimensional height determining unit 362, and a foamed toner signal generating unit 363.

  In the image processing unit 3, image data obtained by adding foaming toner information to the original reflectance data read by the image reading unit 1 (by the foaming toner information adding unit 2) is input to the information separation unit 30.

  The information separation unit 30 separates the document reflectance data from the input image data and inputs it to the signal conversion unit 31, and inputs the foaming toner information and the image information to the three-dimensional print region determination unit 361 of the foaming toner information processing unit 36. .

  The document reflectance data input to the signal conversion unit 31 is converted into black and white gradation data (K component image signal) to be input to the black image forming unit 4K and sent to the output signal synthesis unit 35.

  On the other hand, the three-dimensional print determination unit 361 of the foam toner information processing unit 36 refers to the foam toner information among the foam toner information and the image information input from the signal separation unit 30, and the target pixel becomes the three-dimensional print designation region (foam toner). It is determined whether or not the pixel is within the (use area).

  Here, when it is determined that the pixel is within the 3D print designation area, the 3D print area determination unit 361 sends the foamed toner information to the 3D height determination unit 362.

  The three-dimensional height determination unit 362 determines the height from the height information included in the foamed toner information and notifies the foamed toner signal generation unit 363 of the determined height.

  Based on the three-dimensional height notified from the three-dimensional height determination unit 362, the foaming toner signal generation unit 363 corresponds to each image signal of the component corresponding to the three-dimensional height (three-dimensional image forming units 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3). (Foaming toner signal) corresponding to the pixel is generated.

  The foaming toner signal generated here is, for example, a predetermined foaming that can be developed using the same amount of foaming toner filled in each of the corresponding three-dimensional image forming units 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3. This signal corresponds to the toner amount.

  As described above, the foaming toner signal generation unit 363 sets the height information according to the height information included in the foaming toner information (designated in accordance with the designation of the three-dimensional print area by the three-dimensional print designation unit 5). Corresponding foam toner H1, H2, and H3 component image signals (foamed toner signals to be input to the three-dimensional image forming units 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3, respectively) are generated, and the foamed toner signals are sent to the output signal combining unit 35. To do.

  The output signal synthesizer 35 outputs the K component image signal (black and white gradation data) generated by the signal converter 31 and the expanded toner H1, H2, and H3 component image signals generated by the expanded toner signal generator 363. The (foaming toner signal) is combined with the corresponding pixel position, and the combined signal (print image data) is sent to the image forming unit 4.

  In the image forming unit 4, for each of the image forming units 4K, 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3, the image signals of the respective components corresponding to the image forming units are separated from the combined signal, and the corresponding exposure units 41K and 41H1 are respectively provided. , 41H2, 41H.

  Thereafter, the image forming unit 4 performs the above-described electrophotographic process, that is, the exposure, development, and transfer processes in the image forming units 4K, 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3, and the transfer from the intermediate transfer belt 45 to the recording paper 48. Through a secondary transfer and a subsequent fixing process, an image in which a black and white stereoscopic image based on foamed toner and a normal black and white image not based on foamed toner are mixed is formed on the recording paper 48.

  In this image forming process, in the three-dimensional image forming units 41H1, 41H2, and 41H3 responsible for forming the three-dimensional image, each developing unit 44H1, 44H2, and 44H3 uses a foamed toner having different foaming ratios to generate an electrostatic latent image. Develop.

  As a result, even if a foamed toner signal is input to each of the three-dimensional image forming units 41H1, 41H2, and 41H3 to perform the development with the same amount of foamed toner, the foamed toner having a low foaming rate is used. Compared to the three-dimensional image formed based on the developed foamed toner image, the three-dimensional image formed based on the foamed toner image developed using the foam toner having a high expansion ratio becomes a higher three-dimensional image. As a result, it becomes possible to perform a stereoscopic image printing in which stereoscopic images having different heights are mixed.

  As an example, in this image forming apparatus, the expansion ratio of the foamed toner H1 filled in the developing unit 44H1 of the first stereoscopic image forming unit 4H1 is a1, and the developing unit 44H2 of the second stereoscopic image forming unit 4H2 is filled. The expansion rate of the expanded toner H2 is a2, and the expansion rate of the expanded toner H3 filled in the developing unit 44H3 of the third stereoscopic image forming unit 4H3 is a3. The expansion rates a1, a2, and a3 are expressed as a1> a2. > A3 relationship.

  In addition, the heights of the three-dimensional images formed using the foamed toners H1, H2, and H3 are h1, h2, and h3, respectively. In this case, a relationship of h1> h2> h3 is established between h1, h2, and h3 because of the relationship between the expansion ratios a1, a2, and a3 of the foamed toners H1, H2, and H3.

  Under such a premise, let us consider a case where the original G is copied as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, this document G includes an object Oa (square image area in the figure), an object Ob (same circle image area), an object Oc (same triangle image area), and an object. It consists of each image of Od (same, character part).

  When copying the original G, it is assumed that the user has a requirement to print, for example, the objects Oa, Ob, and Oc as three-dimensional images having different heights.

  In this case, the user designates each of the objects Oa, Ob and Oc as the three-dimensional print area using the three-dimensional print designation unit 5 and also has desired heights for the objects Oa, Ob and Oc, for example h1, h2, Specify h3.

  The heights h1, h2, and h3 specified here are foamed toner images developed by the three-dimensional image forming units 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3 using the developing toners H1, H2, and H3 by the developing units 44H1, 44H2, and 44H3, respectively. Is a value corresponding to the height of each of the above-described stereoscopic images obtained by transferring and fixing the image.

  That is, in this example, each of the developing units 44H1, 44H2, and 44H3 uses the foamed toners H1, H2, and H3, respectively, and different image areas (the object Oa in the example) in the print target image (original image in this example). , Ob, Oc), the three-dimensional print area is designated from the three-dimensional print designation unit 5 so that the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the three-dimensional print designation unit 5 can be developed.

  After the designation of the three-dimensional print (designation of the three-dimensional print area and its height), when a copy start operation is performed, the image reading unit 1 reads the image of the original G, and the read image information of the original G is the image information. It is sent to the processing unit 3.

  At that time, the foaming toner information providing unit 2 includes information indicating that the foaming toner is applied to each pixel of the region (objects Oa, Ob, Oc) designated as the three-dimensional print region by the three-dimensional print designating unit 5; Similarly, foam toner information (three-dimensional print instruction information) including information indicating the height of the three-dimensional print area designated by the three-dimensional print designation unit 5 is given, and the image information after the provision of the foam toner information is given to the image processing unit 3. input.

  The image processing unit 3 generates an image signal to be input to each of the image forming units 4K, 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3 based on the image information after the expansion toner information is input, which is input from the expansion toner information addition unit 2. Perform image processing.

  FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an image processing image in the image processing unit 3.

  In this example, the image processing unit 3 generates an image signal corresponding to an image including all objects in the input image information, as shown in FIG. 4A, as an image signal to be input to the image forming unit 4K. To do.

  The image processing unit 3 also inputs an image signal to be input to the stereoscopic image forming unit 4H1 based on the foamed toner information corresponding to the stereoscopic print instruction (stereoscopic print area = object Oc, height = h1) shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4B, an image signal corresponding to an image including the object Oc in the input image information is generated.

  The image processing unit 3 also inputs an image signal to be input to the stereoscopic image forming unit 4H2 based on the foamed toner information corresponding to the stereoscopic print instruction (stereoscopic print area = object Oa, height = h2) shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4C, an image signal corresponding to an image including the object Oa in the input image information is generated.

  The image processing unit 3 also inputs an image signal to be input to the stereoscopic image forming unit 4H3 based on the foamed toner information corresponding to the stereoscopic print instruction (stereoscopic print area = object Ob, height = h3) shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4D, an image signal corresponding to an image including the object Ob in the input image information is generated.

  As described above, the image processing unit 3 determines the height information (h1, h2, h2) included in the foamed toner information for the pixels (objects Oa, Obo, Oc) to which the foamed toner information is added in the input image information. Based on h3), image signals for the image forming units 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3 that can form a stereoscopic image having a height corresponding to the height information are generated, and these image signals are used as an image signal for the image forming unit 4K. The images are combined and sent to the image forming unit 4.

  In the image forming unit 4, each of the image forming units 4K, 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3 takes in an image signal of a component corresponding to the self-image forming unit from the combined image signal sent from the image processing unit 3, and is a well-known electrophotography. An image forming process is performed through the process.

  FIG. 5 is a conceptual cross-sectional configuration diagram of a toner image for explaining the transfer and fixing process of the image forming unit 4 when the original G in FIG. 3 is copied based on the three-dimensional print instruction shown in FIG.

  5A to 5D show the primary transfer process in the image forming units 4K, 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3, respectively, and FIG. 5E shows the secondary transfer process in the transfer unit 46. FIG. 5F shows a fixing process in the fixing unit 47.

  Further, in FIG. 5, A, B, C, and D respectively indicate the target pixel. More specifically, these pixels A, B, C, and D correspond to the pixels in the regions of the objects Oa, Ob, Oc, and Od in the document image in FIG.

  In the transfer and fixing process shown in FIG. 5, first, in the image forming unit 4K, the electrostatic latent images of all the pixels A, B, C, and D are developed with black (K) toner. The black toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 45 in the manner shown in FIG.

  Next, in the stereoscopic image forming unit 4H1, the electrostatic latent image of the pixel C is developed with the foaming toner H1 having the foaming rate a1, and the foamed toner (H1) image is as shown in FIG. 5B. Then, it is transferred onto the black toner image corresponding to the pixel C already transferred in FIG.

  Next, in the stereoscopic image forming unit 4H2, the electrostatic latent image of the pixel A is developed with the foaming toner H2 having the foaming ratio a2, and the foamed toner (H2) image is as shown in FIG. Then, it is transferred onto the black toner image corresponding to the pixel A already transferred in FIG.

  Next, in the three-dimensional image forming unit 4H3, the electrostatic latent image of the pixel B is developed with the foaming toner H3 having the foaming ratio a3, and the foamed toner (H3) image is as shown in FIG. Then, the toner image is transferred onto the black toner image corresponding to the pixel B already transferred in FIG.

  Next, when the process proceeds to the secondary transfer process (FIG. 5E), the toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 45 in the transfer processes of FIGS. Then, it is transferred onto the recording paper 48.

  Further, in the fixing process (FIG. 5F), the lowermost foamed toners H1, H2, and H3 are foamed on the pixels A, B, and C in the area where the three-dimensional printing is instructed, respectively. Each black toner is melted and fixed to form a three-dimensional image (black and white).

  Further, in this fixing process [FIG. 5 (f)], the pixels D in the area for which the three-dimensional print instruction is not made are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 45 in FIG. 5 (a), and further in FIG. 5 (e). The black toner transferred to the recording paper 48 is melted and fixed to form a normal (planar) image.

  When attention is paid to the stereoscopic images corresponding to the pixels A, B, and C formed through the fixing process [FIG. 5 (f)], the lowermost foamed toners H1, H2, and H3 are foamed, and the degree of foaming is foamed. Thus, the height of the stereoscopic image of each of the pixels A, B, and C is determined.

  In the present invention, as described above, the foamed toners H1, H2, and H3 have a relationship of a1> a2> a3 with respect to the foaming ratios a1, a2, and a3.

  When a foamed toner having a high foaming rate is used, the height after foaming of the foamed toner is necessarily higher than when a foamed toner having a low foaming rate is used.

  As a result, the heights h1, h2, and h3 of the stereoscopic images corresponding to the pixels A, B, and C formed on the recording paper 48 after the fixing process have a relationship of h1> h2> h3, and have different heights. A stereoscopic image is formed.

  6 is a diagram showing a conceptual side configuration of an image formed on the recording paper 48 through the electrophotographic process shown in FIG. 5 based on the image obtained by reading the original G shown in FIG.

  In this example, prior to printing, as shown in FIG. 3, a three-dimensional print instruction is given to the objects Oa, Ob, and Oc in the original G to have heights h2, h3, and h1, respectively.

  In FIG. 6, based on the above instructions, the objects Oa, Ob, and Oc in the original G are printed as stereoscopic images, and the heights of the objects are black and white at different heights having values h2, h3, and h1, respectively. A state in which a 3D print output result in which 3D images are mixed is obtained is shown.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, parts having the same functions as those of the parts of the image forming apparatus (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  This image forming apparatus is used as a copying machine, and is different from the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment particularly in that it has a color copying function.

  In order to realize this color copying function, the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment includes an image forming section 4a having a configuration different from that of the image forming section 4 of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the image forming unit 4a of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes the image forming unit 4K and the stereoscopic image forming units 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3 that the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment has. In addition, image forming units (non-stereoscopic image forming units) 4Y, 4M, and 4C for each color component of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) are provided.

  Each of these image forming units 4Y, 4M, and 4C receives image signals of components (Y component, M component, and C component) corresponding to each of them from an image processing unit 3a, which will be described later, and each of them by a laser. Exposure units 41Y, 41M, and 41C that perform image exposure, photosensitive drums 42Y, 42M, and 42C as image carriers on which electrostatic latent images are formed, and photosensitive drums 42Y, 42M, and 42C before electrostatic latent images are formed. Developing units 44Y, 43M, and 43, and electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive drums 42Y, 42M, and 42C to develop toner images of colors Y, M, and C, respectively. 44M, 44C.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the document reading unit 1a and the image processing unit 3a are also respectively corresponding to the above configuration (configuration for realizing the color copying function) in the image forming unit 4a. 1 is different from the image reading unit 1 and the image processing unit 3 of the image forming apparatus according to FIG.

  First, the image reading unit 1a illuminates the original G placed on the platen glass with a light source, and scans and exposes a reflected light image from the original G onto an image reading element such as a CCD via a reduction optical system. When the color material reflected light image of the original G is read at a predetermined dot density by the image reading element, the color material reflected light image of the original G is, for example, red (R), green (G), blue (B ) Of the three-color document reflectance data to the image processing unit 3a.

  At that time, the foaming toner information adding unit 2 outputs the foaming toner information to the pixels in the three-dimensional print designation region among the normal print designation region and the three-dimensional print designation region designated from the print region designation unit 5. (However, in the second embodiment, the point added to the three-color original reflectance data) is the same as in the first embodiment.

  Further, the image processing unit 3a takes in the three-color document reflectance data sent from the foamed toner information adding unit 2, and performs shading correction, positional deviation correction, brightness / color space conversion on the document reflectance data. Predetermined image processing such as gamma correction, frame erasing, color / moving editing, etc. is performed, and original color material gradation data of four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) is obtained. Generate.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image processing unit 3a of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the image processing unit 3a includes an information separating unit 30, a brightness / color space converting unit 32, a color converting unit 33, a gradation correcting unit 34, an output signal combining unit 35, and a foamed toner information processing unit 36. It is provided and configured. Among these, the foamed toner information processing unit 36 performs the same function as the corresponding part of the image processing unit 3 according to the first embodiment.

  In the image processing unit 3a, the information separating unit 30 adds the three-color document reflectance data of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) read by the image reading unit 1 to the three-dimensional print designation unit 5. Image data to which foaming toner information is attached by the foaming toner information assigning unit 2 is input in accordance with the three-dimensional print designation from.

  The information separation unit 30 separates the three-color original reflectance data from the input image data and inputs it to the lightness / color space conversion unit 32, and also determines the three-dimensional print area of the foaming toner information processing unit 36. To the part 361.

  The original reflectance data input to the lightness / color space conversion unit 32 is converted into an L * a * b * signal by the lightness / color space conversion unit 32, and then color-converted by the color conversion unit 33. By tone correction by the tone correction unit 34, the original color material tone data of four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) is generated, and an output signal synthesis unit 35.

  On the other hand, the foaming toner information processing unit 36 checks whether or not foaming toner information is assigned to each pixel of interest in the document reflectance data input from the information separation unit 30, and the foaming toner information is assigned. In this case, in accordance with the height information included in the foamed toner information, foamed toner signals [FIGS. 9 (e) and (f)] that are input to the stereoscopic image forming units 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3 of the image forming unit 4 described later. , (G), a foamed toner H1 component image signal, a foamed toner H2 component image signal, and a foamed toner H3 component image signal] are generated.

  More specifically, the three-dimensional print determination unit 361 of the foam toner information processing unit 36 refers to the foam toner information out of the foam toner information and the image information input from the signal separation unit 30 and designates the target pixel as a three-dimensional print. It is determined whether or not the pixel is in an area (foamed toner use area).

  Here, when it is determined that the pixel is within the 3D print designation area, the 3D print area determination unit 361 sends the foamed toner information to the 3D height determination unit 362.

  The three-dimensional height determination unit 362 determines the height from the height information included in the foamed toner information and notifies the foamed toner signal generation unit 363 of the determined height.

  Based on the three-dimensional height notified from the three-dimensional height determination unit 362, the foaming toner signal generation unit 363 corresponds to each image signal of the component corresponding to the three-dimensional height (three-dimensional image forming units 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3). Foaming toner signal) corresponding to the pixel is generated and sent to the output signal synthesis unit 35.

  The output signal synthesizer 35 receives the Y, M, C, and K component image signals (four color gradation data) generated through the lightness / color space converter 32, the color converter 33, and the gradation corrector 34. The image signals (foamed toner signals) of the respective expanded toner signals H1, H2, and H3 generated by the expanded toner signal generation unit 363 are combined at corresponding pixel positions, and the combined signal (print image data) is combined with the image forming unit 4a. To send.

  In the image forming unit 4a, the image signals of the respective components corresponding to the respective image forming units are separated from the composite signal for the respective image forming units 4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K, 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3, respectively. Each exposure unit 41Y, 41M, 41C, 41K, 41H1, 41H2, 41H is input.

  Thereafter, in the image forming unit 4a, an electrophotographic process, that is, each process of exposure, development, and transfer in each of the image forming units 4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K, 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3, and the intermediate transfer belt 45 is used. Through a secondary transfer to the recording paper 48 and a subsequent fixing process, an image in which a color stereoscopic image based on foamed toner and a normal color image without the foamed toner are mixed is formed on the recording paper 48.

  In this image forming process, in the three-dimensional image forming units 41H1, 41H2, and 41H3 that are responsible for forming the three-dimensional image, as in the first embodiment, the developing units 44H1, 44H2, and 44H3 have foaming toners H1 and H4 having different foaming rates. The electrostatic latent image is developed using H2 and H3.

  As a result, even if a foamed toner signal is input to each of the three-dimensional image forming units 41H1, 41H2, and 41H3 to perform the development with the same amount of foamed toner, the foamed toner having a low foaming rate is used. A three-dimensional image of a color three-dimensional image formed based on a foam toner image developed using a foam toner having a high expansion ratio is higher than a color three-dimensional image formed based on the developed foam toner image. As a result, color stereoscopic image printing in which stereoscopic images having different heights are mixed can be performed.

  Also for the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, the image processing when copying the original G as shown in FIG. 3 will be verified.

  Also in this case, the user designates the objects Oa, Ob, and Oc of the document G in FIG. 3 as the three-dimensional print area and uses the three-dimensional print designation unit 5 and the objects Oa, Ob, It is assumed that desired heights for Oc, for example, h1, h2, and h3 are designated.

  After the designation of the three-dimensional print (designation of the three-dimensional print area and its height), when a copy start operation is performed, the image reading unit 1a reads the image of the original G, and image information (3 of the read original G is read. Color original reflectance data) is sent to the image processing unit 3.

  At that time, the foaming toner information providing unit 2 includes information indicating that the foaming toner is applied to each pixel of the region (objects Oa, Ob, Oc) designated as the three-dimensional print region by the three-dimensional print designating unit 5; Similarly, foam toner information including information indicating the height of the three-dimensional print area designated by the three-dimensional print designation section 5 is given, and the image information after the foam toner information is given is input to the image processing section 3a.

  The image processing unit 3a inputs the image information to the image forming units 4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K, 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3 based on the image information after the expansion toner information is input, which is input from the expansion toner information addition unit 2. The image processing for generating the image signal is performed.

  FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an image processing image in the image processing unit 3a.

  In this example, the image processing unit 3a, as an image signal to be input to the image forming unit 4Y, as shown in FIG. 9A, a Y (yellow) component corresponding to the images of all objects in the input image information. The image signal is generated.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, the image processing unit 3a, as an image signal to be input to the image forming unit 4M, has an M (magenta) component image corresponding to all the object images in the input image information. Generate a signal.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 9C, the image processing unit 3a, as an image signal to be input to the image forming unit 4C, has an image of a C (cyan) component corresponding to the images of all objects in the input image information. Generate a signal.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9D, the image processing unit 3a, as an image signal to be input to the image forming unit 4K, is an image of K (black) component corresponding to the images of all objects in the input image information. Generate a signal.

  The image processing unit 3a also inputs an image signal to be input to the stereoscopic image forming unit 4H1 based on the foamed toner information corresponding to the stereoscopic print instruction (stereoscopic print area = object Oc, height = h1) shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9E, an image signal corresponding to an image including the object Oc in the input image information is generated.

  The image processing unit 3a also inputs an image signal to be input to the stereoscopic image forming unit 4H2 based on the foamed toner information corresponding to the stereoscopic print instruction (stereoscopic print area = object Oa, height = h2) shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9F, an image signal corresponding to an image including the object Oa in the input image information is generated.

  The image processing unit 3a also inputs an image signal to be input to the stereoscopic image forming unit 4H3 based on the foamed toner information corresponding to the stereoscopic print instruction (stereoscopic print area = object Ob, height = h3) shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9G, an image signal corresponding to an image including the object Ob in the input image information is generated.

  As described above, the image processing unit 3a, for the pixels (objects Oa, Obo, Oc) to which the foam toner information in the input image information is added, the height information (h1, h2, h2) included in the foam toner information. h3), image signals for the image forming units 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3 that can form a stereoscopic image having a height corresponding to the height information are generated, and these image signals are converted into image forming units 4Y, 4M, 4C, It is combined with each 4K image signal and sent to the image forming unit 4a.

  In the image forming unit 4a, each of the image forming units 4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K, 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3 outputs an image signal of a component corresponding to the self-image forming unit from the composite image signal sent from the image processing unit 3a. Each is taken in and processed for image formation through a known electrophotographic process.

  FIG. 10 is a conceptual cross-sectional configuration diagram of a toner image for explaining the transfer and fixing process of the image forming unit 4a when the original G in FIG. 3 is copied based on the three-dimensional print instruction shown in FIG.

  10A to 10G show primary transfer processes in the image forming units 4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K, 4H1, 4H2, and 4H3, respectively, and FIG. The secondary transfer process is shown, and FIG. 6 (i) shows the fixing process in the fixing unit 47.

  In FIG. 10, A, B, C, and D are pixels of interest, and specifically correspond to the pixels in the areas of the objects Oa, Ob, Oc, and Od in the original image in FIG. To do.

  For the transfer and fixing process shown in FIG. 10, first, in the image forming unit 4Y, yellow (Y) toner is applied to the electrostatic latent image based on the Y component image signal of all pixels A, B, C, and D. The yellow toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 45 in the manner shown in FIG.

  Next, in the image forming unit 4M, the electrostatic latent image based on the M component image signal of all the pixels A, B, C, and D is developed with magenta (M) toner, and the magenta toner image is formed. The image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 45 in the mode shown in FIG.

  Next, in the image forming unit 4C, the electrostatic latent image based on the C component image signal of all the pixels A, B, C, and D is developed with cyan (C) toner, and the cyan toner image is converted into the cyan toner image. The image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 45 in the mode shown in FIG.

  Next, in the image forming unit 4K, the electrostatic latent image based on the K component image signal of all the pixels A, B, C, and D is developed with black (K) toner, and the black toner image is formed. The image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 45 in the manner shown in FIG.

  Next, in the stereoscopic image forming unit 4H1, the electrostatic latent image of the pixel C is developed with the foaming toner H1 having the foaming ratio a1, and the foamed toner (H1) image is as shown in FIG. Then, the toner image is transferred onto the multi-color transfer toner image corresponding to the pixel C which has already been multiple transferred through FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (d).

  Next, in the three-dimensional image forming unit 4H2, the electrostatic latent image of the pixel A is developed with the foaming toner H2 having the foaming ratio a2, and the foamed toner (H2) image is as shown in FIG. Then, the toner image is transferred onto the multi-color transfer toner image corresponding to the pixel A which has already been multiplex-transferred through FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (d).

  Next, in the stereoscopic image forming unit 4H3, the electrostatic latent image of the pixel B is developed with the foaming toner H3 having the foaming ratio a3, and the foamed toner (H3) image is as shown in FIG. Then, the toner image is transferred onto the multi-color transfer toner image corresponding to the pixel B which has already been multiple transferred through FIGS.

  Next, when the process proceeds to the secondary transfer process (FIG. 10H), the toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 45 in the transfer processes shown in FIGS. Then, it is transferred onto the recording paper 48.

  Further, in the fixing process (FIG. 10 (i)), for the pixels A, B, and C in the area where the three-dimensional printing is instructed, the lowermost foamed toners H1, H2, and H3 are respectively foamed and formed thereon. Each multicolor multiple transfer toner is melted and fixed to form a color stereoscopic image.

  Further, in this fixing process [FIG. 10 (i)], the pixels D in the area where the three-dimensional print instruction is not made are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 45 in FIG. 10 (d), and further in FIG. 10 (h). The toner (in this example, black toner) transferred to the recording paper 48 is melted and fixed to form a normal (planar) image.

  When attention is paid to the color three-dimensional images corresponding to the pixels A, B, and C formed through the fixing process [FIG. 10 (i)], the lowermost foamed toners H1, H2, and H3 are foamed, respectively. The height of the stereoscopic image of each of the pixels A, B, and C is determined according to the condition.

  In the present invention, as described above, the foamed toners H1, H2, and H3 have a relationship of a1> a2> a3 with respect to the foaming ratios a1, a2, and a3.

  Accordingly, the heights h1, h2, and h3 of the color stereoscopic images corresponding to the pixels A, B, and C formed on the recording paper 48 after the fixing process have a relationship of h1> h2> h3, Different color stereoscopic images will be formed.

  That is, the conceptual cross-sectional configuration of the image formed on the recording paper 48 through the electrophotographic process shown in FIG. 10 based on the image obtained by reading the original G shown in FIG. 3 is also shown in FIG. It becomes such a height relationship.

  However, in this case, the objects Oa, Ob, and Oc in the original G are printed as color stereoscopic images having heights h2, h3, and h1, respectively, so that color stereoscopic images having different heights are mixed. A three-dimensional print output result is obtained.

  The image forming apparatus according to the above-described first and second embodiments forms an image by arranging a plurality of image forming apparatuses using an electrophotographic process in tandem (arranged in tandem). The present invention is not limited to this type, and can also be applied to an image forming apparatus that performs multilayer image formation in multiple cycles using an electrophotographic process.

  The image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment is of the latter type, and particularly forms a black and white stereoscopic image in multiple cycles.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus is, for example, a copying machine, and includes an image reading unit 1, a foamed toner information adding unit 2, an image processing unit 3, a three-dimensional print designation unit 5, a control unit 6, and an image forming unit 7. .

  Among these, the image reading unit 1, the foamed toner information adding unit 2, the image processing unit 3, and the three-dimensional print designating unit 5 are equivalent to the corresponding units of the image forming apparatus (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment. It is.

  In this image forming apparatus, the image forming unit 7 includes a charging unit 72, an exposure unit 73, a plurality of developing units 74 (74H1, 74H2, 74H3, and 74K), an intermediate transfer member 75, and a cleaning unit on the circumferential surface of the photoreceptor 71. 76 is arranged.

  Further, at a position opposite to the photosensitive member 71 on the peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer member 75, a transfer unit 77 for transferring a toner image transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer member 75 for each cycle onto the recording paper 80. Further, a fixing unit 78 including a heating roll 781 and a pressure roll 782 is provided on the right side of the transfer unit 77.

  Among the developing units 74, the three-dimensional developing units 74H1, 74H2, and 74H3 are filled with foamed toners having different foaming ratios (in this example, H1, H2, and H3) as developers, and the respective foamed toner components. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 71 based on the image signal is developed as a foamed toner image using the foamed toners H1, H2, and H3.

  The developing unit 74K is filled with black toner as a developer, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 71 based on the black component image signal is developed as a black toner image using the black toner. To do.

  Next, the operation of this image forming apparatus will be described.

  The image forming operation of this image forming apparatus is basically realized by following the image forming process in this type of general color image forming apparatus.

  However, in this type of general color image apparatus, each process of exposure, development, and transfer is performed in a cycle corresponding to each color, and a toner image of each color is laminated on the recording sheet 80, and each color multi-layer toner image is obtained. In contrast to fixing and forming a color image, in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, instead of the exposure, development, and transfer processes of the respective colors, foamed toners H1, H2, and H3 and black (K) toner are used, respectively. Each of the foamed toner image and the black toner image is laminated on the recording paper 80 by performing exposure, development, and transfer processes, and the foamed toner is foamed in the process of fixing the laminated toner image composed of the foamed toner and the black toner. Thus, a black and white stereoscopic image is formed.

  In this image forming apparatus, for example, consider the operation when the original G shown in FIG. 3 is copied under the stereoscopic instruction conditions shown in FIG.

  In this case, from the image processing unit 3 to the exposure unit 73 of the image forming unit 7, for example, in each cycle, for example, FIG. 4 (b), FIG. 4 (c), FIG. ) Image signals of the respective components (foamed toner H1, H2, H3, and K components) are sequentially input.

  As a result, in the first (first) cycle, the exposure unit 73 performs exposure scanning based on the image signal of the foamed toner H1 component input from the image processing unit 3 to perform the photosensitive member 71 (in advance by the cleaning unit 76). The residual toner is removed, and the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal is formed on the charging unit 72).

  This electrostatic latent image is developed as a foamed toner H1 image using the foamed toner H1 in the three-dimensional developing unit 74H1.

  Next, the foamed toner H1 image is transferred from the photosensitive member 71 to the intermediate transfer member 75, and further transferred from the intermediate transfer member 75 to the recording paper 80 (from a paper supply tray (not shown) in the direction of arrow a) by the transfer unit 77. Will be transcribed.

  The recording sheet 80 to which the foamed toner H1 image is transferred is then repeatedly conveyed in the directions of arrows b and a, and the foamed toner H2, foamed toner H3 and black toners in the second to fourth cycles described later. Receives image transfer.

  In other words, in the second cycle, the exposure unit 73 performs exposure scanning based on the image signal of the foamed toner H2 component input from the image processing unit 3, and the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal on the photoreceptor 71. Form.

  This electrostatic latent image is developed as a foamed toner H2 image using the foamed toner H2 in the three-dimensional developing section 74H2, and then transferred to the intermediate transfer body 75 from the photosensitive member 71. Further, the intermediate transfer body is transferred by the transfer section 77. 75 to the recording paper 80.

  Subsequently, in the third cycle, the exposure unit 73 performs exposure scanning based on the image signal of the foamed toner H3 component input from the image processing unit 3, and the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal is formed on the photoconductor 71. Form an image.

  The electrostatic latent image is developed as a foamed toner H3 image using the foamed toner H3 in the three-dimensional developing unit 74H3, and then transferred to the intermediate transfer member 75 from the photosensitive member 71. Further, the intermediate transfer member is transferred by the transfer unit 77. 75 to the recording paper 80.

  Further, in the fourth cycle, the exposure unit 73 performs exposure scanning based on the K (black) component image signal input from the image processing unit 3, and causes an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal on the photoreceptor 71. Form an image.

  This electrostatic latent image is developed as a black toner image using black toner (K) in the developing unit 74K, and then transferred from the photoreceptor 71 to the intermediate transfer member 75. Further, the transfer unit 77 further transfers the intermediate transfer member. 75 to the recording paper 80.

  According to the above process, when the fourth cycle is finished, the foamed toner H1 image, the foamed toner H2 image, the foamed toner H3 image, and the black toner image are displayed on the recording paper 80, for example, FIG. Are transferred to a multilayer state in the manner shown in FIG.

  The recording sheet 80 on which the foamed toner H1 image, the foamed toner H2 image, the foamed toner H3 image, and the black toner image are transferred in a multilayer state (see FIG. 5E) in the first to fourth cycles is then transferred to the fixing unit. 78, passes through the nip portion of the heating roll 781 and the pressure roll 782, and is discharged to a discharge tray (not shown).

  In this process, the multilayer toner image on the recording paper 80 is fixed on the recording paper 80 when passing through the nip portion of the heating roll 781 and the pressure roll 782, and the foamed toners H1, H2, and H3 are removed. Each foams and forms a three-dimensional image in a mode as shown in FIG.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the foamed toners H1, H2, and H3 have different foaming ratios a (H1: a = a1, H2: a = a2, H3: a = a3). The values are different [see FIG. 5 (f)]. Thereby, a three-dimensional print output result in which black and white three-dimensional images having different heights are mixed on the recording paper 80 is obtained.

  As in the third embodiment, the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment forms a multi-layered image in multiple cycles using an electrophotographic process, and is particularly a copier capable of forming a color stereoscopic image.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. Elements having the same functions as corresponding parts in FIGS. 7 and 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The image forming apparatus includes an image reading unit 1a, a foamed toner information adding unit 2, an image processing unit 3a, a three-dimensional print designating unit 5, a control unit 6, and an image forming unit 7a. The toner information adding unit 2, the image processing unit 3a, and the three-dimensional print designation unit 5 are equivalent to the corresponding units of the image forming apparatus (see FIG. 7) according to the second embodiment.

  In this image forming apparatus, the image forming unit 7a has a configuration in which developing units 74Y, 74M, and 74C are further added to the configuration of the image forming unit 7 of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment (see FIG. 11). Have.

  These developing units 74Y, 74M, and 74C are filled with toners of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C), respectively, as developers, and Y, M, and C components, respectively. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 71 is developed as a toner image of each corresponding color (Y, M, C) based on the image signal.

  Next, the operation of this image forming apparatus will be described.

  The image forming operation of this image forming apparatus is basically the same as that of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment (see FIG. 11), but in particular, the foamed toner H1 component of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment, An image forming cycle for each of the Y, M, and C color components is further added to the image forming cycle for the expanded toner H2, the expanded toner H3 component, and the K component.

  In this image forming apparatus, for example, consider the operation when the original G shown in FIG. 3 is copied under the stereoscopic instruction conditions shown in FIG.

  In this case, from the image processing unit 3a to the exposure unit 73 of the image forming unit 7a, for example, FIG. 9 (e), FIG. 9 (f), FIG. ), (B), (c), and (d) (foaming toner H1, H2, H3, Y, M, C, K components). ) Image signals are sequentially input.

  As a result, in the first (first) cycle, the exposure unit 73 performs exposure scanning based on the image signal of the foamed toner H1 component input from the image processing unit 3a to perform the photosensitive member 71 (in advance by the cleaning unit 76). The residual toner is removed, and the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal is formed on the charging unit 72).

  This electrostatic latent image is developed as a foamed toner H1 image using the foamed toner H1 in the three-dimensional developing unit 74H1, and then transferred to the intermediate transfer member 75 from the photosensitive member 71. Further, the intermediate transfer member is transferred by the transfer unit 77. 75 to recording paper 80 (conveyed in the direction of arrow a from a paper feed tray (not shown)).

  The recording sheet 80 onto which the foamed toner H1 image has been transferred is then repeatedly conveyed in the directions of arrows b and a, and the foamed toner H2, the foamed toner H3 image, and the Y toner in the second to seventh cycles to be described later. The image, M toner image, C toner image, and black (K) toner image are transferred.

  That is, in the second cycle, the exposure unit 73 performs exposure scanning based on the image signal of the foamed toner H2 component input from the image processing unit 3a, and the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal on the photoreceptor 71. Form.

  This electrostatic latent image is developed as a foamed toner H2 image using the foamed toner H2 in the three-dimensional developing section 74H2, and then transferred to the intermediate transfer body 75 from the photosensitive member 71. Further, the intermediate transfer body is transferred by the transfer section 77. 75 to the recording paper 80.

  Subsequently, in the third cycle, the exposure unit 73 performs exposure scanning based on the image signal of the foamed toner H3 component input from the image processing unit 3a, and the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal is formed on the photoconductor 71. Form an image.

  The electrostatic latent image is developed as a foamed toner H3 image using the foamed toner H3 in the three-dimensional developing unit 74H3, and then transferred to the intermediate transfer member 75 from the photosensitive member 71. Further, the intermediate transfer member is transferred by the transfer unit 77. 75 to the recording paper 80.

  Subsequently, in the fourth cycle, the exposure unit 73 performs exposure scanning based on the Y component image signal input from the image processing unit 3a to display an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal on the photoconductor 71. Form.

  This electrostatic latent image is developed as a Y toner image using Y toner in the developing unit 74Y, and is then transferred from the photoreceptor 71 to the intermediate transfer member 75, and further recorded from the intermediate transfer member 75 by the transfer unit 77. It is transferred to the paper 80.

  Subsequently, in the fifth cycle, the exposure unit 73 performs exposure scanning based on the M component image signal input from the image processing unit 3a, and displays an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal on the photoconductor 71. Form.

  This electrostatic latent image is developed as an M toner image using M toner in the developing unit 74M, and then transferred from the photosensitive member 71 to the intermediate transfer member 75. Further, the electrostatic transfer image is recorded from the intermediate transfer member 75 by the transfer unit 77. It is transferred to the paper 80.

  Subsequently, in the sixth cycle, the exposure unit 73 performs exposure scanning based on the C component image signal input from the image processing unit 3a to display an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal on the photoreceptor 71. Form.

  The electrostatic latent image is developed as a C toner image using C toner in the developing unit 74 </ b> C, and is then transferred from the photosensitive member 71 to the intermediate transfer member 75, and is further recorded from the intermediate transfer member 75 by the transfer unit 77. It is transferred to the paper 80.

  Further, in the seventh cycle, the exposure unit 73 performs exposure scanning based on the K (black) component image signal input from the image processing unit 3a, and causes an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal on the photosensitive member 71. Form an image.

  This electrostatic latent image is developed as a black toner image using black toner (K) in the developing unit 74K, and then transferred from the photoreceptor 71 to the intermediate transfer member 75. Further, the transfer unit 77 further transfers the intermediate transfer member. 75 to the recording paper 80.

  According to the above process, when the seventh cycle is completed, the foamed toner H1 image, the foamed toner H2 image, the foamed toner H3 image, the Y color toner image, the M color toner image, and the C color are displayed on the recording paper 80. The toner image and the black toner image are transferred in a multilayer state, for example, as shown in FIG.

  In the first to seventh cycles, the expanded toner H1, the expanded toner H2, the expanded toner H3 image, the Y color toner image, the M color toner image, the C color toner image, and the black toner image are in a multilayer state [FIG. 10 (h) Thereafter, the recording sheet 80 transferred to the reference] is conveyed to the fixing unit 78, passes through the nip portion of the heating roll 781 and the pressure roll 782, and is discharged to a discharge tray (not shown).

  In this process, the multilayer toner image on the recording paper 80 is fixed on the recording paper 80 when passing through the nip portion of the heating roll 781 and the pressure roll 782.

  In this fixing process, among the multilayer toner images, each color toner image above the lowermost layer is mixed to form a color image, and the lowermost foamed toners H1, H2, H3 are foamed, For example, a color stereoscopic image is formed in a manner as shown in FIG.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the foamed toners H1, H2, and H3 have different foaming ratios a (H1: a = a1, H2: a = a2, H3: a = a3). The values are different (see FIG. 10 (i)). Thereby, a three-dimensional print output result in which color three-dimensional images having different heights are mixed on the recording paper 80 is obtained.

  As described with reference to each of the above embodiments, in the present invention, foaming developers (foamed toners H1, H2, H3) having different foaming rates are filled, and image carriers [photosensitive drums 42H1, 42H2, 42H3 (see FIGS. 1 and 7) or the photoreceptor 71 (see FIGS. 11 and 12)], the electrostatic latent images of the respective foamable developer components formed on the photoreceptor 71 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) are respectively used with the corresponding foamable developers. A plurality of three-dimensional image developing means (stereoscopic developing units 44H1, 44H2, 44H3 (see FIGS. 1 and 7), or three-dimensional developing units 74H1, 74H2, and 74H3 (FIG. 11)) that develop as a foamable developer image (foamed toner image). , Refer to FIG. 12)], and generate an image signal of the foamable developer component filled in each of the three-dimensional image developing means from the image information to be printed, and based on the image signal, exposure means [exposure section] 41H1, 41H2, 4 H3 (see FIGS. 1 and 7) or exposure unit 73 (see FIGS. 11 and 12)] to form an electrostatic latent image of the corresponding foamable developer component on the image carrier. A latent image of each foamable developer component formed on the image carrier is developed as a foamable developer image by each of the three-dimensional image developing means corresponding to the foamable developer component. .

  According to this configuration, the foamed toner images of the foamed toners H1, H2, and H3 developed by the respective three-dimensional image developing units are transferred to the recording medium, and the foaming ratios a1, a2, and the respective foamed toners H1, H2, and H3 have By foaming with a3, three-dimensional images having different heights (a plurality of heights) can be formed.

  As a result, three-dimensional images (see FIG. 6) having different heights are mixed on the recording medium, and a three-dimensional image printed matter with more impact on the user (reader) can be provided.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and can be implemented by being appropriately modified within the scope not changing the gist thereof.

  For example, regarding the realization of the print area designation unit 5 in each of the above embodiments, a user interface (UI) can be provided, and a function that allows the user to designate a three-dimensional print area or a normal print designation area can be added.

  For example, the area designation mode screen is displayed on the operation screen of the input operation unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus shown in FIGS. 1, 7, 11, and 12, and the area to be three-dimensionally printed on this screen is displayed. A configuration is conceivable in which attributes (image portion, frame, character portion, etc.) are selected and the attribute information is input to the foamed toner information adding portion 2.

  In this case, the foaming toner information giving unit 2 extracts a region that matches the attribute from the document reflectance data input from the image reading unit 1 or 1a, and gives the above-described foaming toner information to the pixels in the region. This can be realized by the functional configuration.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is provided with an external interface, image data is fetched from an external device such as an information processing terminal (personal computer) or a digital camera via the external interface, and the image processing described above is performed on the image data. In addition, an image including a three-dimensional image using foamed toner can be printed.

  In particular, when printing image data captured from a personal computer, as a print area designation function corresponding to the print area designation unit 5, for example, an image to be printed is displayed on a display screen of a personal computer, and input using a keyboard or a mouse is performed. An area to be three-dimensionally printed in the image may be designated using the apparatus.

  In this case, the expanded toner information adding unit 2 extracts a pixel in the area designated as the three-dimensional print area from image data input from a personal computer, and adds the above-described expanded toner information to the pixel. Can be realized.

  In each of the above embodiments, an image forming apparatus based on a copying machine has been described. However, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention can also be applied to a printer or the like. The printer configuration in this case is realized, for example, by deleting the image reading unit 1 from the image forming apparatus (copier) in FIG. 1 and providing an interface function for fetching image data from an information processing terminal such as a personal computer instead. it can.

  The present invention can be applied to image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers, and realizes 3D image printing that has a greater impact on the user by printing out 3D images in which 3D images of different heights are mixed on a recording medium. it can.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of an original, its three-dimensional print area, and a height designation | designated method. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an image processing image in an image processing unit according to the first embodiment. 2 is a conceptual cross-sectional configuration diagram of a toner image for explaining a transfer and fixing process according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a conceptual side configuration of an image formed on a recording sheet through the process of FIG. 5. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an image processing image in an image processing unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a conceptual cross-sectional configuration diagram of a toner image for explaining a transfer and fixing process according to a second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a ... Image reading part, 2 ... Foamed toner information provision part, 3, 3a ... Image processing part, 30 ... Information separation part, 31 ... Signal conversion part, 32 ... Lightness / color space conversion part, 33 ... Color conversion part , 34 ... gradation correction section, 35 ... output signal synthesis section, 36 ... foamed toner information processing section, 361 ... three-dimensional print area determination section, 362 ... three-dimensional height determination section, 363 ... foam toner signal generation section, 4, 4a ... image forming section, 4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K ... non-stereo image forming section, 4H1, 4H2, 4H3 ... stereoscopic image forming section, 41Y, 41M, 41C, 41K, 41H1, 41H2, 41H3 ... exposure section, 42Y, 42M , 42C, 42K, 42H1, 42H2, 42H3... Photosensitive drum, 43Y, 43M, 43C, 43K, 43H1, 43H2, 43H3... Charging section, 44Y, 44M, 44C, 44K, 44H1, 4 H2, 44H3 ... developing section, 45 ... intermediate transfer belt, 46 ... transfer section, 47 ... fixing section, 48 ... recording paper, 5 ... stereoscopic print designation section, 6 ... main control section, 7, 7a ... image forming section, 71 ... Photoconductor, 72 ... Charging part, 73 ... Exposure part, 74H1, 74H2, 74H3 ... Stereoscopic development part, 74Y, 74M, 74C, 74K ... Development part, 75 ... Intermediate transfer member, 76 ... Cleaning part, 77 ... Transfer part 78 ... fixing unit, 781 ... heating roller, 782 ... pressure roller, 80 ... recording paper

Claims (3)

Designating means for designating a region to be three-dimensionally printed in the image information to be printed, and designating one height selected from a plurality of preset heights corresponding to the three-dimensional print region;
A granting unit for giving height information indicating a height designated by the designation unit to a pixel in the three-dimensional print area designated by the designation unit in the image information;
Separating means for inputting the image information to which the height information is given by the giving means and separating the image information including all the pixels and the image information including the pixels to which the height information is given,
Print data generation means for generating print data including gradation information of each color component from image information including all the pixels separated by the separation means;
Determining means for determining a height indicated by the height information given to each pixel in the image information including the pixels to which the height information separated by the separating means is given;
3D print data generating means for generating 3D print data of each height component corresponding to each pixel having the same height determined by the determining means;
An image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image, an exposure unit that forms an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier, and a developing unit that contains toner of a predetermined color, and is generated by the print data generation unit An electrostatic latent image corresponding to gradation information of the color component is formed on the image carrier by exposure scanning by the exposure unit based on the print data of the corresponding color component in the print data, and the electrostatic An image forming unit that develops a latent image with the color toner supplied from the developer and forms an image with the color toner;
Each of the image carrier, the exposure unit, and a developing unit that contains a thermally foamable toner is selectively specified by the specifying unit when the same amount of toner is foamed by heat. And containing thermally foamable toners having different foaming characteristics that foam at a corresponding one of the plurality of heights, wherein the three-dimensional print data generated by the three-dimensional print data generating means An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the print data of the height component is formed on the image carrier by exposure scanning in the exposure unit based on the print data of the corresponding height component, and the electrostatic latent image is A plurality of heat-foamable toner image forming portions for developing a heat-foamable toner image by developing with the heat-foamable toner having a foaming characteristic corresponding to the height component supplied from a developing device;
The toner image of the corresponding color formed in the image forming unit and the heat-expandable toner image of each corresponding height component formed by the respective heat-expandable toner image forming unit are superimposed and transferred onto a recording medium. Transcription means;
The color toner image and the heat-expandable toner image of each height component that are superimposed and transferred onto the recording medium by the transfer means are heated, and the heat-expandable toner image of each height component is heated to a corresponding height. An image forming apparatus comprising: a fixing unit that foams and fixes as a three-dimensional image using the color toner image on the upper layer . The image forming unit includes:
A black toner is accommodated, an electrostatic latent image is formed according to the gradation information of the black component based on the black component print data generated by the image processing means, and the electrostatic latent image is used as a black toner image. Black image forming unit that develops and transfers the black toner image to a recording medium
Consisting of
The three-dimensional black and white image is formed by transferring the black toner image formed by the black image forming unit onto the heat foaming toner image of each height component formed by the thermal foaming toner image forming unit. The image forming apparatus according to 1. The image forming unit includes:
Each toner of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is accommodated, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the gradation information of the color component is formed based on the print data of the corresponding color component generated by the image processing means. And developing the electrostatic latent image as a corresponding color toner image and transferring the color toner image to a recording medium.
Consisting of
A three-dimensional color image is formed by transferring the color toner images formed by the image forming portions of the respective colors onto the heat foamable toner images of the respective height components formed by the heat foamable toner image forming portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

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