JP6958576B2 - Manufacturing method and program of tactile printed matter - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a program for producing a tactile printed matter.

As one of the structure forming techniques, a technique is known in which a desired pattern is printed on a printing medium including an expansion layer that expands by heating with black ink or toner, and then the printed medium is uniformly irradiated with light. ing. In this technique, the area printed with black ink or toner has a higher light absorption rate than the area not printed, and the absorbed light is converted into heat, so that the area printed with black ink or toner is printed. This utilizes the fact that the region is heated to a high temperature, and the region printed with black ink or toner expands and rises. Patent Document 1 describes a three-dimensional printing apparatus using this technique.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-171317

A structure in which the surface of the print medium is raised outward in the thickness direction can not only provide visual information but also provide tactile information to a person who touches it. Therefore, the above-mentioned structure forming technique for forming a structure using a printing technique is highly expected to be used in fields such as Braille and tactile drawings. However, since the cross-sectional shape of the structure formed by the above-mentioned structure forming technique is relatively blunt, it can be perceived by tactile sensation, but there is a problem that it is relatively difficult to perceive.

Based on the above circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a program for producing a tactile map printed matter , which can form a tactile map that is relatively easy to perceive by tactile sensation.

The method for producing a tactile print according to the present invention includes a first step of printing a dot image in which a radius is set to a predetermined first threshold value or more on the surface of a heat-expandable sheet with a photothermal conversion material, and the heat-expandable sheet. By irradiating the dot image printed on the image with a predetermined light, the region corresponding to the dot image is raised to a height corresponding to the density of the dot image by thermal expansion of the thermally expandable sheet. It has a second step of forming surface irregularities on the surface as a tactile figure, and the first step is a central region of the dot image when the density of the dot image is equal to or less than a predetermined second threshold value. concentrations density correction process is to be higher than the concentration in the peripheral region of the dot image or the density correction process the concentration of the peripheral region smaller than the concentration of the central region of the dot image of the dot image is performed the The dot image is printed, and when the density of the dot image exceeds the predetermined second threshold value, the dot image from which the density correction processing is omitted is printed .

Further, the program according to the present invention prints a computer on the heat-expandable sheet, which is a printing means for printing a dot image whose radius is set to a predetermined first threshold value or more on the surface of the heat-expandable sheet with a photothermal conversion material. By irradiating the dot image with a predetermined light, the region corresponding to the dot image is raised to a height corresponding to the density of the dot image by thermal expansion, and the surface of the thermally expandable sheet is raised. forming means for forming an uneven surface as a tactile graphics, to function as, the printing means, wherein when the concentration of the dot images is equal to or smaller than a predetermined second threshold value, the dot the dot density in the central region of the image density correction process is to be higher than the concentration of the peripheral region of the image, or the density of the peripheral region of the dot image by printing the dot image density correction processing has been performed thinner than the concentration of the central region of the dot images When the density of the dot image exceeds the predetermined second threshold value, the dot image from which the density correction processing is omitted is printed .

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method and a program for producing a tactile map printed matter , which can form a tactile map that is relatively easy to perceive by tactile sensation.

It is a figure which showed the structure of the structure formation system of embodiment. It is a figure which showed the structure of the print medium. It is a figure which showed the structure of the printing apparatus. It is a figure which showed the structure of the heating device. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of image data generation processing. It is a figure which showed the relationship between images. It is a figure which showed the color image. It is a figure which showed the 2nd density image. It is a figure which showed the 3rd density image. It is a figure for demonstrating the density conversion process. It is another figure for demonstrating the density conversion process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a structure formation process. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating each process of a structure formation process. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating each step of the structure formation process of a comparative example.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the structure forming system 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the print medium M. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the printing apparatus 40. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the heating device 50.

As shown in FIG. 1, the structure forming system 1 is a structure forming device including a computer 10, a display device 20, an input device 30, a printing device 40, and a heating device 50. The structure forming system 1 prints the density image generated by the computer 10 on the printing medium M by the printing device 40, and heats the printing medium M on which the density image is printed by the heating device 50 to be printed. By raising the surface of the medium M, a structure is formed on the medium M to be printed. The structure forming system 1 further prints a color image generated by the computer 10 on the printing medium M by the printing apparatus 40 to form a colored structure.

As shown in FIG. 2, the print medium M is a heat-expandable sheet having a multilayer structure in which an expansion layer M1 is laminated on a base material M2. The expansion layer M1 is a layer containing innumerable microcapsules that expand by heating in a thermoplastic resin, and expands according to the amount of heat absorbed. The expansion layer M1 expands when, for example, it is irradiated with electromagnetic waves and heated. The base material M2 is made of, for example, paper, cloth such as canvas, panel material such as plastic, and the like, but the material is not particularly limited. As will be described later, a density image consisting of a black shade pattern is printed on the surface FS which is the first surface of the expansion layer M1 and the surface BS which is the second surface of the base material M2. In the present specification, "forming a structure" means that the thickness of the printing medium M is high according to the density of the grayscale image formed on the surface FS of the expansion layer M1 and the surface BS of the base material M2, respectively. It means that the surface of the printing medium M is raised outward in the thickness direction so as to be thicker than before heating.

As shown in FIG. 1, the computer 10 is an arithmetic unit including a processor 11, a memory 12, and a storage 13. The computer 10 generates image data by executing a program by the processor 11, and outputs print data corresponding to the image data to the printing device 40. The display device 20 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, or the like, and displays an image according to a signal from the computer 10. The input device 30 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, and outputs a signal to the computer 10.

The printing device 40 is a printing unit of the structure forming device, and is an inkjet printer that prints on the printing medium M based on the input print data. As shown in FIG. 3, the printing apparatus 40 includes a carriage 41 that is reciprocally movable in the direction indicated by the bidirectional arrow (main scanning direction D2) orthogonal to the medium transport direction (sub-scanning direction D1). A print head 42 for executing printing and an ink cartridge 43 (43k, 43c, 43m, 43y) containing ink are attached to the carriage 41. The cartridges 43k, 43c, 43m, and 43y contain black K, cyan C, magenta M, and yellow Y color inks, respectively. The ink of each color is ejected from the corresponding nozzle of the print head 42.

The carriage 41 is slidably supported by the guide rail 44 and is narrowly held by the drive belt 45. By driving the drive belt 45 by the rotation of the motor 45 m, the carriage 41 moves in the main scanning direction D2 together with the print head 42 and the ink cartridge 43. At the lower part of the frame 47, a platen 48 extending in the main scanning direction D2 is arranged at a position facing the print head 42. Further, the paper feed roller pair 49a (lower roller is not shown) and the paper output roller pair 49b (lower roller is not shown) convey the printed medium M supported by the platen 48 in the sub-scanning direction D1. It is arranged in.

The control unit of the printing apparatus 40 connected to the printing head 42 via the flexible communication cable 46 has a motor 45m, a printing head 42, a paper feed roller pair 49a, and a paper feed roller pair 49a, based on the printing data and the printing control data from the computer 10. Controls the output roller vs. 49b. As a result, a density image and / or a color image is printed on the print medium M.

The heating device 50 is an irradiation unit of the structure forming device, and is a device that heats the printing medium M by irradiating electromagnetic waves. As shown in FIG. 4, the heating device 50 includes a mounting table 51 on which a guide groove 52 is formed, a support column 53 that supports the light source unit 54, and a light source unit 54 having a light source. The printing medium M on which the density image is printed is placed on the mounting table 51. The support column 53 is configured to slide along the guide groove 52. The light source provided in the light source unit 54 emits an electromagnetic wave.

In the heating device 50, the light source unit 54 moves in the direction D3 together with the support column 53 while emitting electromagnetic waves, so that the printed medium M is uniformly irradiated with electromagnetic waves. The electromagnetic waves are absorbed more efficiently and converted into heat in the region where the density image is printed than in the region where the density image is not printed, and are not substantially absorbed in the region where the density image is not printed. Therefore, the region corresponding to the density image is heated and expanded, and a structure corresponding to the density image is formed.

When the density image is printed with black K ink containing carbon black, it is desirable that the electromagnetic wave is infrared rays. However, the wavelength range of the electromagnetic wave is not particularly limited as long as the region printed with the black K ink is absorbed and heated more efficiently than the region not printed.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the image data generation process. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the images used in the image data generation process shown in FIG. 7, 8 and 9, respectively, are views showing a color image, a second density image, and a third density image. 10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining the concentration conversion process. In the following, the image data generation process shown in FIG. 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 11 as an example of forming a colored structure representing a human palm on the print medium M.

Before starting the image data generation process shown in FIG. 5, a color image Pc and a density image P0 are prepared. The color image Pc is an image formed by three color inks of cyan C, magenta M, and yellow Y, and is an image for coloring a structure formed on a print medium M. The color image Pc is used in the structure forming process shown in FIG. 12, which will be described later. The density image P0 is an image formed by black K ink, and is an image in which the height of each minute region of the structure formed on the print medium M is represented by the black density.

When the image data generation instruction is input to the computer 10, the computer 10 executes a predetermined program and starts the image data generation process shown in FIG. First, the computer 10 acquires the image data (hereinafter referred to as density image data) of the density image P0 prepared in advance (step S1).

After that, the computer 10 generates the first density image data and the second density image data based on the density image data (step S2). The first density image data is the image data of the first density image P1 in which the height of a relatively fine portion of the structure to be formed on the print medium M is represented by shading. For example, in the case of forming a structure to be colored by the color image Pc of FIG. 7, parts such as acupuncture points and meridians of a human hand and Braille explaining them are represented by the first density image P1. .. Further, the first density image data is data for printing on the surface FS of the printing medium M, that is, the surface FS close to the expansion layer M1. On the other hand, the second density image data is an image of the second density image P2 in which the height of a portion of the structure to be formed on the print medium M that is relatively coarser than that of the first density image P1 is represented by shading. It is data. For example, in the case of forming a structure to be colored by the color image Pc of FIG. 7, the portion of the human hand is represented by the second density image P2 as shown in FIG. The second density image data is data for printing on the surface BS of the printing medium M, that is, the surface BS far from the expansion layer M1.

In step S2, the computer 10 predetermines that, for example, the density image P0 satisfies at least one of a relatively high spatial frequency, a relatively small area, and a relatively narrow width. As a condition, a portion satisfying the condition is extracted, and based on this extracted portion, a first density image P1 in which the height of a relatively fine structural part is represented by shading is generated, and the first density image P1 is generated. The first density image data representing the above may be output, and at least one of the density images P0, which has a relatively low spatial frequency, a relatively large area, and a relatively large width. As a predetermined condition that the condition is satisfied, a portion satisfying the condition is extracted, and a second density image P2 in which the height of the relatively coarse structural portion is represented by shading is generated based on the extracted portion. The second density image data representing the second density image P2 may be output. Each threshold value in this case can be appropriately set so as to meet the object of the present invention. Further, the computer 10 may output the structural portion designated by the user as the first density image data and output the other structural portion as the second density image data.

When a fine structure is formed on the base structure, the first density image data and the second density image data may include data in the same region. For example, in the case of three-dimensionally expressing acupuncture points and meridians on the palm as shown in FIG. 7, the second density image data has the height data of the palm in a certain area, and the palm in the same area. The first density image data may have the height data of the acupuncture points and the meridians formed on the top.

When the first density image data and the second density image data are generated, the computer 10 further generates the third density image data (step S3). Here, the processor 11 of the computer 10 uses the first density image P1 so that the density of a part of the target region having the same density is higher than the density of the other region of the target region. It functions as a generation unit that converts the density image data of the above and generates a third density image data. Specifically, first, a target region in which the same density is continuous is extracted from the first density image P1. The target area typically has a line shape, a dot shape, or the like, but may have other shapes. The processor 11 of the computer 10 then functions as a selection unit that selects a part of the target area. The area selected is preferably a central area surrounded by other areas that make up the area of interest. The selected region, which is part of the target region, is preferably half the size of the target region with the same concentration. Here, the half size means a half area or a half width. In particular, when the shape of the target area is a line shape, half the size means half the width. The area of this selected area is, for example, about 1/2 of the area of the target area. Finally, the first density image data is converted so that the density of the selected region is higher than the density of the other region. For example, the first density image data is converted so that the density of the selected region is higher than the original density (the same density described above). For example, the concentration of the selected region is more than twice the original concentration (the same concentration described above). As a result, the image data (third density image data) of the third density image P3 as shown in FIG. 9 is generated.

If the original density (the same density as described above) is higher than the predetermined density, the density of the selected region will also be higher, and most of the heat absorbed by the black K ink will spread in the lateral direction. The width becomes thick. Therefore, it is preferable that the image data of the third density image P3 is generated when the original density (the same density described above) is equal to or less than a predetermined density. For example, the original density (same density above) is 30-50% of the darkest color of Black K and the density of the selected region is 60% of the darkest color of Black K. The concentration is preferably ~ 100%. The concentration of black K of 100% is the highest concentration.

Further, the area of the target area is preferably larger than the predetermined area (size). For example, it is desirable that the target area is a line having a width (thickness) of 1.5 mm or more, a circle (dot) having a radius of 0.75 mm or more, or the like. If the target area is too small (too thin), the selected area described above will also be small. For this reason, not only is it difficult to set the selected region, but most of the heat absorbed by the black K ink spreads in the lateral direction, which may increase the width. Therefore, it is preferable that the area of the predetermined target area is larger than the predetermined area (size).

The image L1 shown in FIG. 10A and the image L3 shown in FIG. 10B are images of the region R1 shown in FIG. The image L1 is a part of the first density image P1 before the density conversion process is performed, and the target region of the line shape is represented by the same density. The image L3 is a part of the third density image P3 after the density conversion process is performed, and the density of the central portion of the line-shaped target region is represented by a density higher than that of the peripheral region. For example, the density of the central portion of the target area of the line shape is 30 to 50% of the darkest color of black K, and the density of the peripheral area is 60% to 60% of the darkest color of black K. It has a concentration of 100%. Further, the width of the line shape is preferably 1.5 mm or more.

The image D1 shown in FIG. 11A and the image D3 shown in FIG. 11B are images of the region R2 shown in FIG. The image D1 is a part of the first density image P1 before the density conversion process is performed, and the target area of the dot shape is represented by the same density. The image D3 is a part of the third density image P3 after the density conversion process is performed, and the density of the central portion of the dot-shaped target region is represented by a density higher than that of the peripheral region. For example, the density of the central portion of the target area of the dot shape is 30 to 50% of the darkest color of black K, and the density of the peripheral area is 60% to 60% of the darkest color of black K. It has a concentration of 100%. Further, the size of the dot shape is preferably a size having a radius of 0.75 mm or more.

When the third density image data is generated, the computer 10 records the second density image data and the third density image data in the storage 13 (step S4), and performs the image data generation process shown in FIG. finish.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the structure forming process. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view for explaining each step of the structure forming process. Hereinafter, the structure forming process using the image data generated by the image data generation process shown in FIG. 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

The structure forming system 1 forms a pattern on the surface FS (first surface) based on the third density image data (step S11). Here, first, the user sets the print medium M in the printing device 40 so that the surface FS faces the print head 42 side, and inputs the print instruction of the third density image P3 to the computer 10. As a result, the computer 10 generates print data and print control data corresponding to the third density image P3 and outputs the print data to the printing apparatus 40. The printing apparatus 40 forms a pattern (first pattern) on the surface FS of the printing medium M with black K ink based on the print data and the print control data. As a result, the third density image P3 is printed on the surface FS. The printing apparatus 40 controls the printing density by, for example, area gradation.

FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the printing medium M on which the third density image P3 is printed on the surface FS. FIG. 13A shows a state in which a region having a high density exists in the central portion of each target region of the third density image P3.

Next, the structure forming system 1 irradiates the surface FS (first surface) with electromagnetic waves (step S12). Here, first, the user places the printed medium M on which the third density image P3 is printed on the mounting table 51 of the heating device 50 with the surface FS facing up. After that, the heating device 50 uniformly irradiates the surface FS of the printing medium M with electromagnetic waves such as infrared rays. As a result, the region corresponding to the third density image P3 is heated and expanded, and a relatively fine structure is formed.

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the printed medium M after irradiating the surface FS with an electromagnetic wave. FIG. 13 (b) shows that the relatively fine structure formed on the surface FS rises higher toward the central portion even though the concentration is constant in the peripheral portion of the target region. There is. It is also shown that the height of the relatively fine structure is higher in the central portion of the target area than in the peripheral portion. As described above, the relatively fine structure corresponding to each target region formed on the surface FS has a relatively sharp cross-sectional shape toward the outside in the thickness direction of the print medium M.

After that, the structure forming system 1 prints a color image on the surface FS (first surface) based on the color image data (step S13). Here, first, the user sets the print medium M in the printing apparatus 40 so that the surface FS on which the relatively fine structure is formed faces the print head 42 side, and instructs the computer 10 to print the color image Pc. Enter. As a result, the computer 10 generates print data and print control data corresponding to the color image Pc and outputs the print data to the printing device 40. The printing apparatus 40 prints a color image on the surface FS on the printing medium M with the color inks of cyan C, magenta M, and yellow Y based on the print data and the print control data.

FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view of the printed medium M after printing the color image Pc on the surface FS. FIG. 13C shows how the color image Pc is printed on an arbitrary area of the surface FS. The structure formed on the surface FS according to the third density image P3 is a relatively fine structure as compared with the structure corresponding to the second density image P2 described later, and its maximum height is also high. It is within a predetermined height. Therefore, the relatively fine structure formed on the surface FS does not hinder the printing of the color image Pc by the printing apparatus 40, and the print quality is hardly deteriorated. The predetermined height is equal to or less than the height at which printing can be performed without deteriorating the print quality even if a general-purpose inkjet printer or laser printer for home use, which cannot move the position of the print head in the vertical direction, can be used. It may be any height of, for example, 0.5 mm.

When the printing of the color image is completed, the structure forming system 1 forms a pattern on the surface BS (second surface) based on the second density image data (step S14). Here, first, the user sets the print medium M in the printing device 40 so that the front surface BS faces the print head 42 side, and inputs the print instruction of the second density image P2 to the computer 10. As a result, the computer 10 generates print data and print control data corresponding to the second density image P2 and outputs the print data to the printing apparatus 40. The printing apparatus 40 forms a pattern (second pattern) on the surface BS of the printing medium M with black K ink based on the print data and the print control data. As a result, the second density image P2 is printed on the surface BS.

FIG. 13D is a cross-sectional view of the printing medium M after printing the second density image P2 on the surface BS. FIG. 13D shows how a wider target area is formed on the surface BS than on the surface FS on which the third density image P3 is printed.

Finally, the structure forming system 1 irradiates the surface BS (second surface) with electromagnetic waves (step S15), and ends the structure forming process shown in FIG. Here, first, the user places the printed medium M on which the second density image P2 is printed on the mounting table 51 of the heating device 50 with the surface BS facing upward. After that, the heating device 50 uniformly irradiates the surface BS of the printing medium M with electromagnetic waves such as infrared rays. As a result, the region of the expansion layer M1 corresponding to the second density image P2 is heated and expanded through the base material M2. As a result, a relatively coarse structure is formed.

FIG. 13 (e) is a cross-sectional view of the printing medium M after irradiating the surface BS with electromagnetic waves. In FIG. 13E, a region wider than each target region of the second density image P2 (for example, a target region having widths W1 and W3) (for example, a region having widths W2 and W4) expands and is relatively coarse. The appearance of the structure being formed is shown. In step S12, the portion where the relatively fine structure is formed by irradiating the surface FS of the print medium M with electromagnetic waves has the thickness of the relatively fine structure and the relatively coarse structure formed in step 15. It has a thickness that is the sum of the thickness of.

<Comparison example>
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view for explaining each step of the structure forming process of the comparative example. In the comparative example shown in FIG. 14, the point that the first density image P1 having a uniform density over the entire target area is formed on the surface FS of the print medium M in the process of step S11 of FIG. 12 is described above. It is the same as the above-described embodiment except that it is different from the above-described embodiment. Comparing with FIG. 13, it can be seen that the relatively fine structure formed in the comparative example shown in FIG. 14 has a relatively small swelling in the central portion of the target region. Further, also in the relatively fine structure of the comparative example shown in FIG. 14, the concentration is higher as the relatively fine structure formed on the surface FS is closer to the central portion even though the concentration is constant in the peripheral portion of the target region. It can be seen that it is raised and its cross-sectional shape is dull. As described above, the structure of the comparative example is relatively difficult to be perceived by the sense of touch because the relatively fine structure is dull. On the other hand, since the structure formed by the method of the above-described embodiment has a relatively sharp shape as compared with the structure formed by the method of the comparative example, it is relatively easy to perceive by touch. Is.

As described above, the structure formed on the print medium M by the method of the present embodiment has a density image corresponding to a relatively fine structure on the surface FS on the side of the print medium M on which the expansion layer M1 is provided. After forming the first density image P1 having a uniform density as a whole, the printing medium M is expanded by irradiating an electromagnetic wave from the side provided with the expansion layer M1 toward the printing medium M. It is possible to form a structure that is relatively easy to perceive by tactile sensation as compared with the case where the structure is formed by raising the surface of the layer M1. Therefore, it is suitable for use in Braille, tactile drawings, and the like.

Further, when the concentration of the entire target area is increased, not only the height but also the width of the formed structure becomes thick, so that the visual impression given by the structure may be significantly changed. However, according to the method described above, the width becomes thick because the third density image P3 in which the density of a part of the target area of the first density image P1 is increased is printed on the print medium M. It is possible to suppress the change in the visual impression of the formed structure. Therefore, the tactile information providing function can be improved without impairing the visual information providing function. In particular, the above effect is more prominently exhibited by setting a part of the region where the concentration is increased to a region surrounded by other regions such as a central region.

Further, since the third density image P3 representing a relatively small structural portion is printed on the surface FS close to the expansion layer M1, the heat absorbed by the black K ink hardly spreads in the lateral direction on the expansion layer M1. Be transmitted. Therefore, the size of the region on which the third density image P3 is printed and the size of the region of the expansion layer M1 to be heated are substantially equal to each other. Therefore, according to the method described above, the structure can be formed with a size that faithfully reproduces the third density image, so that a small structure can be formed with high accuracy.

Further, the black K ink of the density image printed on the surface FS may cause the display quality of the colored image to be deteriorated because the color image formed on the black K ink looks dark. However, in the above-mentioned method, since the black K ink is ejected only to the portion of the surface FS that forms a relatively small structure, the region where the color image appears dark can be suppressed to be relatively small. If the relatively fine structure is a part that can be expressed in black, such as Braille, characters, and leader lines in drawings, the black K ink color of the density image printed based on the third density image data is used as it is. be able to.

The above-described embodiment shows a specific example for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The image data generation method, the structure forming method, and the program can be variously modified and modified without departing from the present invention described in the claims.

Although the inkjet printer is illustrated in FIG. 3, the printing apparatus is not limited to the inkjet printer. For example, it may be any printing device such as a laser printer. Although FIG. 4 illustrates a heating device in which the light source unit moves with respect to the print medium M, the heating device may be any device that uniformly irradiates the print medium M with electromagnetic waves. For example, the print medium M may move with respect to a fixed light source unit. Further, the heating device may be provided with a light source unit that simultaneously irradiates the entire printed medium M with electromagnetic waves.

FIG. 5 shows an example in which the third density image data is generated after the first density image data and the second density image data are generated, but the third density image data is the first density image. It may be generated after the data is generated. The generation of the third density image data may be performed after or before the generation of the second density image data.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the first density image data and the second density image data are prepared by being generated by the computer 10, but the first density image data and the first density image data stored in the storage 13 in advance are used. It may be prepared by reading the data of the density image of 2 into the memory 12, and it may be generated by another computer connected to the computer 10 via the Internet or a local area network, or may be stored in the storage device of the other computer. The first density image data and the second density image data stored in advance in the computer may be received via the network and read into the memory 12.

In FIGS. 10 and 11, a concentration conversion process for increasing the concentration in the central portion of the target area is illustrated, but in the concentration conversion process, the concentration in a part of the target area is made higher than the concentration in the other area. It should be. For example, the density of one edge portion of the line-shaped target region may be higher than the density of the other region.

FIG. 12 shows an example in which a pattern is formed on the second surface (surface BS) after irradiating the first surface (surface FS) with an electromagnetic wave, but after forming the pattern on the first surface and the second surface, respectively. The surface of the surface may be irradiated with electromagnetic waves. Further, in FIG. 12, an example in which a color image is printed after irradiating the first surface (surface FS) with an electromagnetic wave is shown, but the ink forming the color image efficiently absorbs the electromagnetic wave such as carbon black and converts it into heat. Color images may be printed prior to electromagnetic wave irradiation, as long as no material is used.

Further, in FIG. 12, an example in which a plurality of treatments are performed after forming a pattern on the first surface (surface FS) is shown. It may be omitted. The printable medium M having a pattern formed on the first surface (surface FS) may be sold, and the subsequent processing may be arbitrarily performed by the purchaser. That is, among the plurality of processes shown in FIG. 12, the seller performs the remaining processes except for at least one process, sells the formed printable medium, and the purchaser arbitrarily performs the at least one process. You can do it. For example, the seller performs the process up to step S11 shown in FIG. 12, forms a printable medium M in a state in which the first density image is formed as shown in FIG. 13A, and sells the printed medium M. The purchaser may perform the processing after step S12 in step 12. The combination of processes performed by the seller and the purchaser may be other than this.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, both the color image Pc and the density image P0 are prepared, but only the color image Pc may be prepared and the density image P0 may be generated based on the color image Pc.

An example of generating and printing two density image data on the premise of double-sided printing on the print medium M has been shown, but the above-mentioned technique can also be applied to single-sided printing. For example, a target area having the same density included in the input density image (for example, density image P0) is selected based on a predetermined condition, and a part of the density of the selected target area is the other area of the target area. The image data of the input density image may be converted to generate the image data of the output density image so as to be higher than the density of. By setting a condition such that a small structural portion is selected in this predetermined condition, for example, the image data of the output density image obtained by synthesizing the second density image P2 and the third density image P3 is generated. Can be done. Then, by printing the generated output density image on the surface FS and irradiating it with electromagnetic waves, it is possible to form a structure having a relatively small structural portion having a sharp shape. Therefore, also by this method, the tactile information providing function by the structure can be improved as compared with the conventional case.

Hereinafter, the inventions described in the claims at the time of filing the application of the present application will be added.
[Appendix 1]
A first density image data for printing to be applied to expand the expansion layer is prepared on the surface of the printing medium including the expansion layer that expands by heating on the side where the expansion layer is provided.
The first density image data represents the first density image so that the density of a part of the target region having the same density is higher than the density of the other regions of the target region. An image data generation method characterized in that a third density image data is generated by converting the density image data.
[Appendix 2]
In the image data generation method described in Appendix 1,
A second density image data for printing is prepared on the surface of the printing medium opposite to the side on which the expansion layer is provided to expand the expansion layer.
The image data generation method, wherein the first density image is an image including information having a structure finer than that of the second density image represented by the second density image data.
[Appendix 3]
In the image data generation method described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2,
An image data generation method comprising converting the first density image data to generate a third density image data so that the density of a part of the target region is higher than the same density.
[Appendix 4]
In the image data generation method according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3,
A method for generating image data, wherein a part of the target area is a region surrounded by other areas of the target area.
[Appendix 5]
In the image data generation method according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to Supplementary note 4,
A method for generating image data, wherein the target region is a line-shaped or dot-shaped region.
[Appendix 6]
The same input density image included in the input density image represented by the input density image data for printing applied to expand the expansion layer on the surface of the printing medium including the expansion layer that expands by heating. Select the target area with concentration and
The image data of the input density image is converted to generate the image data of the output density image so that the density of a part of the selected target region is higher than the density of the other regions of the target region. Characteristic image data generation method.
[Appendix 7]
A method for forming a structure using a printing medium containing an expansion layer that expands by heating.
It is density image data generated based on the first density image data prepared for printing which is applied to expand the expansion layer on the surface of the printing medium on the side where the expansion layer is provided. The first density image data represents the first density image so that the density of a part of the target region having the same density is higher than the density of the other region of the target region. Based on the third density image data generated by converting the density image data, a first pattern is formed on the first surface of the print medium closer to the expansion layer.
The printable medium is based on second density image data prepared for printing, which is applied to expand the expandable layer on the surface of the printable medium opposite to the side on which the expandable layer is provided. A second pattern representing a structure finer than the first pattern is formed on the second surface far from the expansion layer of the above.
Electromagnetic waves are irradiated from the first surface side of the printing medium toward the first surface.
A method for forming a structure, which comprises irradiating an electromagnetic wave from the first surface side toward the first surface and then irradiating the electromagnetic wave from the second surface side of the printing medium toward the second surface. ..
[Appendix 8]
The same input density image included in the input density image represented by the input density image data for printing applied to expand the expansion layer on the surface of the printing medium including the expansion layer that expands by heating. Select the target area with concentration and
The image data of the input density image is converted to generate the image data of the output density image so that the density of a part of the selected target area is higher than the density of the other areas of the target area.
Based on the image data of the output density image, a pattern is formed on the first surface of the printing medium including the expansion layer that expands by heating, which is closer to the expansion layer.
A method for forming a structure, which comprises irradiating the first surface on which the pattern is formed with an electromagnetic wave.
[Appendix 9]
A structure forming apparatus using a printing medium containing an expansion layer that expands by heating.
It is density image data generated based on the first density image data prepared for printing which is applied to expand the expansion layer on the surface of the printing medium on the side where the expansion layer is provided. The first density image data represents the first density image so that the density of a part of the target region having the same density is higher than the density of the other regions of the target region. Based on the third density image data generated by converting the density image data, a first pattern is formed on the first surface of the print medium closer to the expansion layer to form the print medium. From the expansion layer of the printing medium based on the second density image data prepared for printing applied to expand the expansion layer on the surface opposite to the side on which the expansion layer is provided. A printing unit that forms a second pattern that represents a finer structure than the first pattern on the distant second surface.
After irradiating the first surface side of the printable medium with electromagnetic waves toward the first surface and irradiating the electromagnetic waves from the first surface side toward the first surface, the second surface of the printable medium is irradiated with electromagnetic waves. A structure forming apparatus including an irradiation unit that irradiates an electromagnetic wave from a surface side toward the second surface.
[Appendix 10]
The same input density image included in the input density image represented by the input density image data for printing applied to expand the expansion layer on the surface of the printing medium including the expansion layer that expands by heating. A selection unit that selects the target area with concentration, and
A generator that converts the image data of the input density image to generate the image data of the output density image so that the density of a part of the selected target area is higher than the density of the other areas of the target area. When,
Based on the image data of the output density image, a printing portion that forms a pattern on the first surface of the printing medium including the expansion layer that expands by heating, which is closer to the expansion layer,
A structure forming apparatus including an irradiation unit that irradiates the first surface on which the pattern is formed with an electromagnetic wave.
[Appendix 11]
Computer,
A means for preparing a first density image data for printing to be applied to expand the expansion layer on the surface of the printing medium including the expansion layer that expands by heating on the side where the expansion layer is provided.
The first density image data represents the first density image so that the density of a part of the target region having the same density is higher than the density of the other regions of the target region. A means for converting density image data to generate a third density image data,
A program characterized by functioning as.
[Appendix 12]
Computer,
Input density image for printing applied to expand the expansion layer on the surface of the printing medium including the expansion layer that expands by heating on the side where the expansion layer is provided. A means for generating a first density image data representing a density image of 1
The first density image data is converted so that the density of a part of the target region having the same density included in the first density image is higher than the density of the other regions of the target region. Means for generating density image data of 3,
A program characterized by functioning as.

1 ... Structure forming system (structure forming device), 10 ... Computer, 11 ... Processor (generation unit, selection unit), 12 ... Memory, 13 ... Storage, 20 ... Display device, 30 ... Input device, 40 ... Printing device (printing unit), 41 ... Carriage, 42 ... Printing head, 43 ... Ink cartridge, 44 ... Guide rail, 45.・ ・ Drive belt, 45m ・ ・ ・ Motor, 46 ・ ・ ・ Flexible communication cable, 47 ・ ・ ・ Frame, 48 ・ ・ ・ Platen, 49a ・ ・ ・ Paper feed roller pair, 49b ・ ・ ・ Paper output roller pair, 50 ... Heating device (irradiation unit), 51 ... Mounting stand, 52 ... Guide groove, 53 ... Support, 54 ... Light source unit, M ... Printed medium, M1 ... Expansion Layer, M2 ... base material, FS ... surface, BS ... surface, Pc ... color image, P0 ... density image, P1 ... first density image, P2 ... first 2 density image, P3 ... 3rd density image

Claims (5)

The first step of printing a dot image with a radius set to a predetermined first threshold value or more on the surface of a heat-expandable sheet with a photothermal conversion material, and
By irradiating the dot image printed on the heat-expandable sheet with a predetermined light, the region corresponding to the dot image is raised to a height corresponding to the density of the dot image by thermal expansion. The second step of forming surface irregularities on the surface of the heat-expandable sheet as a tactile image, and
Have,
The first step is
Wherein when the concentration of the dot images is equal to or smaller than a predetermined second threshold value, the density correction process the concentration of the central region darker than the density of the peripheral region of the dot image of the dot image or the dot images the concentration of the peripheral region by printing the dot image density correction processing has been performed thinner than the concentration of the central region of the dot images,
When the density of the dot image exceeds the predetermined second threshold value, the dot image from which the density correction processing is omitted is printed.
A method for manufacturing a tactile printed matter. In the first step, the dot image in which the plane shape is a dot shape and the radius is set to 0.75 mm or more is printed.
The method for manufacturing a tactile printed matter according to claim 1. The central region of the dot image is set to half the size of the area of the dot image.
The method for producing a tactile printed matter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tactile printed matter is manufactured. In the density correction process , the dot image is formed so that the density of the peripheral region is the same before and after the density correction process and the density of the central region is at least twice the density of the peripheral region. It is a process to correct ,
The method for manufacturing a tactile printed matter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tactile printed matter is manufactured. Computer,
A printing means for printing a dot image having a radius set to a predetermined first threshold value or more on the surface of a heat-expandable sheet using a photothermal conversion material.
By irradiating the dot image printed on the heat-expandable sheet with a predetermined light, the region corresponding to the dot image is raised to a height corresponding to the density of the dot image by thermal expansion. A forming means for forming surface irregularities on the surface of a heat-expandable sheet as a tactile image,
To function as
The printing means
Wherein when the concentration of the dot images is equal to or smaller than a predetermined second threshold value, the density correction process the concentration of the central region darker than the density of the peripheral region of the dot image of the dot image or the dot images the concentration of the peripheral region by printing the dot image density correction processing has been performed thinner than the concentration of the central region of the dot images,
When the density of the dot image exceeds the predetermined second threshold value, the dot image from which the density correction processing is omitted is printed.
A program characterized by that.

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