JP5954568B2 - Stereoscopic image forming method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a stereoscopic image forming method, and more particularly, to a stereoscopic image forming method in which a thermally expandable sheet is selectively expanded to form a stereoscopic image.

  Conventionally, a thermally expandable sheet (or thermally foamable sheet) in which a thermally expandable layer (or foamed layer) containing foamable microcapsules that expands by heating is formed on one side of a base sheet is known. . After printing a highly light-absorbing image pattern on this thermally expandable sheet, the thermal expansion layer in the region corresponding to the image pattern is selected by irradiating with light containing infrared rays (including far infrared rays in general) The three-dimensional image corresponding to the image pattern can be formed on one side of the base sheet by being heated and expanded.

  As for such a three-dimensional image forming technique, for example, in Patent Document 1, printing is performed on the surface of the thermally expandable sheet on the thermal expansion layer side or the back surface of the base sheet side with black toner or ink having high light absorption. After the image is formed, the printed image is irradiated with light to absorb the light and generate heat, and the microcapsules in the thermal expansion layer in the region corresponding to the printed image are heated to expand (or foam). Thus, a method for forming a stereoscopic image is described.

  Further, for example, in Patent Document 2, a color image or the like is formed on the surface of the thermally expandable sheet on the side of the thermal expansion layer, and on the back side of the base sheet side, a gray image corresponding to a pattern or the like of the surface color image After the light absorption pattern is formed, by irradiating light from the back side of the thermally expandable sheet, heat corresponding to the density of the light absorption pattern is generated to control the expansion amount of the thermal expansion layer, and the stereoscopic image A method for adjusting the height of the ridge is described.

JP-A 64-28660 JP 2001-150812 A

  According to the three-dimensional image forming method as described above, a three-dimensional image in which a thermal expansion layer is selectively expanded to form a corresponding three-dimensional image corresponding to a printed image or a color image formed on a thermally expandable sheet. Can do.

  However, in the thermally expandable sheet having a stereoscopic image formed on the front side in this manner, a light absorption pattern is formed on the back side where light is irradiated in order to heat and expand the thermally expanded layer selectively. There is a need. Therefore, there has been a problem that the back side of the thermally expandable sheet cannot be used. Specifically, for example, a color image composed of a three-dimensional image was formed on one side, such as a picture postcard, and the address could not be printed on the other side (corresponding to the back side). In order to solve such a problem, for example, a method of attaching a seal for hiding the light absorption pattern on the back surface side of the thermally expandable sheet or applying a white ink and printing the address on the surface is conceivable. . However, such a method has problems such that the work becomes complicated and the cost increases, and further, the seal or the coating material is peeled off during use as a postcard or the like.

  Therefore, in view of the above-described problems, the present invention provides a stereoscopic image forming method that can effectively use the other side of the thermally expandable sheet on which the stereoscopic image is formed on one side by a simple method. With the goal.

A stereoscopic image forming method according to the present invention includes:
Forming a first image on the one surface side of the thermally expandable sheet having a thermally expanded layer formed on the one surface side;
Desired on the other side of the thermally expandable sheet by the second coloring material that does not generate heat even when light is incident or generates heat to such an extent that the thermally expandable sheet does not expand even when light is incident. And then sticking a peelable adhesive seal on the other side of the thermally expandable sheet,
Forming a second image with a first coloring material that is a material that generates heat when light is incident on the surface of the tight seal;
By generating heat in the second image from the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet, the thermal expansion layer corresponding to the second image is selectively expanded, and the first image Forming a 3D image,
The adhesive seal is peeled off from the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet to expose the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet.

In addition, the stereoscopic image forming method according to the present invention includes:
Forming a first image on the one surface side of the thermally expandable sheet having a thermally expanded layer formed on the one surface side;
Desired on the other side of the thermally expandable sheet by the second coloring material that does not generate heat even when light is incident or generates heat to such an extent that the thermally expandable sheet does not expand even when light is incident. Next, a peelable adhesive seal in which a second image is formed by a first coloring material that is a material that generates heat when light is incident on the other side of the thermally expandable sheet Affix
By generating heat in the second image from the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet, the thermal expansion layer corresponding to the second image is selectively expanded, and the first image Forming a 3D image,
The adhesive seal is peeled off from the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet to expose the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively use the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet in which a three-dimensional image is formed on one surface side by a simple method.

It is a flowchart which shows 1st Embodiment of the three-dimensional image formation method which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic plan view (the 1) which shows the specific example in the three-dimensional image formation method which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic plan view (the 2) which shows the specific example in the three-dimensional image formation method which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the specific example in the three-dimensional image formation method which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the effectiveness of the three-dimensional image formation method which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the three-dimensional image formation method which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic plan view which shows the specific example in the three-dimensional image formation method which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the specific example in the three-dimensional image formation method which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows 2nd Embodiment of the three-dimensional image formation method which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic plan view (the 1) which shows the specific example in the three-dimensional image formation method which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic plan view (the 2) which shows the specific example in the three-dimensional image formation method which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing (the 1) which shows the specific example in the three-dimensional image formation method which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing (the 2) which shows the specific example in the three-dimensional image formation method which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the three-dimensional image formation method which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic plan view which shows the specific example in the three-dimensional image formation method which concerns on the modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the specific example in the three-dimensional image formation method which concerns on the modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the printing apparatus applied to the stereo image formation apparatus which can implement | achieve the stereo image formation method which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the printing mechanism part in the printing apparatus applicable to the three-dimensional image formation method which concerns on this invention. It is a functional block diagram showing an example of a printing apparatus applicable to the stereoscopic image forming method according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, a stereoscopic image forming method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of a stereoscopic image forming method according to the present invention. 2 and 3 are schematic plan views illustrating a specific example of the stereoscopic image forming method according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a specific example of the stereoscopic image forming method according to the present embodiment. . 2 and 3, a diagram showing one surface side (stereoscopic image forming surface) of the thermally expandable sheet is arranged on the left side of the drawing, and the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet (character information forming surface) is on the right side of the drawings. , Light irradiation surface). In FIGS. 2 and 3, for the sake of simplicity, the stereoscopic image forming sticker, the mirror image, and the stereoscopic image of the color image are hatched for convenience.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the three-dimensional image forming method according to the first embodiment is roughly summarized as follows: image data preparation step (S101), one side image forming step (S102), and other side seal sticking step (S103). And an other side image forming step (S104), a light irradiation / thermal expansion step (S105), an other side seal peeling step (S106), and an other side use step (S107). .

  In the image data preparation step (S101), first, image data of an arbitrary chromatic image (hereinafter referred to as “chromatic image data” for convenience) that is a target of the stereoscopic image, and the stereoscopic image of the chromatic image are displayed on one side. And a three-dimensional image forming seal to be affixed to the other side of the thermally expandable sheet.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 4A, the thermally expandable sheet is formed with a thermally expandable layer (foamed layer) 12 containing foamable microcapsules on one surface side (upper surface side of the drawing) of the base sheet 11. It has the structure which was made. Further, the color image may be a color image, a monochrome image or a monotone image, and may include not only an image but also character information. Further, the three-dimensional image forming seal is formed with an adhesive layer for closely adhering to the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet on one surface side, a mirror image described later can be formed on the other surface side, and A recording medium with high thermal conductivity is used. The adhesive layer formed on one side of the three-dimensional image forming seal has a thermal expansion without peeling even if thermal energy is generated at least in the light irradiation / thermal expansion step (S105) described later. It has a function of maintaining the state of being in good contact with the other surface side of the adhesive sheet and transmitting the thermal energy satisfactorily. In addition, the adhesive layer may damage the other side of the thermally expandable sheet when the three-dimensional image forming seal is peeled from the other side of the thermally expandable sheet in the other side seal peeling step (S106). And good peeling properties that do not remain on the other surface side.

  Next, based on the chromatic image data, the density of the black component corresponding to the pattern or the like of the chromatic image is determined for an image including a mirror image (hereinafter referred to as “mirror image” for convenience) that is an inverted image of the chromatic image. Set image data (hereinafter referred to as “mirror image data” for convenience) is generated. Specifically, for example, the density of the black component of the mirror image is set on the basis of the raised height (foaming height) of the thermal expansion layer, which is included in the color image data and is planned for the pattern or the like of the color image. Here, the raised height of the color image may be prepared and used separately from the color image data, or may be arbitrarily set by the user. In the present specification, the black component set in the mirror image is not limited to black as a chromatic color, but generates heat energy by absorbing light including infrared rays (which generally means far infrared rays). It shall mean a material having photothermal conversion characteristics. As a material (first coloring material) having such photothermal conversion characteristics, for example, carbon black can be applied.

  Next, in the one-side image forming step (S102), as shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 4 (a), the image data preparation step (S101) is performed on the surface on one side of the thermally expandable sheet 10. On the basis of the color image data prepared in step 1, a color image 21 such as a dog image or a mountain image is formed (printed). Here, for the formation of the color image 21 on the one surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, various types of printing apparatuses such as an inkjet system, a laser system, and a thermal transfer system shown in a stereoscopic image forming apparatus described later can be applied. it can.

  Next, in the other surface side sticking step (S103), as shown in FIGS. 2 (b) and 4 (b), for example, the entire surface of the base material sheet 11 is covered on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10. In order to do (or hide), a three-dimensional image forming seal 13 having the same size as the thermally expandable sheet 10 and a two-dimensional spread is brought into close contact and adhered (attached). Here, as the stereoscopic image forming seal 13, a film-like or thin-paper-like recording medium that has flexibility and can be printed can be applied. In addition, as described above, the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 is provided with an adhesive layer on one side to be bonded to the base sheet 11, and is in close contact with the base sheet 11 through the adhesive layer. In addition, it has a configuration that can be arbitrarily peeled off from the base sheet 11. Specifically, a transparent or opaque resin film or thin paper coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive (film-like member) as an adhesive layer can be applied.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 is applied so as to cover the entire area on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. That is, in the other side image forming step (S104) described later, the other side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 corresponding to a region including a mirror image formed (printed) on the surface of the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 is covered. In addition, as long as the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 is attached, a part of the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet may be exposed. In this case, as the three-dimensional image forming seal 13, a seal having a shape corresponding to at least the region including the mirror image and a planar spread is applied.

  Next, in the other side image forming step (S104), as shown in FIGS. 2 (c) and 4 (c), the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 affixed to the other side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 is used. Using the mirror image data prepared in the image data preparation step (S101) on the surface, the density was set to a predetermined density corresponding to the position of the color image 21 formed on one side of the thermally expandable sheet 10. A black mirror image 22 is formed (printed). Here, the mirror image 22 formed on the surface of the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 is formed of ink or toner having photothermal conversion characteristics such as the above-described carbon black. In addition, in forming the mirror image 22 on the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, various methods such as an inkjet method, a laser method, and a thermal transfer method shown in a stereoscopic image forming apparatus described later are used. A printing device can be applied.

  Next, in the light irradiation / thermal expansion step (S105), as shown in FIG. 4 (d), a colored image 21 is formed on the thermal expansion layer 12 on the one surface side, and a stereoscopic image pasted on the other surface side. The heat-expandable sheet 10 having the mirror image 22 formed on the forming seal 13 is uniformly irradiated with light LT including infrared rays from the other side by a light source such as a halogen lamp or an infrared lamp. As a result, the mirror image 22 formed on the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 absorbs the irradiated light to generate thermal energy, and the thermal energy is thermally expanded from the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 through the base sheet 11. The thermal expansion layer 12 is heated in a region corresponding to the formation position of the mirror image 22 transmitted to the layer 12. Here, the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 on which the mirror image 22 is formed is adhered and adhered to the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 (base material sheet 11) by an adhesive layer (not shown). The generated thermal energy is transmitted to the thermal expansion layer 12 through the base sheet 11 with high heat conduction efficiency.

  Thus, the microcapsules of the thermal expansion layer 12 in the corresponding region on the one surface side are heated by the thermal energy generated in the mirror image 22 on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, so that FIG. As shown in the left figure and FIG. 4 (e), the thermal expansion layer 12 is selectively expanded (foamed). At this time, since the thermal energy generated in the mirror image 22 is defined according to the density of the black component forming the mirror image 22, the thermal expansion layer 12 is raised to a predetermined height, and a three-dimensional image of the color image 21 is formed. The

  Next, in the other side seal peeling step (S106), as shown in FIG. 4 (e), the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 attached to the other side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 is peeled off (peeled off). 3), the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 (base material sheet 11) is exposed as shown in the right figure of FIG. Here, since the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 is bonded to the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 via an adhesive layer made of, for example, an adhesive having pressure-sensitive adhesiveness, the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 is used. When peeling off, the surface of the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 (base material sheet 11) does not cause damage such as peeling or tearing, and the adhesive remains on the surface of the other surface side. There is nothing.

  Next, in the other side use step (S107), for example, as shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. 4F, the desired result is directly applied to the surface of the base sheet 11 on the other side of the thermally expandable sheet 10. Form information. In FIG.3 (b) and FIG.4 (f), the case where it applies to a picture postcard or a greeting card as an example of utilization of the thermally expansible sheet | seat 10 is shown. In this case, a three-dimensional image of a color image 21 such as a dog image or a mountain image is formed on one side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, and an address, address, contact information, message, or the like is formed on the other side. Is formed (printed), and a postage stamp 24 is affixed. Here, in this specification, “character information” is not a three-dimensional image mode, but includes information such as images, graphics, symbols, and the like as long as it is information printed on a general printed matter. Or it may not contain any characters. Even in the formation of the character information 23 and the like on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, when the height of the three-dimensional image formed on the one surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 is relatively low (the expanded thermally expanded layer 12 In the case where the total thickness of the heat-expandable sheet 10 including, for example, less than 1 mm is used, various methods such as a commercially available (so-called household) inkjet method, laser method, thermal transfer method, and the like shown in a stereoscopic image forming apparatus described later are used. A printing device can be applied. In addition, when the raised height of the stereoscopic image is relatively high (when the thickness of the entire thermally expandable sheet 10 is, for example, 1 mm or more), a non-contact type printing apparatus such as a business inkjet printer is applied, Character information 23 and the like can be formed (printed) on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10. In addition, the character information 23 etc. formed in the other surface side of the thermally expansible sheet 10 may be described by handwriting, without using said printing apparatus.

  As shown in FIGS. 3B and 4F, the above-described series of three-dimensional image forming methods according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4F, are shown on the left side of FIG. Character information 23 is formed on the other side (the right side of FIG. 3B, the lower side of FIG. 4F) of the thermally expandable sheet 10 on which the three-dimensional image of the chromatic image 21 is formed on the upper side. Or postage stamp 24 can be used effectively.

  That is, in the stereoscopic image forming method shown in the background art described above, when a stereoscopic image of the color image 21 is formed on one surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 as shown in the left diagram of FIG. As shown in the figure, it is necessary to form a mirror image 22 that is a reverse image of the chromatic image 21 on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, and this mirror image 22 is formed on the thermally expandable sheet 10 ( The base sheet 11) is left as it is formed on the other side. Therefore, when using such a heat-expandable sheet 10 as a postcard or greeting card, the mirror image 22 becomes an obstacle, and the address, address, message, etc. cannot be printed or handwritten on the other side. This has hindered the expansion of usage of the thermally expandable sheet 10 and the development of applied products. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the effectiveness of the three-dimensional image forming method according to the present embodiment, and is a schematic plan view showing the problems of the comparative example. Here, in order to simplify the description, the same notation is used for the same configuration as that of the present embodiment (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

  On the other hand, in the stereoscopic image forming method according to the present embodiment, the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 is attached to the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 and the mirror image 22 is directly attached to the stereoscopic image forming seal 13. After the formation, the thermal expansion layer 12 is selectively thermally expanded by light irradiation to form a stereoscopic image, and then the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 is peeled off. Thereby, in this embodiment, the mirror image for forming a three-dimensional image is not formed on the other surface side of the thermally expansible sheet 10 in which the three-dimensional image of the chromatic image 21 is formed on one side (or the remaining image). State) can be realized. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a three-dimensional image of a chromatic image can be formed on one side of the thermally expandable sheet by a simple method, and the other side can be freely used. Application to various products such as postcards and greeting cards for sex sheets can be proposed.

  In the present embodiment, the method of sticking the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 on the other surface side after forming a colored image on one surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is not something. That is, even in the above-described image data preparation step (S101), the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 is pasted on the other side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 prepared for forming a three-dimensional image. Good. Also in this case, after forming the mirror image 22 on the surface of the stereoscopic image forming seal 13, the thermal expansion layer 12 is selectively thermally expanded by light irradiation, and then the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 is peeled off. The other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 can be freely used. In this method, the other surface side sticking step (S103) described above is omitted.

  Further, in the present embodiment, after forming a color image 21 on one surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, a stereoscopic image forming seal 13 is pasted on the other surface side and a mirror image 22 is formed on the surface. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, even if the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 is affixed to the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 and a mirror image 22 is formed on the surface, then a color image 21 is formed on the one surface side. Good.

<Modification of First Embodiment>
Next, a modification of the stereoscopic image forming method according to the first embodiment described above will be described.
In the first embodiment described above, after the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 is pasted on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 on which the colored image 21 is formed on one surface side, or in advance, the stereoscopic image forming seal 13. The method of forming the mirror image 22 on the surface of the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 after forming the color image 21 on one side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 attached to the other side has been described. In the modification of the present embodiment, there is a method of preparing a stereoscopic image forming seal 13 on which a mirror image 22 is formed in advance and sticking the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 to the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10. ing.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a modification of the stereoscopic image forming method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing a specific example in the stereoscopic image forming method according to this modification, and FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a specific example in the stereoscopic image forming method according to this modification. As in the first embodiment described above, in FIG. 7, a diagram showing one surface side (stereoscopic image forming surface) of the thermally expandable sheet is placed on the left side of the drawing, and the thermally expandable sheet is placed on the right side of the drawing. The other side (character information formation surface, light irradiation surface) is shown. Further, in FIG. 7, the stereoscopic image forming sticker, the mirror image, and the stereoscopic image of the color image are shown hatched for convenience. Further, the same configuration and method as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the three-dimensional image forming method according to the modification of the first embodiment is roughly an image data preparation step (S111), a one-side image forming step (S112), and an other-side seal sticking step. (S113), a light irradiation / thermal expansion step (S114), an other side seal peeling step (S115), and an other side use step (S116).

  In the image data preparation step (S111), similarly to the first embodiment described above, first, color image data, a thermally expandable sheet, and a stereoscopic image forming seal are prepared. Here, in this modification, a mirror image that is a reverse image of the color image based on the color image data is formed in advance on the surface of the stereoscopic image formation sticker. In this method of forming a mirror image on the stereoscopic image forming sticker, for example, prior to the image data preparation step (S111), mirror image data is formed using the color image data, and based on this, the mirror image is formed on the stereoscopic image forming sticker. The forming method can be applied. Further, the mirror image formed in advance on the stereoscopic image forming seal is formed of ink or toner having photothermal conversion characteristics such as carbon black, as in the first embodiment.

  Next, in the one side image forming step (S112) and the other side seal sticking step (S113), as shown in FIGS. 7A and 8A, as in the first embodiment described above, A chromatic image 21 is formed (printed) on one surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 based on the chromatic image data, and then, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 8B, the thermally expandable sheet A three-dimensional image forming seal 13 on which a mirror image 22 is formed in advance is brought into close contact with and adhered to (attached to) the other surface side of 10.

  In the present modification, the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 affixed to the other surface of the thermally expandable sheet 10 has a size corresponding to at least a region including the mirror image 22 as in the first embodiment. It is sufficient if it has a thickness and a planar spread. Here, when the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 is affixed to the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, there is a correspondence between the formation position of the color image 21 formed on the one surface side and the formation position of the mirror image 22. Since the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 needs to be accurately set (matched), it is more preferable that the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 has the same size and planar spread as the thermally expandable sheet 10.

  Next, as in the first embodiment described above, in the light irradiation / thermal expansion step (S114), as shown in FIG. 8C, the light LT containing infrared rays is emitted from the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10. Irradiation is performed to heat and selectively expand the thermal expansion layer 12 in a region corresponding to the formation position of the mirror image 22 to form a stereoscopic image of the color image 21. Next, in the other surface side seal peeling step (S115), as shown in FIG. 8 (d), the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 is peeled off from the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, and FIG. As shown in (c), the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 (base material sheet 11) is exposed. Thereby, the three-dimensional image of the chromatic image 21 is formed on the one surface side, and the thermally expandable sheet 10 in which the base sheet 11 that can be freely used on the other surface side (that is, the mirror image is not formed) is exposed is formed. Can do. Therefore, in the other surface side use step (S116), as shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. 4F described above, directly on the surface of the base material sheet 11 on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, Desired information can be formed (printed) or handwritten, and applied to picture postcards, greeting cards, and the like.

  As described above, in this modification as well, it is possible to form a three-dimensional image of a colored image on one side of the thermally expandable sheet by a simple method, and the other side can be freely used. Application of the inflatable sheet to various products can be proposed.

  In this modification, a three-dimensional image forming seal 13 on which a mirror image 22 is formed in advance is attached to the other side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, and the thermally expandable layer 12 is selectively thermally expanded by light irradiation. Then, after forming a stereoscopic image of the chromatic image 21, the case where the method of peeling the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 is executed only once has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and the three-dimensional image of the color image 21 is formed on one side of the plurality of thermally expandable sheets 10 by repeatedly using the single three-dimensional image forming seal 13 on which the mirror image 22 is formed. May be formed.

  That is, as the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 applied to the present modification, the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 itself is not easily damaged even if the sticking and peeling to the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 are repeated. A high material such as a resin film is applied. Accordingly, a single three-dimensional image forming seal 13 on which a mirror image 22 has been previously formed can be repeatedly applied and peeled (that is, reused) to a plurality of thermally expandable sheets 10. It is possible to form (produce) a large amount of the thermally expandable sheet 10 in which the same stereoscopic image is formed and the other side can be freely used.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the stereoscopic image forming method according to the present invention will be described.
In the first embodiment described above, a three-dimensional image of the chromatic image 21 is formed on one side with the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 attached to the other side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, and then three-dimensional image formation is performed. A method for peeling the seal 13 and forming arbitrary character information 23 and the like on the other surface side has been described. In the second embodiment, after arbitrary character information 23 or the like is formed in advance on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, a stereoscopic image forming sticker 13 is pasted, and the stereoscopic image of the colored image 21 is formed on the one surface side. And then the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 is peeled off.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the stereoscopic image forming method according to the present invention. 10 and 11 are schematic plan views showing specific examples in the stereoscopic image forming method according to the present embodiment, and FIGS. 12 and 13 are schematic cross sections showing specific examples in the stereoscopic image forming method according to the present embodiment. FIG. As in the first embodiment described above, in FIGS. 10 and 11, a diagram showing one surface side (stereoscopic image forming surface) of the thermally expandable sheet is arranged on the left side of the drawing, and the thermal expansion is on the right side of the drawing. The other surface side (character information formation surface, light irradiation surface) of the adhesive sheet is shown. 10 and 11, the stereoscopic image forming sticker, the mirror image, and the stereoscopic image of the chromatic image are hatched for convenience. Further, the same configuration and method as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the three-dimensional image forming method according to the second embodiment is roughly an image data preparation step (S201), a one-side image forming step (S202), and an other-side information forming step (S203). And an other side seal sticking step (S204), an other side image forming step (S205), a light irradiation / thermal expansion step (S206), and an other side seal peeling step (S207). Yes.

  In the image data preparation step (S201), first, in addition to the color image data, the thermally expandable sheet, and the stereoscopic image forming seal similar to those of the first embodiment described above, in this embodiment, the thermal expansion is performed. Character information data (character information data) to be formed (printed) on the other side of the adhesive sheet is prepared. In this image data preparation step (S201), image data (mirror image data) including a mirror image that is an inverted image of the color image is generated based on the color image data.

  Next, in the one-side image forming step (S202), as in the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 12 (a), on one side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, A chromatic image 21 is formed (printed) based on the chromatic image data. Next, in the other side information forming step (S203), as shown in FIGS. 10 (b) and 12 (b), the surface on the other side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 (base material sheet 11) is Arbitrary character information 23 is formed (printed) based on the character information data prepared in the image data preparation step (S201).

  Here, the character information 23 formed on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 is formed using ink having the following characteristics. That is, in the other side seal sticking step (S204) to be described later, even if the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 stuck to the other side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 is a transparent film material or opaque, it transmits light. In the case where the character information 23 is formed of an easily thin film material (for example, thin paper) or the like, the character information 23 does not have photothermal conversion characteristics, or is a coloring material (second coloring material) such as ink or toner having low photothermal conversion characteristics. It is formed by. Specifically, light-colored carbon black (that is, gray), CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow) that does not contain carbon black, or any color ink or black ink formed by mixing these colors is good. Can be applied to.

  On the other hand, when the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 is formed of an opaque film material or a thick film material that hardly transmits light, the character information 23 is an arbitrary character regardless of the presence or absence of the photothermal conversion characteristics. It is formed of a coloring material (first coloring material, second coloring material) such as ink or toner. Specifically, carbon black, CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow) single color, or any color ink or black ink formed by a mixed color thereof can be applied satisfactorily. In the formation of the character information 23 on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, as in the formation of the color image 21, an inkjet method, a laser method, a thermal transfer method, etc., which are shown in a stereoscopic image forming apparatus described later, etc. Various types of printing apparatuses can be applied. The character information 23 formed on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 may be written by hand without using the above-described printing apparatus.

  Next, in the other surface side sticking step (S204), as shown in FIGS. 10C and 12C, the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 is brought into close contact with the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10. Adhere (stick). Thereby, the character information 23 formed on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 in the other surface information forming step (S203) described above is covered with the three-dimensional image forming seal 13.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 attached to the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 is formed on the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 at least in the other surface side image forming step (S205). It has a size corresponding to a region including the mirror image 22 and a planar spread. In addition, as will be described later, the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 corresponds to a region including the character information 23 formed on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 in the other surface information forming step (S203) described above. It is set to size and planar spread.

  Further, as described above, the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 is a characteristic of the ink used for the character information 23 formed (printed) on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 in the one surface side image forming step (S202). The material to be applied is selected according to the above. That is, when the character information 23 is formed of ink or toner having high photothermal conversion characteristics such as carbon black, an opaque film material or thick film material that hardly transmits light is used as the three-dimensional image forming seal 13. Applies. Thereby, in the light irradiation / thermal expansion step (S206), which will be described later, even when light is irradiated from the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, the ink forming the character information 23 absorbs the light and generates heat. The thermal expansion layer 12 on one surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 is not heated.

  On the other hand, the character information 23 does not have photothermal conversion characteristics such as light-colored carbon black, CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow) single color, or any color ink or black ink based on a mixed color thereof, or photothermal conversion characteristics. In the case where the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 is formed, a transparent film material or a thin film material that easily transmits light even if opaque can be used. Thereby, in the light irradiation / thermal expansion step (S206) to be described later, even when light is irradiated from the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, the ink forming the character information 23 absorbs (almost) light. Therefore, no heat is generated, and the thermal expansion layer 12 on the one surface side of the thermal expansion sheet 10 is not heated.

  Next, as in the first embodiment described above, in the other side image forming step (S205), as shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and 12 (d), on the other side of the thermally expandable sheet 10. A mirror image 22 based on the above mirror image data is directly formed (printed) on the surface of the pasted stereoscopic image forming seal 13. Here, the mirror image 22 formed on the surface of the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 is formed of ink or toner having photothermal conversion characteristics such as the above-described carbon black. In addition, in forming the mirror image 22 on the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, various methods such as an inkjet method, a laser method, and a thermal transfer method shown in a stereoscopic image forming apparatus described later are used. A printing device can be applied.

  Next, as in the first embodiment described above, in the light irradiation / thermal expansion step (S206), as shown in FIG. 12 (e), the light LT containing infrared rays is emitted from the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10. Irradiation is performed, and the thermal expansion layer 12 in a region corresponding to the formation position of the mirror image 22 is heated and selectively expanded to form a three-dimensional image of the color image 21 as shown in FIG.

  At this time, the character information 23 directly formed on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 is in a state where it is covered with the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 and is not irradiated with the light LT, or when the light LT is irradiated. However, since it does not have photothermal conversion characteristics or is formed of ink or toner having low photothermal conversion characteristics, the ink or the like forming the character information 23 does not generate heat. Therefore, only in the mirror image 22 formed on the surface of the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 with ink having photothermal conversion characteristics, the light LT is absorbed and heat energy is generated, and the thermal expansion layer in a region corresponding to the mirror image 22 is generated. Only 12 is selectively heated and expanded to form a three-dimensional image of the colored image 21 having a desired raised height.

  Next, in the other surface side seal peeling step (S207), as shown in FIG. 13 (a), the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 is peeled off from the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 13B and FIG. 13B, the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 (base material sheet 11) on which the character information 23 is formed is exposed. Thereby, the three-dimensional image of the chromatic image 21 is formed on one side, and the thermally expandable sheet 10 is formed on which the desired character information 23 is formed on the other side.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment as well, it is possible to form a three-dimensional image of a chromatic image on one side of the thermally expandable sheet by a simple method and to form desired character information on the other side. The thermally expandable sheet can be applied to various products such as postcards and greeting cards.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the desired character information 23 is formed on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 prior to the light irradiation / thermal expansion step (S206). Accordingly, the character information 23 can be printed on the other surface side in a state where the thickness before expansion of the thermally expandable sheet 10 is thin (for example, less than 1 mm), so that it can be printed only on a thin recording medium (so-called Even when a printing device for home use is applied, a stereoscopic image is formed on one side as shown in FIGS. 11B and 13B, and desired character information is displayed on the other side. The formed thermally expandable sheet can be formed satisfactorily. In other words, when the character information 23 is formed on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, it is not necessary to apply a non-contact type printing apparatus such as a business inkjet printer, so the manufacturing process is simplified. In addition, the manufacturing cost can be reduced and popularization can be promoted.

  In this embodiment, after the color image 21 is formed on one surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, the character information 23 is formed on the other surface side, and the three-dimensional image forming seal is formed so as to cover the other surface side. Although the method of pasting 13 and forming a mirror image on the surface 22 is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the character information 23 is formed on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 is pasted on the other surface side, the mirror image 22 is formed on the surface, and then the colored image 21 on the one surface side. It may have a method of forming.

<Modification of Second Embodiment>
Next, a modification of the stereoscopic image forming method according to the second embodiment described above will be described.
In the second embodiment described above, the character information 23 is formed on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 on which the colored image 21 is formed on one surface side, and the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 is pasted on the other surface side. After that, the method of forming the mirror image 22 on the surface has been described. In the modification of the present embodiment, there is a method of preparing a stereoscopic image forming seal 13 on which a mirror image 22 is formed in advance and sticking the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 to the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10. ing.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a modification of the stereoscopic image forming method according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view illustrating a specific example of the stereoscopic image forming method according to the present modification, and FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a specific example of the stereoscopic image forming method according to the present modification. As in the second embodiment described above, in FIG. 15, a diagram showing one surface side (stereoscopic image forming surface) of the thermally expandable sheet is placed on the left side of the drawing, and the thermally expandable sheet is placed on the right side of the drawing. The other side (character information formation surface, light irradiation surface) is shown. Further, in FIG. 15, the stereoscopic image forming sticker, the mirror image, and the stereoscopic image of the color image are shown hatched for convenience. Further, the same configuration and method as those in the first embodiment, the modified example, and the second embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the three-dimensional image forming method according to the modified example of the second embodiment is roughly an image data preparation step (S211), a one-side image forming step (S212), and another-side information forming step. (S213), an other side seal sticking step (S214), a light irradiation / thermal expansion step (S215), and an other side seal peeling step (S216).

  In the image data preparation step (S211), similarly to the second embodiment described above, first, color image data, a thermally expandable sheet, a stereoscopic image forming sticker, and character information data are prepared. Here, in this modification, a mirror image that is a reverse image of the color image based on the color image data is formed in advance on the surface of the stereoscopic image formation sticker. The method for forming a mirror image on the three-dimensional image forming sticker is similar to the above-described modification of the first embodiment. For example, prior to the image data preparation step (S211), mirror image data is formed using color image data. Based on this, a method of forming a mirror image on the stereoscopic image forming seal can be applied. Further, the mirror image formed in advance on the stereoscopic image forming seal is formed of ink or toner having photothermal conversion characteristics such as carbon black, as in the second embodiment.

  Next, in the one-side image forming step (S212) and the other-side information forming step (S213), as shown in FIGS. 15A and 16A, as in the second embodiment described above, A color image 21 is formed (printed) on one surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 based on the above-described color image data, and an arbitrary surface is formed on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 based on the above character information data. Character information 23 is formed (printed).

  Next, in the other surface side sticking step (S214), as shown in FIGS. 15 (b) and 16 (b), the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 is brought into close contact with the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10. Adhere (stick). Thereby, the character information 23 formed on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 in the other surface information forming step (S203) described above is covered with the three-dimensional image forming seal 13. Here, a mirror image 22 is formed in advance on the surface of the stereoscopic image forming seal 13.

  In this modification, the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 attached to the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 is similar to the second embodiment described above, and includes a region including at least a mirror image 22 and heat. What is necessary is just to have a magnitude | size corresponding to the area | region containing the character information 23 formed in the other surface side of the expansible sheet 10, and a planar expansion. Here, when the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 is affixed to the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, there is a correspondence between the formation position of the color image 21 formed on the one surface side and the formation position of the mirror image 22. Since the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 needs to be accurately set (matched), it is more preferable that the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 has the same size and planar spread as the thermally expandable sheet 10.

  Next, as in the second embodiment described above, in the light irradiation / thermal expansion step (S215), as shown in FIG. 16 (c), the light LT containing infrared rays is emitted from the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10. Irradiation is performed to heat and selectively expand the thermal expansion layer 12 in a region corresponding to the formation position of the mirror image 22 to form a stereoscopic image of the color image 21. Next, in the other surface side seal peeling step (S216), as shown in FIG. 16 (d), the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 is peeled off from the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10, and FIG. As shown in (c), the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 (base material sheet 11) is exposed. Thereby, the three-dimensional image of the chromatic image 21 is formed on one surface side, and the thermally expandable sheet 10 in which desired character information 23 is formed on the other surface side can be formed.

  Therefore, in this modification as well, it is possible to form a three-dimensional image of a chromatic image on one side of the thermally expandable sheet by a simple method and to form desired character information on the other side. The thermally expandable sheet can be applied to various products such as postcards and greeting cards.

  Also in this modification, as in the modification of the first embodiment described above, the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 on which the mirror image 22 has been formed is pasted on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10. The method of peeling the stereoscopic image forming seal 13 after forming a stereoscopic image of the chromatic image 21 by light irradiation has been described as being executed only once, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, mass production is performed in which a single three-dimensional image forming seal 13 on which a mirror image 22 is formed is repeatedly used to form a three-dimensional image of the colored images 21 on one side of the plurality of thermally expandable sheets 10. There may be.

(Stereoscopic image forming apparatus)
Next, a stereoscopic image forming apparatus capable of realizing the above-described stereoscopic image forming method will be described. Here, a case where a product such as a postcard or a greeting card is formed using the stereoscopic image forming method shown in the first or second embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a printing apparatus applied to a stereoscopic image forming apparatus capable of realizing the stereoscopic image forming method according to the present invention. FIG. 17A is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus applicable to the above-described stereoscopic image forming method, and FIG. 17B illustrates a schematic configuration of the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. FIG. FIG. 18 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a printing mechanism unit in a printing apparatus applicable to the stereoscopic image forming method according to the present invention. Here, FIG. 18 is in the XVIII part shown in FIG. 17B (in this specification, “XVIII” is used as a symbol corresponding to the Roman numeral “18” shown in FIG. 17 for convenience). It is a detailed perspective view.

  Among the stereoscopic image forming methods shown in the above-described embodiments, at least the image data preparation step (S101, S201), the one-side image forming step (S102, S202), and the other-side information forming step (S203). The other side image forming step (S104, S205) can be executed by a printing apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. Here, the printing apparatus 100 applicable to the stereoscopic image forming method according to the present invention is, for example, an ink jet printer having a word processor (hereinafter referred to as “word processor”) function. Specifically, FIG. As shown to a) and (b), it has the apparatus main body 110 and the keyboard 130. FIG.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the apparatus main body 110 has a box-shaped housing, and roughly includes a display panel 111, a display panel storage unit 112, a paper feed tray 113, and a discharge tray. A paper slot 114, a card slot 115, a printing mechanism unit (see FIG. 18) 120, and a control unit (not shown; see FIG. 19) are provided.

  The display panel 111 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display panel, and is attached so as to rotate as shown by an arrow R in FIG. 14B with respect to the apparatus main body 110 around a hinge portion 111a provided on one side. It has been. The display panel 111 has data and character information input from the keyboard 130, a menu screen necessary for various settings, various images such as a photographic image captured via a memory card, and other necessary for a printing apparatus. Various data are displayed. The display panel storage portion 112 is provided on the upper surface portion (upper surface side of the drawing) of the apparatus main body 110 and stores the display panel 111 by rotating it when the printing apparatus 100 is not used.

  The paper feed tray 113 is provided on the back side (right side of the drawing) of the apparatus main body 110, and the predetermined unit size shown in the above-described embodiment is provided inside the paper feed tray 113 from the opening 113a provided in the upper part. The thermally expandable sheets 10 are accommodated one by one or in a stacked manner. Inside the paper feed tray 113, a pickup roller 113 b that feeds the heat-expandable sheets 10 accommodated one by one to the printing mechanism unit 120 in the apparatus main body 110 is provided.

  The paper discharge port 114 is provided at the lower part of the front surface (left side of the drawing) of the apparatus main body 110 and discharges the thermally expandable sheet 10 printed by the printing mechanism unit 120 in the apparatus main body 110 to the outside of the apparatus main body 110. The card slot 115 is provided on the front surface of the apparatus main body 110, and reading and writing of image data and the like are executed by inserting a memory card (not shown).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17B, a sheet conveyance path 116 that conveys and guides the thermally expandable sheet 10 fed one by one by the pickup roller 113b inside the sheet feed tray 113 is provided inside the apparatus main body 110. Is provided. In the middle of the sheet conveyance path 116, for example, an ink jet printing mechanism 120 is provided. On the paper feed side (right side of the drawing) and paper discharge side (left side of the drawing) of the printing mechanism unit 120, a pair of paper feed rollers 121 for transporting the thermally expandable sheet 10, and paper discharge, respectively. A roller pair 122 is provided.

  As illustrated in FIG. 18, the printing mechanism unit 120 includes a carriage 123 that reciprocates in the direction of arrow A perpendicular to the sheet conveyance path 116. A print head 124 and an ink cartridge 125 for executing printing are attached to the carriage 123. The ink cartridge 125 is configured by, for example, an individual cartridge that stores ink of each color of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (black), or a cartridge that includes an ink chamber of each color alone. ing. Each cartridge or each ink chamber is connected to a print head 124 having nozzles for ejecting each color ink. Here, in the present embodiment, a material having a high photothermal conversion characteristic such as carbon black is applied as the black ink accommodated in the ink cartridge 125, and each of the CMY color inks does not have the photothermal conversion characteristic. Materials with low properties are applied.

  Further, the carriage 123 is supported by the guide rail 126 so as to be able to perform the reciprocating operation, and is attached to the carriage 123 by driving a driving belt 127 attached in parallel to the extending direction of the guide rail 126. The print head 124 and the ink cartridge 125 reciprocate in the same direction as the carriage 123, that is, in the direction of the arrow A orthogonal to the sheet conveyance path 116.

  The print head 124 sends print data and control signals from a control unit provided in the apparatus main body 110 via the flexible cable 128. Here, as described above, the thermally expandable sheet 10 is intermittently conveyed in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 18 by the pair of paper feed rollers 121 and the pair of paper discharge rollers 122. Then, during the period during which the intermittent conveyance of the thermally expandable sheet 10 is stopped, the print head 124 reciprocates in response to the drive of the drive belt 127 and ejects ink droplets in a state close to the thermally expandable sheet 10. The image and the character information corresponding to the print data are printed on one side and the other side of the thermally expandable sheet 10. By repeating such intermittent conveyance of the heat-expandable sheet 10 and printing during reciprocating movement by the print head 124, it is affixed to the surface of the heat-expandable layer 12 on one surface side of the heat-expandable sheet 10 and the other surface side. A desired image (the color image 21 and the mirror image 22 described above) is formed (printed) on the surface of the three-dimensional image forming seal 13, and desired character information is formed on the other surface side surface of the thermally expandable sheet 10. (Character information 23 described above) is formed (printed). The thermally expandable sheet 10 on which a predetermined image or character information is printed in a predetermined area by the printing mechanism unit 120 is, as shown in FIG. 17B, a discharge port positioned on the discharge side of the sheet conveyance path 116. 114 is discharged out of the apparatus main body 110.

  The keyboard 130 is arranged on the front side of the front surface (left side of the drawing) of the apparatus main body 110 as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, for example, when the apparatus main body 110 is used as a word processor. A data input key 131 and a function key 132 necessary for setting and executing various functions such as character information input, editing, and printing are provided.

Next, a control unit provided in the apparatus main body 110 of the printing apparatus 100 described above will be described.
FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a printing apparatus applicable to the stereoscopic image forming method according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the printing apparatus 100 described above generally includes a central processing circuit (hereinafter abbreviated as “CPU”) 101 and a read-only memory (hereinafter abbreviated as “ROM”) connected to the CPU 101. ) 102, a random access memory (hereinafter abbreviated as “RAM”) 103, an image processing unit 104, a data input / output unit 105, a printer controller 106, a reading control unit 107, and the display panel 111 described above. And a keyboard 130. Here, the CPU 101, the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the image processing unit 104, the data input / output unit 105, the printer controller 106, and the reading control unit 107 correspond to a control unit of the printing apparatus 100 applicable to the stereoscopic image forming method according to the present invention. To do.

  The ROM 102 stores a system program related to operation control of the printing apparatus 100. The CPU 101 controls the operation of each unit of the printing apparatus 100 by sending command signals to other functional blocks connected to the CPU 110 in accordance with this system program. The RAM 103 temporarily stores various data and numerical values generated by the CPU 101 and the like during operation control of the printing apparatus.

  The image processing unit 104 executes image data preparation steps (S101, S201) in the above-described stereoscopic image forming method. That is, image data (colored image) of a chromatic image taken from the outside of the apparatus main body 110 via the card slot 115 or the like and displayed on the display panel 111 or a target of a stereoscopic image stored in the RAM 103 or the like. Image data of the mirror image (mirror image data) to be the inverted image is generated based on the data. At this time, the density of the black component of the mirror image included in the mirror image data is set based on the height of the projection planned for the pattern or the like of the color image.

  The data input / output unit 105 inputs / outputs print commands relating to image data (colored image data, mirror image data) and character information data to / from an external communication device (not shown) such as a notebook or desktop personal computer. Has an interface function. The printer controller 106 is connected to the printing mechanism unit 120 and controls the ink ejection state in the print head 124 based on image data and character information data to be printed. In addition, the printer controller 106 controls the reciprocating operation of the carriage 123 to which the print head 124 is attached, and controls the driving of the paper feed roller pair 121 and the paper discharge roller pair 122, whereby the thermally expandable sheet 10. Is controlled to the paper discharge side. The reading control unit 107 is connected to the card slot 115, reads image data and character information data from a memory card (not shown) installed in the card slot 115, and transmits the image data and character information data to the CPU 101 and the image processing unit 104.

  According to the printing apparatus 100 having such a configuration, the one side and the other side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 supplied from the paper feed tray 113 (including the surfaces of the three-dimensional image forming stickers attached to the other side). ), A predetermined color image or mirror image based on the image data and predetermined character information based on the character information data can be formed (printed).

  In the configuration example, the case where the printing apparatus 100 has a single-sided printing function has been described. That is, in the one-surface image forming step (S102, S202) of the above-described stereoscopic image forming method, the one surface side is fed by feeding the one surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 to face the print head 124 side. A desired color image is printed in a predetermined area of the (stereoscopic image forming surface). Further, in the other side image forming step (S104, S205) and the other side information forming step (S203), the thermally expandable sheet 10 is turned over and the other surface side or the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet 10 is turned over. By feeding the surface of the three-dimensional image forming sticker affixed to the print head 124 so as to face the print head 124 side, desired character information in a predetermined area on the other surface side (character information forming surface), or A mirror image corresponding to the color image on one side is printed.

  The printing apparatus applicable to the three-dimensional image forming method according to the present invention is not limited to this, and the paper feeding side and the discharge side of the printing mechanism unit 120 of the apparatus main body 110 shown in FIGS. You may equip the paper side with the sheet inversion mechanism part for double-sided printing. That is, in the printing mechanism unit 120, the thermal expansible sheet 10 that has been printed on one side (or the other side) of the thermal expansible sheet 10 and is conveyed to the paper discharge side is moved in the direction opposite to the arrow B. The sheet is conveyed and returned to the sheet feeding side, and the thermally expandable sheet 10 is reversed and turned over on the sheet feeding side, printed on the other side (or one side) of the thermally expandable sheet 10 and discharged from the sheet discharge port 114. It may be a thing. According to this, when printing images and text information on both sides of the thermally expandable sheet 10, after printing on one side, the discharged thermally expandable sheet 10 is manually turned over, and again the sheet feed tray 113. It is possible to save the trouble of housing in the room.

  In the configuration example described above, the image processing unit 104 provided in the control unit of the printing apparatus 100 executes the image data preparation step (S101, S201) of the stereoscopic image forming method according to the above-described embodiment. Although described, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, in the external communication device such as a personal computer connected to the printing apparatus 100 via the data input / output unit 105, the above-described image data preparation step is executed, and the color image and its mirror image data (color image data and mirror image data). ) And character information data may be transmitted to the printing apparatus 100 to form (print) a chromatic image, a mirror image thereof, and character information in a predetermined region of the thermally expandable sheet 10.

  Furthermore, in the configuration example described above, the printing apparatus 100 performs the image data preparation step (S101, S201) and the one-side image formation step (S102, S202) in the stereoscopic image forming method according to the embodiment described above. Although the case where the other side information forming step (S203) and the other side image forming steps (S104, S205) are executed has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, for example, in the internal configuration of the printing apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 17B, as indicated by a two-dot chain line, on the sheet discharge side of the printing mechanism unit 120, the sheet conveyance path 116 (or the thermally expandable sheet). The light source unit 140 such as a halogen lamp may be arranged on the upper surface side or the lower surface side with respect to 10). Here, the light source unit 140 emits a predetermined amount of light according to the conveyance of the thermally expandable sheet 10 based on a command from the CPU 101, for example, as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG.

  In such a configuration, the image data preparation step (S101, S201), the one-side image forming step (S102, S202), and the other-side image forming step (S104, S205) are performed, and the one-side image forming step is performed. Uniform light is irradiated from the other surface side to the thermally expandable sheet 10 in which a color image is formed on the thermal expansion layer 12 and a mirror image is formed on the three-dimensional image forming seal 13 attached to the other surface side. Thereby, the light irradiation / thermal expansion step (S105, S206) for expanding the thermal expansion layer 12 of the thermally expandable sheet 10 to a predetermined raised height and forming a stereoscopic image is executed. That is, in the single printing apparatus 100, a series of steps of the above-described stereoscopic image forming method can be executed collectively.

As mentioned above, although some embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, It includes the invention described in the claim, and its equivalent range.
Hereinafter, the invention described in the scope of claims of the present application will be appended.

(Appendix)
[1]
Forming a first image on the one surface side of the thermally expandable sheet having a thermally expanded layer formed on the one surface side;
Affixing a peelable adhesive seal on the other side of the thermally expandable sheet,
Forming a second image on the surface of the tight seal with a first coloring material that generates heat;
By generating heat in the second image from the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet, the thermal expansion layer corresponding to the second image is selectively expanded, and the first image Forming a 3D image,
In the three-dimensional image forming method, the adhesive seal is peeled off from the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet to expose the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet.

[2]
Forming a first image on the one surface side of the thermally expandable sheet having a thermally expanded layer formed on the one surface side;
On the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet, a peelable adhesive seal in which a second image is formed with a first coloring material that generates heat is attached,
By generating heat in the second image from the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet, the thermal expansion layer corresponding to the second image is selectively expanded, and the first image Forming a 3D image,
In the three-dimensional image forming method, the adhesive seal is peeled off from the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet to expose the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet.

[3]
The first coloring material is a material that generates heat when light is incident thereon, and irradiates light from the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet to generate heat in the second image. Forming a stereoscopic image of the first image;
The stereoscopic image forming method according to [1] or [2], wherein the second image includes a mirror image of the first image.

[4]
Desirable information is formed on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet exposed by peeling off the tight seal, and the three-dimensional image forming method according to [3].

[5]
3D image formation according to [3], wherein desired information is formed on the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet prior to application of the adhesion seal to the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet. Is the method.

[6]
The desired information includes the stereoscopic image forming method according to [4] or [5], wherein the desired information includes character information.

[7]
The desired information is formed of a second coloring material that does not generate heat even when light is incident thereon, or generates heat to such an extent that the thermally expandable sheet does not expand even when light is incident thereon. The method for forming a stereoscopic image according to [5] or [6].

[8]
[2] The stereoscopic image forming method according to [7], wherein the second coloring material is formed by mixing colors of cyan, magenta, and yellow color materials that do not include carbon black.

[9]
In the three-dimensional image forming method according to [5] or [6], the desired information is formed of the first coloring material, and the tight seal is formed of an opaque film-like member. is there.

[10]
The three-dimensional image forming method according to any one of [3] to [9], wherein the first coloring material contains carbon black.

[11]
The three-dimensional image forming method according to any one of [1] to [10], wherein the light includes infrared rays.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Thermal expansion sheet 11 Base material sheet 12 Thermal expansion layer 13 Three-dimensional image formation seal (adhesion seal)
21 Colored image (first image)
22 Mirror image (second image)
23 Character information (desired information)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Printing apparatus 104 Image processing part 110 Apparatus main body 120 Printing mechanism part 130 Keyboard 140 Light source part LT light

Claims (3)

Forming a first image on the one surface side of the thermally expandable sheet having a thermally expanded layer formed on the one surface side;
Desired on the other side of the thermally expandable sheet by the second coloring material that does not generate heat even when light is incident or generates heat to such an extent that the thermally expandable sheet does not expand even when light is incident. And then sticking a peelable adhesive seal on the other side of the thermally expandable sheet,
Forming a second image with a first coloring material that is a material that generates heat when light is incident on the surface of the tight seal;
By generating heat in the second image from the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet, the thermal expansion layer corresponding to the second image is selectively expanded, and the first image Forming a 3D image,
A three-dimensional image forming method, wherein the adhesive seal is peeled from the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet to expose the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet. Forming a first image on the one surface side of the thermally expandable sheet having a thermally expanded layer formed on the one surface side;
Desired on the other side of the thermally expandable sheet by the second coloring material that does not generate heat even when light is incident or generates heat to such an extent that the thermally expandable sheet does not expand even when light is incident. Next, a peelable adhesive seal in which a second image is formed by a first coloring material that is a material that generates heat when light is incident on the other side of the thermally expandable sheet Affix
By generating heat in the second image from the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet, the thermal expansion layer corresponding to the second image is selectively expanded, and the first image Forming a 3D image,
A three-dimensional image forming method, wherein the adhesive seal is peeled from the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet to expose the other surface side of the thermally expandable sheet. The three-dimensional image forming method according to claim 1, wherein the recording of the desired information is performed by printing.

Images