JP7478029B2 - Image data generating device and image data generating method - Google Patents

Description

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

In resistive touch panels, dot spacers are used to prevent short circuits between two conductive films. The dot spacers are composed of a number of dots made of insulating material that are regularly distributed within a surface. The following Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for forming dot spacers by spraying ink onto a dot spacer formation surface using an inkjet printer. When a desired pattern is drawn using an inkjet printer, raster-formed image data is used to control the ejection of ink from the inkjet head. Raster-format image data is generally generated by converting vector-format data created using CAD.

JP 2004-139162 A

When vector-formatted image data is converted to raster-formatted image data, a situation may arise in which one dot in the vector-formatted image data is assigned to two pixels in the raster-formatted image data. Furthermore, a situation may arise in which a dot is assigned to a pixel that is shifted by one pixel from the pixel to which the dot should be assigned.

The object of the present invention is to provide an image data generating device and an image data generating method that generate image data that defines a dot pattern in which multiple dots are distributed, without converting image data in vector format.

According to one aspect of the present invention,
a first step of generating image data of a first layer , the image data specifying positions of a plurality of dots to be arranged in a first drawing area on a drawing surface based on first distribution rule information that specifies a rule for distributing a plurality of dots in the first drawing area by a position of the first drawing area, a size of the first drawing area, and a dot pitch;
a second step of generating image data of a second layer, the image data specifying positions of the dots to be placed in a second drawing area on the drawing surface based on second distribution rule information that specifies a rule for distributing the dots in the second drawing area by a position of the second drawing area, a size of the second drawing area, and a dot pitch ;
a third step of deleting dots located inside the second drawing area from the image data of the first layer when the second drawing area overlaps a portion of the first drawing area;
An image data generating device is provided that performs, after the third step, a fourth step of generating composite image data that specifies the positions of dots specified in either the image data of the first layer or the image data of the second layer.

According to another aspect of the invention,
generating a first layer of image data defining positions of a plurality of dots arranged in a first drawing area of a drawing surface according to a first distribution rule specified by a position of the first drawing area, a size of the first drawing area, and a dot pitch ;
generating image data of a second layer in a second drawing area of the drawing surface overlapping a portion of the first drawing area, the image data defining the positions of a plurality of dots arranged according to a second distribution rule specified by a position of the second drawing area, a size of the second drawing area, and a dot pitch ;
performing a process for deleting dots located inside the second drawing area from the image data of the first layer;
Then, an image data generation method is provided that generates composite image data by combining the first layer image data and the second layer image data based on the positions of dots specified in the first layer image data and the positions of dots specified in the second layer image data.

By inputting distribution rule information for multiple dots to be formed in a drawing area, image data that defines a dot pattern in which multiple dots are distributed can be generated without creating vector-format image data. Furthermore, by performing the third and fourth steps, dots can be arranged inside the first drawing area but outside the second drawing area according to the first distribution rule, and dots can be arranged inside the second drawing area according to the second distribution rule.

Figure 1A is a schematic front view of an image data generating device according to one embodiment, and an ink application device that performs drawing using image data generated by the image data generating device, and Figure 1B is a diagram showing the positional relationship in a plan view of a movable table, an ink ejection unit, and an imaging device. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a pattern formed by ink on the surface of a substrate. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an image data generating device according to this embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a window for inputting printing conditions. FIG. 5 shows the window when the drawing information file read tab is active. FIG. 6 shows the window when the drawing information setting tab is active. FIG. 7 shows the window when the drawing information edit tab is active. FIG. 8 shows the window when the drawing information deletion tab is active. Figure 9A is a diagram showing the first layer image data generated by executing the first procedure on a two-dimensional plane in the pixel coordinate system, Figure 9B is a diagram showing the second layer image data generated by executing the second procedure on a two-dimensional plane in the pixel coordinate system, Figure 9C is a diagram showing the first layer image data generated by executing the third procedure on a two-dimensional plane in the pixel coordinate system, and Figure 9D is a diagram showing the composite image data generated by executing the fourth procedure on a two-dimensional plane in the pixel coordinate system. Figure 10A is a diagram showing the image data of the second layer generated by executing the second procedure according to another embodiment on a two-dimensional plane in the pixel coordinate system, Figure 10B is a diagram showing the image data of the second layer after the second drawing area has been expanded on a two-dimensional plane in the pixel coordinate system, Figure 10C is a diagram showing the image data of the first layer generated by executing the third procedure on a two-dimensional plane in the pixel coordinate system, and Figure 10D is a diagram showing the composite image data generated by executing the fourth procedure on a two-dimensional plane in the pixel coordinate system. Figure 11A is a diagram showing the image data of the second layer generated by executing the second procedure according to yet another embodiment on a two-dimensional plane in the pixel coordinate system, Figure 11B is a diagram showing the image data of the second layer after the second drawing area has been expanded on a two-dimensional plane in the pixel coordinate system, Figure 11C is a diagram showing the image data of the first layer generated by executing the third procedure on a two-dimensional plane in the pixel coordinate system, and Figure 11D is a diagram showing the composite image data generated by executing the fourth procedure on a two-dimensional plane in the pixel coordinate system. Figure 12A is a diagram showing the first layer image data generated by executing the first procedure according to yet another embodiment on a two-dimensional plane in the pixel coordinate system, Figure 12B is a diagram showing the second layer image data generated by executing the second procedure and the margin area to be secured on a two-dimensional plane in the pixel coordinate system, Figure 12C is a diagram showing the first layer image data generated by executing the third procedure on a two-dimensional plane in the pixel coordinate system, and Figure 12D is a diagram showing the composite image data generated by executing the fourth procedure on a two-dimensional plane in the pixel coordinate system. Figure 13A is a diagram showing the image data of the second layer generated by executing the second procedure according to yet another embodiment on a two-dimensional plane in the pixel coordinate system, Figure 13B is a diagram showing the image data of the second layer after multiple dots have been translated on the two-dimensional plane in the pixel coordinate system, Figure 13C is a diagram showing the image data of the first layer generated by executing the third procedure on the two-dimensional plane in the pixel coordinate system, and Figure 13D is a diagram showing the composite image data generated by executing the fourth procedure on the two-dimensional plane in the pixel coordinate system. Figure 14A is a diagram showing the arrangement of the first layer drawing area specified by image data of the first layer in yet another embodiment, Figure 14B is a diagram showing the arrangement of the second layer drawing area specified by image data of the second layer, and Figure 14C is a diagram showing the arrangement of the first drawing area and second drawing area specified by composite image data. 15A and 15B are diagrams showing windows for inputting drawing information according to still another embodiment. Figure 16A is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the surface to be drawn and two first drawing areas arranged in the first layer, Figure 16B is a diagram showing the second drawing area in the second layer, and Figure 16C is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing before the data generation unit (Figure 3) executes the third procedure. FIG. 17 shows a window for inputting drawing information according to yet another embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the composite image data on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system. Figure 19A is a diagram showing the arrangement of the first drawing area placed on the first layer, Figure 19B is a diagram showing the arrangement of the second drawing area placed on the second layer, Figure 19C is a diagram showing the drawing area and dot height specified by the composite image data, and Figures 19D to 19F are diagrams that diagrammatically show the first to third printing data, respectively, on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system. Figure 20A is a diagram showing synthetic image data according to yet another embodiment on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system, and Figure 20B is a diagram showing synthetic image data according to a modified example of the embodiment of Figure 20A on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the first drawing area of the first layer and the second drawing area of the second layer specified by composite image data generated by an image data generating device according to yet another embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the arrangement of drawing areas specified by composite image data generated by an image data generating device according to still another embodiment.

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

The substrate 20 to be coated with ink is held on the upper surface (holding surface) of the movable table 12. The substrate 20 is fixed to the movable table 12 by, for example, a vacuum chuck. The movement mechanism 11 moves the substrate 20 held on the movable table 12 in a direction parallel to the xy plane. An ink ejection unit 30 and an imaging device 40 are supported above the movable table 12 by, for example, a gate-shaped support member 13. The ink ejection unit 30 and the imaging device 40 are supported so that they can be raised and lowered relative to the base 10. The ink ejection unit 30 has multiple nozzles facing the substrate 20. Each nozzle ejects droplets of photocurable (e.g., ultraviolet curable) ink toward the surface of the substrate 20. The ejection of the ink is controlled by a control device 50.

The imaging device 40 captures an image of the top surface of the substrate 20 (the surface on which the ink is applied). An area of the top surface of the substrate 20 that is located within the angle of view of the imaging device 40 is captured by the imaging device 40.

The control device 50 includes a storage unit 51 and a control unit 52. Information (hereinafter referred to as image data) specifying the positions to which ink should be applied is stored in the storage unit 51. The image data is composed of a number of pixels each corresponding to a number of positions on the surface of the substrate 20. The pixels at which ink should land are specified by associating each pixel with information specifying whether or not ink should be applied. In this specification, the positions on the substrate corresponding to each of the pixels of the image data may be simply referred to as "pixels".

The control unit 52 controls the movement mechanism 11 and the ink ejection unit 30 based on this image data, thereby causing ink to land at a predetermined position on the surface of the substrate 20. This forms a dot pattern or film pattern made of ink on the surface of the substrate 20. In this specification, a dot in which ink that has landed on one pixel is not continuous with ink that has landed on other pixels and is isolated is referred to as an "isolated dot".

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

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

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

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

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

In one scanning operation, the inkjet head 31 may be moved back and forth in the y direction at least once. In this case, by shifting the inkjet head 31 in the x direction relative to the substrate 20 by 1/2 the pitch of the nozzles 32 between the forward and return passes, it is possible to land ink on the substrate 20 at a resolution of 1200 dpi. By shifting the inkjet head 31 by 1/4 the pitch of the nozzles 32 and moving the inkjet head 31 back and forth twice, it is possible to land ink on the substrate 20 at a resolution of 2400 dpi. In this way, even when the inkjet head 31 is moved multiple times in the negative and positive directions of the y axis to increase the resolution, the multiple movements are collectively referred to as one scanning operation.

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

By performing multiple scans without shifting, ink can be deposited multiple times on a single pixel, i.e., the ink can be layered. By layering the ink, isolated dots can be made taller, resulting in a thicker film.

When a scanning operation is performed while the substrate 20 is irradiated with light from the curing light source 33, the ink ejected from the inkjet head 31 is provisionally cured immediately after landing on the substrate 20. Specifically, the ink is provisionally cured in the short time it takes for the ink impact point to move into the path of the light irradiated from the curing light source 33 after landing. Until the ink is provisionally cured, the ink that has landed on the substrate 20 spreads in the in-plane direction of the substrate 20. The extent of this spread depends on the degree of lyophilicity of the surface of the substrate 20. After the ink is provisionally cured, the ink does not spread in the in-plane direction of the substrate 20.

Figure 2 is a plan view showing an example of a pattern formed with ink on the surface of the substrate 20. In this embodiment, dot spacers for use in a resistive touch panel are formed. Four touch panels are mounted on one substrate 20. The surface (upper surface) of the substrate 20 to which ink is to be applied is referred to as the drawing surface 23. Four square or rectangular drawing areas 25 are defined on the drawing surface 23 corresponding to each of the four touch panels. The four edges of the drawing surface 23 and the four edges of each of the drawing areas 25 are parallel to the x direction (shift direction) or y direction (scan direction).

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

The position where the ink ejected from the inkjet head 31 (Figure 1B) lands is specified by pixel coordinates defined on the surface 23 to be drawn. The pixel that has the origin of the xy coordinate system as one of its vertices corresponds to the origin (0,0) of the pixel coordinate system.

A number of isolated dots 22 are regularly distributed in the x and y directions in the drawing area 25. The distribution pattern of the dots 22 differs between the inner and outer edges of the drawing area 25. An image data generating device 60 (Figure 1A) generates image data that specifies the positions of the dots 22 to be placed in the drawing area 25.

In FIG. 2, an example is shown in which the dot density in the innermost part of the drawing area 25 is lower than the dot density in the peripheral part, but the distribution of the multiple dots 22 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2. In some cases, the dot density in the innermost part of the drawing area 25 is higher than the dot density in the peripheral part, and in other cases, the multiple dots 22 are uniformly distributed throughout the entire drawing area 25.

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

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

Various printing conditions and drawing information required to form dots 22 on substrate 20 (Figure 2) are input from input device 67. Examples of input device 67 include a keyboard, a display device and pointing device, a communication device, and a removable media reader.

The input control unit 62 controls the input device 67 to allow the user to input printing conditions, drawing information, and the like from the input device 67. Furthermore, the input control unit 62 receives the printing conditions and drawing information input from the input device 67 and stores them in the drawing condition storage unit 65. The printing conditions and drawing information stored in the drawing condition storage unit 65 are provided to the data generation unit 63 as necessary. The printing conditions include the size of the drawing surface 23 (FIG. 2) of the substrate 20 (FIG. 2), the drawing resolution, and the conversion coefficient. The drawing information includes range information that specifies the range of each of the multiple drawing areas 25 (FIG. 2), and distribution rule information that specifies the rule for distributing the multiple dots. The range information includes, for example, information that specifies the position, shape, and size of the drawing area 25. The distribution rule information includes, for example, information that specifies the pitch of the dots 22 in the x and y directions.

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

Next, a method for inputting printing conditions, drawing information, etc. from the input device 67 (FIG. 3) will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8. Windows for inputting various information are displayed on the display screen of the input device 67.

Figure 4 shows a window 70 for inputting printing conditions. The various procedures related to window 70 described below are executed by the input control unit 62 controlling the input device 67.

In the window 70, there are displayed tabs for input areas 72 for "Print condition setting," "Load drawing information file," "Drawing information setting," "Drawing information editing," and "Drawing information deletion." Figure 4 shows the state in which the Print condition setting tab is active. In addition to the input area 72, the window 70 also displays a print condition display area 73, a drawing information list display area 74, a save button 75, and an image data creation start button 76.

The printing conditions displayed in the printing condition display area 73 are registered as basic information for generating image data. The drawing information list displayed in the drawing information list display area 74 is displayed as a list of drawing information registered as basic information for generating image data. When the user selects the save button 75, the currently registered printing conditions and drawing information are assigned a file name and stored in the drawing condition storage unit 65 (FIG. 3). The user can freely set the file name. When the user selects the start image data creation button 76, the input control unit 62 (FIG. 3) commands the data generation unit 63 (FIG. 3) to generate image data. Upon receiving this command, the data generation unit 63 generates image data based on the printing conditions and drawing information stored in the drawing condition storage unit 65. The save button 75 and the start image data creation button 76 are specified by the user by tapping, clicking the mouse, or the like.

When the print condition setting tab is active, the input control unit 62 displays six input boxes 81 in the input area 72 for inputting the size in the x and y directions of the surface 23 to be drawn (Figure 2), the drawing resolution in the x and y directions, and the conversion coefficients in the x and y directions. In addition, a print condition application button 82 is displayed.

The size of the surface 23 to be drawn is specified by the lengths in the x and y directions. The lengths in the x and y directions are specified in units of "mm". The drawing resolution in the x and y directions is input using a pull-down menu. The drawing resolution is specified in units of "dpi". A pixel coordinate system is defined on the surface 23 to be drawn (Figure 2) according to the specified resolution.

Next, the conversion coefficient will be described. Since 1 inch = 25.4 mm, the normal conversion coefficient _C0 for converting inches to millimeters is 25.4. When a position in the xy coordinate system is specified in millimeters, the pixel coordinates in the pixel coordinate system can be obtained from the xy coordinates of that position, the conversion coefficient _C0 , and the specified resolution.

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

If the design value of the nozzle pitch is denoted as Pn, when an inkjet head with a resolution of 600 dpi is used, the number of pixels assigned to the length Lx [mm] in the x direction on the surface to be printed is (Lx/ _C0 ) x 600. The length Lxc [mm] corresponding to this number of pixels is (Lx/ _C0 ) x 600 x Pn [mm].

When an inkjet head with a resolution of 600 dpi and a nozzle pitch design value Pn of 0.04225 mm is used, if the x-coordinate expressed in millimeters is converted into pixel coordinates by applying the normal conversion coefficient _C0 , the correct pixel coordinates may not be obtained. In this embodiment, the input control unit 62 inputs an appropriate conversion coefficient based on the design value of the nozzle pitch of the inkjet head actually used, instead of the normal conversion coefficient _C0 , as the conversion coefficient. For example, when an inkjet head with a resolution of 600 dpi and a nozzle pitch of 0.04225 mm is used, 25.35 may be input as the conversion coefficient. By converting the x-coordinate expressed in millimeters into pixel coordinates using this conversion coefficient, the correct pixel coordinates can be obtained. The conversion coefficient is input, for example, by a pull-down menu method. It is preferable to include the conversion coefficient corresponding to the design value of the nozzle pitch of the inkjet head actually used and the normal conversion coefficient _C0 in the menu list of the pull-down menu.

When the user selects the apply printing conditions button 82, the input control unit 62 (Figure 3) registers the current information entered in the input box 81 as the printing conditions for generating image data, and displays the registered printing conditions in the printing conditions display area 73.

Figure 5 shows window 70 when the drawing information file load tab is active. The input area 72 displays the file names and update dates and times of drawing information files stored in the drawing condition storage unit 65 (Figure 3), as well as a list of folder names in which the drawing information files are stored. In addition, a file load button 83 is displayed in the input area 72.

When the user selects a file from the list and presses the file load button 83, the input control unit 62 (Figure 3) reads the specified file from the drawing condition storage unit 65 (Figure 3) and displays its contents in the printing condition display area 73 and drawing information list display area 74.

Figure 6 shows the window 70 when the drawing information setting tab is active. A total of seven input boxes 84 are displayed in the input area 72 for inputting layer identification information for specifying a layer, the position (reference point position) of the reference point 24 (Figure 2) in the x and y directions, the size (drawing area size) of the drawing area 25 (Figure 2) in the x and y directions, and the dot pitch in the x and y directions. In addition, a drawing information application button 85 is displayed.

The layer identification information is an integer of 1 or more, and is input using a pull-down menu. The role of the information specifying the layer will be explained later with reference to Figures 9A to 9D. The position of the reference point 24 (Figure 2) is specified by the x and y coordinates of an xy coordinate system with the origin O being one vertex of the surface 23 (Figure 2) to be drawn on. The x and y coordinates are specified in millimeters. The size of the drawing area 25 is specified by the lengths of the sides extending in the x and y directions of the drawing area 25 (Figure 2). These side lengths are specified in millimeters. Information including the position information of the reference point 24 and the side length information indicating the size of the drawing area 25 is sometimes called "range information" that specifies the range of the drawing area 25.

The dot pitch in the x direction and the dot pitch in the y direction are defined as the center-to-center distance between two adjacent dots in the x direction and the center-to-center distance between two adjacent dots in the y direction, respectively. The dot pitch is specified in millimeters. The pitch information that specifies the dot pitch is sometimes called "distribution rule information," which specifies the distribution rule for multiple dots.

When the user selects the Apply Drawing Information button 85, one drawing area 25 (Figure 2) is newly registered as basic information for generating image data based on the information currently entered in the input box 84. When registering a new drawing area 25, the input control unit 62 assigns drawing area identification information (drawing area ID) to the newly registered drawing area 25. The drawing area ID is information for distinguishing between multiple drawing areas 25 in one layer, and is composed of integers assigned sequentially starting from 1, for example. Furthermore, the input control unit 62 additionally displays the drawing area ID of the newly registered drawing area 25 in the drawing information list display area 74.

Figure 7 shows window 70 when the drawing information editing tab is active. The contents displayed in input area 72 are the same as those displayed when the drawing information setting tab is active (Figure 6). When the user selects one drawing area from the drawing information list display area 74, the input control unit 62 displays the layer information, range information, and distribution rule information for the selected drawing area 25 in the input area 72, and allows the user to modify this information.

The user can modify the layer information, range information, and distribution rule information displayed in the input area 72 by operating the input device 67 (Figure 3). After modifying this information, when the user selects the drawing information apply button 85, the input control unit 62 rewrites the drawing information of the selected drawing area 25 with the modified drawing information. When the layer information is modified, the input control unit 62 reassigns drawing area IDs to all currently registered drawing areas 25.

Figure 8 shows the window 70 when the Delete Drawing Information tab is active. When the user selects one drawing area 25 from the drawing information list display area 74, the input control unit 62 displays the drawing information of the selected drawing area 25 in the input area 72 in a grayed-out state. The user cannot modify this information. A Delete button 86 is also displayed in the input area 72.

When the user selects the delete button 86, the registration of the currently selected drawing area 25 is cancelled. Furthermore, drawing area IDs are reassigned to the currently registered drawing areas 25, excluding the cancelled drawing area 25. The input control unit 62 deletes the cancelled drawing area 25 from the drawing information list display area 74.

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

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

Figure 9A is a diagram showing pixels 90 that are placed inside the first drawing area 26, out of the multiple pixels 90 that make up the first layer image data 91 generated by executing the first procedure. The first layer image data 91 specifies pixels that correspond to the multiple dots 22 distributed in the first drawing area 26. In Figure 9A, the pixels 90 on which the dots 22 are placed are shown filled in black. Similarly, in the following drawings, the pixels 90 on which the dots 22 are placed are shown filled in black.

In the first drawing area 26, a plurality of pixels 90 are arranged in a matrix in the x and y directions. The pitch of the plurality of pixels 90 in the x and y directions (hereinafter referred to as pixel pitch) is calculated based on the drawing resolution and conversion coefficient of the printing conditions shown in FIG. 4. If the drawing resolution in the x direction is 2400 dpi and the conversion coefficient is 25.35, the pixel pitch in the x direction is 25.35/2400 = 0.0105625 mm. If the drawing resolution in the y direction is 2400 dpi and the conversion coefficient is 25.4, the pixel pitch in the y direction is 25.4/2400 = 0.01058333 mm.

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

In the first step, the data generation unit 63 places multiple dots 22 at a specified dot pitch in the x and y directions starting from the reference point 24A of the first drawing area 26. Hereinafter, the pixel 90 in which the dots 22 are placed may be simply referred to as the "dot 22." The dot pitch is equal to the center-to-center distance between the pixels 90 corresponding to two adjacent dots 22.

Figure 9A shows an example in which two pixels 90 are arranged between two adjacent dots 22 in both the x and y directions, but when forming dot spacers for a resistive touch panel, the number of pixels between two adjacent dots 22 is generally more than two. Note that since the pixel pitch in the x direction and the pixel pitch in the y direction are not strictly the same, even if the dot pitch in the x direction and the dot pitch in the y direction expressed in millimeters are the same, the number of pixels between two adjacent dots 22 in the x direction and the number of pixels between two adjacent dots 22 in the y direction are not necessarily the same.

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

Figure 9B shows pixels 90 that are located inside the first drawing area 26, out of the multiple pixels 90 that make up the second layer image data 92 generated by executing the second procedure. The second drawing area 27 is contained within the first drawing area 26 and is located at the innermost part of the first drawing area 26.

The position of the reference point 24B, the dimensions in the x and y directions, and the dot pitch of the second drawing area 27 are set by the user through input while the window 70 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed, as in the case of the first drawing area 26. The dot pitch of the second drawing area 27 is wider than the dot pitch of the first drawing area 26. As in the case of the first drawing area 26, the multiple dots 22 are arranged at the specified dot pitch in the x and y directions starting from the reference point 24B of the second drawing area 27. The image data 92 of the second layer specifies the positions of the multiple dots 22 distributed in the second drawing area 27.

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

Figure 9C shows pixels 90 located within the first drawing area 26, among the multiple pixels 90 constituting the first layer image data 91 generated by executing the third procedure. In the third procedure, the data generation unit 63 (Figure 3) performs a process on the first layer image data 91 (i.e., image data of a relatively lower layer) to delete dots 22 located within the second drawing area 27 defined in a relatively higher layer. As a result, of the multiple pixels 90 in the first layer image data 91, all pixels 90 located within the second drawing area 27 become pixels without dots 22.

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

Figure 9D is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 out of the multiple pixels 90 constituting the composite image data 93 generated by executing the fourth procedure. In the fourth procedure, the data generating unit 63 generates composite image data 93 that specifies the position of a dot 22 specified in either the first layer image data 91 (Figure 9C) or the second layer image data 92 (Figure 9B) after the third procedure. For example, the composite image data 93 is generated by associating "1" with a pixel 90 in which a dot 22 is arranged and "0" with a pixel 90 in which a dot 22 is not arranged, and taking the logical sum for each pixel 90 between the image data 91 of the first layer and the image data 92 of the second layer.

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

As a result, as shown in Figure 9D, multiple dots 22 are arranged inside the second drawing area 27 at the dot pitch specified in the drawing information of the second drawing area 27. Furthermore, multiple dots 22 are arranged inside the first drawing area 26 but in an area outside the second drawing area 27 (hereinafter referred to as the peripheral area 29), at the dot pitch specified in the drawing information of the first drawing area 26. In Figure 9D, the peripheral area 29 is hatched. The second drawing area 27 may be referred to as the innermost area relative to the peripheral area 29.

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

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

Furthermore, when specifying the distribution rule for the multiple dots 22 to be placed in the peripheral portion 29 (Figure 9D), the user does not need to specify the position or shape of the inner edge of the peripheral portion 29, as shown in Figure 9A, but only needs to specify the range of the first drawing area 26, i.e., the outer edge of the peripheral portion 29.

In a certain drawing area, when the dot pitch in the x and y directions is specified to be the same as the pixel pitch in the x and y directions, respectively, ink is applied to all pixels in the drawing area. This allows the formation of an ink film. Such a film can be used, for example, as a protective film (overcoat) that covers the wiring of a resistive touch panel. Therefore, the image data generating device according to the above embodiment can be used to generate image data for forming both the dot spacers and the overcoat of a resistive touch panel.

The user can also input the position and size of the drawing area and the dot pitch in millimeters without considering the pixel pitch. This can reduce the occurrence of input errors by the user compared to a method in which the user takes pixel pitch into consideration and individually specifies the pixels 90 in which the multiple dots 22 are to be placed.

Furthermore, drawing information that has already been registered can be modified for each drawing area 25 as shown in FIG. 7, or deleted for each drawing area 25 as shown in FIG. 8. This improves convenience for the user.

Next, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described. In the above embodiment, an example was given of forming dot spacers for a resistive touch panel using the image data generating device 60 (FIG. 1A), but the image data generating device 60 according to the above embodiment can also generate image data for forming other dot patterns in which multiple dots are regularly arranged. For example, it can be used to generate image data for forming pixels for each luminescent color of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel or a quantum dot display panel.

In the above embodiment, the positions of the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 are specified within the surface to be drawn 23, and multiple dots 22 are placed in the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27, but it is not necessary to specify the positions of the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27. For example, it is possible to specify only the distribution rule for the multiple dots 22 to be placed within the surface to be drawn 23, without specifying the positions of the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 within the surface to be drawn 23. For example, if multiple dots 22 are to be placed over almost the entire area of the surface to be drawn 23, it is sufficient to specify only the distribution rule.

Next, an image data generating device according to another embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10A to 10D. Below, a description of the configuration common to the embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 9D will be omitted.

The data generator 63 (Fig. 3) generates the first layer image data 91 (Fig. 9A) and the second layer image data 92 (Fig. 9B) by a procedure similar to the first procedure (Fig. 9A) and the second procedure (Fig. 9B) of the embodiment shown in Figs. 1A to 9D.

Figure 10A shows pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 out of the multiple pixels 90 constituting the second layer image data 92 generated by executing the second procedure, and is the same as that shown in Figure 9B. Since multiple dots 22 are arranged at a predetermined dot pitch in the x and y directions starting from the reference point 24B of the second drawing area 27, some dots 22 are arranged at positions that contact (or on) the two sides (perimeter lines) extending from the reference point 24B. In this embodiment, the second drawing area 27 is expanded before executing the third procedure (Figure 9C) of the embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 9D. Dots are not placed in the expanded area resulting from the expansion of the second drawing area 27.

Figure 10B is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 out of the multiple pixels 90 constituting the second layer image data 92 after the second drawing area 27 is expanded. The data generation unit 63 expands the second drawing area 27 by moving the outer perimeter of the second drawing area 27 outward. For example, to expand the second drawing area 27, the outer perimeter of the second drawing area 27 on the top, bottom, left, and right sides may be moved in the up, down, left, and right directions, respectively. The amount of movement of the outer perimeter is determined based on the density of the dots 22 arranged in the first drawing area 26 (Figure 9A) or the density of the dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 (Figure 10A).

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

Figure 10C shows pixels 90 located inside the first drawing area 26 out of the multiple pixels 90 constituting the first layer image data 91 generated by executing the third procedure. In the third procedure, the data generation unit 63 performs a process on the first layer image data 91 to delete dots 22 located inside the expanded second drawing area 27. As a result, all pixels 90 located inside the expanded second drawing area 27 out of the multiple pixels 90 in the first layer image data 91 become pixels without dots 22.

After performing the third step (Figure 10C), perform the fourth step similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 9D.

Figure 10D shows pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26, among the multiple pixels 90 constituting the composite image data 93 generated by executing the fourth procedure. Multiple dots 22 are arranged in the expanded second drawing area 27, similar to the second layer image data 92 shown in Figure 10B. Multiple dots 22 are arranged in the peripheral area 29, similar to the first layer image data 91 shown in Figure 10C. In Figure 10D, the peripheral area 29 is hatched. No dots are arranged in the area corresponding to the difference between the expanded second drawing area 27 and the second drawing area 27 before expansion.

Next, the excellent effects of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A to 10D will be described.
1A to 9D, as shown in Fig. 9D, the center-to-center distance between the dots 22 arranged in the peripheral portion 29 and the dots 22 arranged in the second drawing region 27 may be shorter than both the dot pitch of the first drawing region 26 and the dot pitch of the second drawing region 27. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 9D, the dots 22 are close to each other on either side of the perimeter line on the left and upper sides of the second drawing region 27.

In contrast, in the embodiment shown in Figures 10A to 10D, the second drawing area 27 is expanded, and dots are not placed in the expanded area compared to before the expansion, so excessive proximity between the dots 22 placed in the peripheral portion 29 and the dots 22 placed in the second drawing area 27 (innermost portion) can be prevented. As a result, a non-placement area where no dots are placed can be secured at the boundary between the second drawing area 27 (innermost portion) and the peripheral portion 29.

For example, if the amount of movement in the x direction of the outer periphery of the second drawing area 27 is set to the number of pixels between two dots 22 adjacent in the x direction of the second drawing area 27, the shortest distance in the x direction between a dot 22 in the second drawing area 27 and a dot 22 arranged in the peripheral portion 29 can be made to be greater than the dot pitch in the x direction of the second drawing area 27. The same applies to the y direction.

Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11A to 11D. Below, a description of the configuration common to the embodiment shown in Figures 10A to 10D will be omitted.

Figure 11A is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 out of the multiple pixels 90 constituting the second layer image data 92 generated by executing the second procedure, and is the same as that shown in Figure 10A. The dot pitch in the x and y directions of the second drawing area 27 is four times the pixel pitch. In other words, three pixels 90 are arranged between two adjacent dots 22. Note that the dot pitch in the x and y directions of the first drawing area 26 is three times the pixel pitch, as shown in Figure 9A. In other words, two pixels 90 are arranged between two adjacent dots 22.

Figure 11B shows pixels 90 that are located inside the first drawing area 26, among the multiple pixels 90 that make up the image data 92 of the second layer after the second drawing area 27 is expanded. In this embodiment, the amount of movement of the perimeter of the second drawing area 27 (the width by which the second drawing area 27 is expanded) is calculated based on the shorter dot pitch of the dot pitch of the first drawing area 26 and the dot pitch of the second drawing area 27. For example, the perimeter is moved by the number of pixels 90 between two adjacent dots 22 in the area with the shorter dot pitch.

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

Figure 11C shows pixels 90 that are located within the first drawing area 26, among the multiple pixels 90 that make up the first layer image data 91 generated by executing the third procedure. In the third procedure, similar to the third procedure shown in Figure 10C, the data generation unit 63 (Figure 3) performs processing on the first layer image data 91 to delete dots 22 that are located within the expanded second drawing area 27.

Figure 11D shows pixels 90 that are placed inside the first drawing area 26, among the multiple pixels 90 that make up the composite image data 93 generated by executing the fourth procedure. Multiple dots 22 are placed in the expanded second drawing area 27, similar to the second layer image data 92 shown in Figure 11B. In Figure 11D, the peripheral portion 29 is hatched.

Next, the excellent effects of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11A to 11D will be described.
10A to 10D, this embodiment can narrow the width of the no-dot region secured at the boundary between the peripheral portion 29 and the second drawing region 27 (innermost portion). This embodiment has a greater effect when applied to applications in which it is undesirable for the no-dot region to be too wide.

Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12A to 12D. Below, a description of the configuration common to the embodiment shown in Figures 11A to 11D will be omitted.

Figure 12A shows pixels 90 that are arranged inside the first drawing area 26, out of the multiple pixels 90 that make up the image data 91 of the first layer generated by executing the first procedure. As with the example shown in Figure 9A, the data generation unit 63 (Figure 3) arranges multiple dots 22 in the first drawing area 26 at a specified dot pitch.

Figure 12B shows pixels 90 that are located within the first drawing area 26, out of the multiple pixels 90 that make up the second layer image data 92 generated by executing the second procedure.

The data generating unit 63 (FIG. 3) arranges multiple dots 22 in the second drawing area 27 at the specified dot pitch. When multiple dots 22 are arranged in the x direction (right direction) at the specified dot pitch starting from the upper left reference point 24B, an area 96x where no dots 22 are arranged may occur between the rightmost dot 22 and the outer periphery on the right side of the second drawing area 27. As shown in FIG. 12B, when the number of pixels 90 between two dots 22 adjacent in the x direction is five, the x-direction dimension of the area 96x where no dots 22 are arranged is five pixels or less. Similarly, in the y direction, an area 96y where no dots 22 are arranged may occur between the bottommost dot 22 and the outer periphery on the lower side of the second drawing area 27.

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

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

Figure 12C shows pixels 90 that are located within the first drawing area 26, among the multiple pixels 90 that make up the image data 91 of the first layer generated by executing the third procedure. The data generation unit 63 (Figure 3) deletes the dots 22 that are located within the second drawing area 27 after the outer perimeter is moved, among the multiple dots 22 that are located in the first drawing area 26.

Figure 12D is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 out of the multiple pixels 90 constituting the composite image data 93 generated by executing the fourth procedure. As in the example shown in Figure 9D, the data generating unit 63 generates composite image data 93 that specifies the positions of dots 22 specified in either the first layer image data 91 (Figure 12C) or the second layer image data 92 (Figure 12B) after the third procedure.

Next, the excellent effects of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12A to 12D will be described.
In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 12B, the outer periphery of the second drawing area 27 is moved to a position equal to the outer periphery of the margin area 95. This makes it possible to ensure a sufficiently wide non-placement area where no dots are placed at the boundary between the periphery 29 and the second drawing area 27 (innermost part). In Fig. 12D, the periphery 29 is hatched.

The width of the margin area 95 is set based on the narrower dot pitch of the first drawing area 26 or the second drawing area 27, and the margin area 95 is defined so that the outermost dot 22 of the second drawing area 27 contacts the pixel 90 located on the inner periphery of the margin area 95. Therefore, even if an area 96x or area 96y where no dot 22 is placed occurs as shown in FIG. 12B, the width of the non-placement area is less likely to become unnecessarily wide.

Next, a further embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13A to 13D. Below, a description of the configuration common to the embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 9D will be omitted. The image data 91 of the first layer generated by executing the first procedure is the same as the image data 91 of the first layer shown in Figure 12A.

Figure 13A shows pixels 90 that are placed inside the first drawing area 26, out of the multiple pixels 90 that make up the second layer image data 92 generated by executing the second procedure. The data generation unit 63 (Figure 3) places multiple dots 22 in the second drawing area 27 based on the specified distribution rule.

When dots 22 are arranged in the x direction (right direction) at the specified dot pitch starting from reference point 24B at the top left of second drawing area 27, an area 96x where no dots 22 are arranged occurs between the rightmost dot 22 and the outer perimeter on the right side of second drawing area 27. In the y direction, an area 96y where no dots 22 are arranged occurs between the bottommost dot 22 and the lower outer perimeter of second drawing area 27.

In this embodiment, the data generating unit 63 translates the multiple dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 before executing the third step within the second drawing area 27 while fixing the relative positional relationship of the multiple dots 22. More specifically, the distance between the geometric center of the second drawing area 27 and the center of gravity of the multiple dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 is made shorter than before the translational movement. More preferably, the center of gravity of the multiple dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 is made to coincide with the geometric center of the second drawing area 27.

Figure 13B shows pixels 90 that are arranged inside the first drawing area 26 out of the multiple pixels 90 that make up the image data 92 of the second layer after the multiple dots 22 have been translated. By translating the multiple dots 22, a margin area 97 in which no dots are arranged is secured between the outermost dot 22 of the multiple dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 and the outer periphery of the second drawing area 27. The margin area 97 is hatched in Figure 13B.

Figure 13C shows pixels 90 that are located within the first drawing area 26, among the multiple pixels 90 that make up the first layer image data 91 generated by executing the third procedure. The data generation unit 63 performs a process on the first layer image data 91 (Figure 12A) to remove multiple dots 22 that are located within the second drawing area 27.

Figure 13D is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 out of the multiple pixels 90 constituting the composite image data 93 generated by executing the fourth procedure. As in the example shown in Figure 9D, the data generation unit 63 generates composite image data 93 that specifies the positions of dots 22 specified in either the first layer image data 91 (Figure 13C) or the second layer image data 92 (Figure 13B) after the third procedure.

Next, the excellent effects of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A to 13D will be described.
In this embodiment, the multiple dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 are translated, and composite image data 93 ( FIG. 13D ) is generated based on the arrangement of the dots 22 after the translational movement. This makes it possible to ensure a non-arrangement area where no dots are arranged at the boundary between the peripheral portion 29 and the second drawing area 27 (innermost portion). In FIG. 13D , the peripheral portion 29 is hatched. This non-arrangement area includes a margin area 97 generated by the translational movement.

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

In this modified example, after translating the multiple dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27, a ring-shaped margin area 95 is defined outside the outermost dots 22 so as to surround all the dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12B. Furthermore, the outer perimeter of the second drawing area 27 is moved to a position equal to the outer perimeter of the margin area 95. In the third step, the data generation unit 63 (FIG. 3) deletes, from among the multiple dots 22 arranged in the first drawing area 26, the dots 22 inside the second drawing area 27 after the outer perimeter has been moved.

Next, the advantageous effects of this modified example will be described. In this modified example, even if the width of the margin area 97 (FIG. 13B) generated by translating multiple dots 22 is not sufficient, the margin area 95 is secured in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 12B. As a result, a non-placement area of sufficient width can be secured at the boundary between the peripheral portion 29 and the second drawing area 27 (innermost portion).

Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14A to 14C. Below, a description of the configuration common to the embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 9D will be omitted.

Figure 14A is a diagram showing the arrangement of the first layer drawing areas specified by the first layer image data 91. In this embodiment, two first drawing areas 26A, 26B are arranged on the drawing surface 23. The data generation unit 63 (Figure 3) arranges multiple dots in the first drawing areas 26A, 26B by performing a procedure similar to the first procedure shown in Figure 9A. Specifically, the data generation unit 63 performs the first procedure to generate the first layer image data 91 that specifies the positions of the multiple dots to be arranged in the two first drawing areas 26A, 26B. In Figure 14A, only the outer perimeter of the first drawing areas 26A, 26B is shown, and the multiple dots are omitted.

Figure 14B is a diagram showing the arrangement of the second layer drawing area specified by the second layer image data 92. One second drawing area 27 is arranged on the drawing surface 23. The data generation unit 63 (Figure 3) arranges multiple dots in the second drawing area 27 by performing a procedure similar to the second procedure shown in Figure 9B. Specifically, the data generation unit 63 performs the second procedure to generate second layer image data 92 that specifies the positions of the multiple dots to be arranged in the second drawing area 27. In Figure 14B, only the outer perimeter of the second drawing area 27 is shown, and the multiple dots are omitted.

Figure 14C is a diagram showing the arrangement of the first drawing areas 26A, 26B and the second drawing area 27 specified by the composite image data 93. The data generation unit 63 generates the composite image data 93 by executing the third step shown in Figure 9C and the fourth step shown in Figure 9D. Before executing the third step, the data generation unit 63 extracts drawing areas that overlap with the second drawing area 27 arranged on the second layer from the multiple first drawing areas 26A, 26B arranged on the first layer. The presence or absence of overlap between the drawing areas of the first layer and the second layer can be determined from the positions (xy coordinates) of the vertices of the drawing areas.

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

When at least one of the four vertices of the second drawing area 27 is located within a range surrounded by four vertices of either of the first drawing areas 26A and 26B of the first layer, the drawing area of the first layer is determined to at least partially overlap with the second drawing area 27 of the second layer. For example, as shown in FIG. 14C, when the four vertices of the second drawing area 27 are located within the range of the first drawing area 26A of the first layer, the second drawing area 27 is included in the first drawing area 26A. When one or two vertices of the second drawing area 27 are located within the range of the first drawing area 26A, but the other vertices are located outside the range of the first drawing area 26A, a part of the first drawing area 26A overlaps a part of the second drawing area 27.

None of the vertices of the second drawing area 27 of the second layer are present within the range of any other first drawing area 26B. In this case, the first drawing area 26B does not overlap with any drawing area of the second layer.

Next, the excellent effects of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C will be described.
In this embodiment, when a user inputs drawing information for a drawing area in the second layer, the user does not need to input information for identifying a drawing area in the lower layer (first layer) that overlaps with the drawing area for which drawing information is currently being input, which reduces the burden on the user in inputting drawing information.

Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15A to 16C. Below, a description of the configuration common to the embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 9D will be omitted.

Figures 15A and 15B show a window 70 for inputting drawing information according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, in addition to the input box 84 displayed in the window 70 (Figure 6) for inputting drawing information according to the embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 9D, the input control unit 62 displays an input box 87 for inputting the ID of a lower overlapping drawing area.

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

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

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

Figure 16C is a schematic diagram for explaining the process before the data generating unit 63 (Figure 3) executes the third procedure. As shown in Figure 15B, the second drawing area 27 overlaps with the drawing area of the first layer whose drawing area ID is "1", that is, the first drawing area 26A. The data generating unit 63 places the second drawing area 27 at the center of the first drawing area 26A of the lower layer where the second drawing area 27 overlaps. Specifically, the second drawing area 27 is placed so that the geometric center of the second drawing area 27 coincides with the geometric center of the first drawing area 26A. As a result, the width of all parts of the peripheral portion 29 on the top, bottom, left and right is 10 mm. The overlapping drawing area ID of the lower layer shown in Figure 15B can be said to be information that indirectly specifies the position of the second drawing area 27 on the drawing surface 23.

After determining the position of the second drawing area 27 on the drawing surface 23, the data generation unit generates the composite image data 93 by executing the third and fourth steps shown in Figures 9C and 9D.

Next, the excellent effects of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15A to 16C will be described.
Depending on the application of the multiple dots 22 formed on the substrate 20 (FIG. 2), it may be desirable to place the second drawn area 27 (FIG. 9D) at the center of the first drawn area 26 (FIG. 9D). In this embodiment, the second drawn area 27 can be placed at the center of the first drawn area 26A simply by specifying the underlying overlapping drawn area without specifying the position of the second drawn area 27 on the drawn surface 23. Since the user does not need to calculate the position of the second drawn area 27 on the drawn surface 23, an excellent effect of improved operability is obtained.

Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 19F. Below, a description of the configuration common to the embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 9D will be omitted.

Figure 17 shows a window 70 for inputting drawing information according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, in addition to the input box 84 displayed in the window 70 (Figure 6) for inputting drawing information according to the embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 9D, the input control unit 62 displays an input box 88 for inputting the dot height. The dot height is specified by the number of times ink is dropped on the same pixel.

Figure 18 is a diagram showing pixels 90 in an area including first drawing areas 26A, 26B, 26C, and 26D, out of the multiple pixels 90 that make up composite image data 93. Four first drawing areas 26A, 26B, 26C, and 26D are arranged on the surface to be drawn 23. A numerical value that specifies the height of a dot is assigned to each pixel 90. No dot is placed on pixels 90 that are assigned a numerical value of zero. In the example shown in Figure 18, the height of the dots placed in first drawing areas 26A and 26B is "1", the height of the dots placed in first drawing area 26C is "2", and the height of the dots placed in first drawing area 26D is "3".

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 19E is a diagram that shows the second print data 102 on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system. The second print data 102 specifies the positions of the dots to which ink should be applied in the second print. In Figure 19E, the area where the dots to which ink should be applied in the second print are located is hatched. In the second print, ink is applied to the positions of dots with dot heights of "2" and "3". Therefore, the positions of the dots in the second drawing areas 27A, 27B, 27D, 27E, and 27F (Figure 19C) are not subject to ink application, and the positions of the dots located in the peripheral portions 29A, 29B, and second drawing area 27C are subject to ink application.

Figure 19F is a schematic diagram showing the third print data 103 on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system. The third print data 103 specifies the positions of the dots to which ink should be applied in the third print. In Figure 19F, the area where the dots to which ink should be applied are located is hatched. In the third print, ink is applied to the positions of dots with a dot height of "3". As a result, the positions of the dots within the peripheral portion 29A (Figure 19C) are not subject to ink application, and the positions of the dots located in the peripheral portion 29B and the second drawing area 27C are subject to ink application.

Next, the excellent effects of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 19F will be described.
In this embodiment, a plurality of dots of different heights can be formed on one drawing surface 23. The user does not need to create the first, second, and third print data separately, but only needs to input the dot height in the drawing information input window 70 shown in Fig. 17. Once the user inputs the dot height, the data generating unit 63 generates a plurality of print data. This makes it possible to reduce the time required to create image data consisting of the first, second, and third print data.

Next, a variation of the above embodiment will be described.
In the above embodiment, the maximum dot height is "3", but the dot height may be "2" or "4" or more. For example, when the dot height is specified by an integer between 1 and N, the data generating unit 63 generates a plurality of printing data from the first to the Nth printing. The parameter n is preferably an integer between 1 and N, and the nth printing data may specify the position of a dot whose height is n or more.

Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 20A and 20B. Below, a description of the configuration common to the embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 9D will be omitted.

Figure 20A is a diagram showing pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26, among the multiple pixels 90 constituting the composite image data 93 according to this embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 9D, a peripheral portion 29 (Figure 9D) is provided surrounding the second drawing area 27 (Figure 9D) of the second layer. In contrast, in this embodiment, a part of the outer perimeter of the second drawing area 27 of the second layer coincides with a part of the outer perimeter of the first drawing area 26 of the first layer. For example, the reference point 24B of the second drawing area 27 is arranged on the upper outer perimeter of the first drawing area 26. In this way, the area inside the first drawing area 26 and outside the second drawing area 27 does not necessarily have to surround the second drawing area 27.

In this embodiment, the data generation unit 63 (FIG. 3) also generates the composite image data 93 by executing the first step (FIG. 9A) through the fourth step (FIG. 9D). Furthermore, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10B, FIG. 11B, or FIG. 12B, the second drawing area 27 may be expanded before executing the third step. As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13B, the multiple dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 may be translated.

In addition, various procedures of the embodiment shown in Figures 14A to 14C and the embodiment shown in Figures 17 to 19F may be applied to this embodiment.

Figure 20B is a diagram showing pixels 90 that are located inside and around the first drawing area 26, among the multiple pixels 90 that make up the composite image data 93 according to a modified example of this embodiment. In this modified example, a part of the second drawing area 27 overlaps with the first drawing area 26, and another part of the second drawing area 27 is located outside the first drawing area 26. In this modified example, it is possible to apply the various procedures of the above-mentioned embodiments. As in this modified example, the second drawing area 27 does not necessarily have to be contained within the first drawing area 26.

Next, referring to FIG. 21, a further embodiment will be described. Below, a description of the configuration common to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A to FIG. 9D will be omitted.

Figure 21 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the first drawing area 26 of the first layer and the second drawing area 27 of the second layer specified by the composite image data 93 generated by the image data generating device 60 (Figure 3) according to this embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 9D, the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 are square or rectangular. In contrast, in this embodiment, the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 having a shape other than a square or rectangle are arranged on the drawn surface 23. The shape of the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 is a circle, an ellipse, or a regular hexagon.

If the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 are circular, the center point is used as the reference point, and the radius is used as the information specifying the size. If the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 are elliptical, the center point is used as the reference point, the major axis and minor axis are used as the information specifying the size, and the angle between the x direction and the major axis is used as the information specifying the orientation on the surface 23 to be drawn. If the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 are regular hexagonal, the center point is used as the reference point, the diagonal length (diameter of the circumscribed circle) is used as the information specifying the size, and the angle between the x direction and one side is used as the information specifying the orientation on the surface 23 to be drawn.

As in this embodiment, the shapes of the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 may be two-dimensional figures whose positional reference points can be defined, and whose size and orientation on the drawing surface 23 can be defined.

Next, referring to FIG. 22, a further embodiment will be described. Below, a description of the configuration common to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A to FIG. 9D will be omitted.

Figure 22 is a diagram showing the arrangement of drawing areas specified by the composite image data 93 generated by the image data generating device 60 (Figure 3) according to this embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 9D, the drawing areas are arranged in two layers, the first layer and the second layer. In contrast, in this embodiment, the drawing areas are arranged in three layers.

The first drawing area 26 is arranged in the first layer, which is the lowest layer, the second drawing area 27 is arranged in the second layer, which is the middle layer, and the third drawing area 28 is arranged in the third layer, which is the top layer. The second drawing area 27 is contained in the first drawing area 26, and the third drawing area 28 is contained in the second drawing area 27. When generating composite image data 93, as in the third step shown in Figure 9C, etc., it is sufficient to delete dots that are located inside the drawing area of the layer above among the multiple dots defined in the image data of one layer. In this way, the total number of layers is not limited to two and may be three or more.

The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and it goes without saying that partial substitution or combination of the configurations shown in different embodiments is possible. Similar effects due to similar configurations in multiple embodiments will not be mentioned one after another. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications, improvements, combinations, etc. are possible.

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

Claims (8)

a first step of generating image data of a first layer , the image data specifying positions of a plurality of dots to be arranged in a first drawing area on a drawing surface based on first distribution rule information that specifies a rule for distributing a plurality of dots in the first drawing area by a position of the first drawing area, a size of the first drawing area, and a dot pitch;
a second step of generating image data of a second layer, the image data specifying positions of the multiple dots to be placed in a second drawing area on the drawing surface based on second distribution rule information that specifies a rule for distributing the multiple dots in the second drawing area by a position of the second drawing area, a size of the second drawing area, and a dot pitch;
a third step of deleting dots located inside the second drawing area from the image data of the first layer when the second drawing area overlaps a portion of the first drawing area;
An image data generating device that executes, after the third step, a fourth step of generating composite image data that specifies the positions of dots specified in either the image data of the first layer or the image data of the second layer. a first step of generating image data of a first layer, the image data specifying positions of a plurality of dots to be arranged in a first drawing area on a drawing surface, based on first distribution rule information specifying a rule for distributing a plurality of dots in the first drawing area;
a second step of generating image data of a second layer, the image data specifying positions of the dots to be placed in the second drawing area on the drawing surface, based on second distribution rule information specifying a rule for distributing the dots in the second drawing area;
a third step of deleting dots located inside the second drawing area from the image data of the first layer when the second drawing area overlaps a portion of the first drawing area;
a fourth step of generating composite image data that specifies positions of dots specified in either the first layer image data or the second layer image data after the third step;
Run
In the second step, some dots are arranged at positions tangent to a perimeter line of the second drawing area;
before the third step, a perimeter of the second drawing area is moved outward by an amount determined based on a density of the plurality of dots arranged in the first drawing area or a density of the plurality of dots arranged in the second drawing area, thereby expanding the second drawing area;
In the third step, the image data generating device performs a process of deleting a plurality of dots located within the expanded second drawing area from the image data of the first layer. the dots arranged based on the first distribution rule information are arranged in the first drawing area at a first dot pitch in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other,
the dots arranged based on the second distribution rule information are arranged in the second drawing area at a second dot pitch in the first direction and the second direction,
The image data generating device according to claim 2, wherein in the third step, the second drawing area is expanded in the first direction and the second direction by a width determined based on the shorter dot pitch of the first dot pitch and the second dot pitch. When expanding the second drawing area,
determining a margin area to be secured between the plurality of dots to be arranged in the second drawing area and the plurality of dots to be arranged in the first drawing area based on a density of the plurality of dots arranged in the first drawing area or a density of the plurality of dots arranged in the second drawing area;
4. The image data generating device according to claim 2, wherein when the second drawing area is expanded, a periphery of the second drawing area is moved to secure the blank area. after the second step, before expanding the second drawing area, a plurality of dots arranged in the second drawing area are translated while a relative positional relationship between the dots is fixed, thereby shortening a distance between a geometric center of the second drawing area and a center of gravity of the plurality of dots arranged in the second drawing area compared to a distance before the translational movement;
5. The image data generating device according to claim 4, wherein when the second drawing area is expanded, the margin area is determined based on positions of a plurality of dots within the second drawing area after translational movement. after the second step and before the fourth step, the plurality of dots arranged in the second drawing area are translated while a relative positional relationship between the dots is fixed, thereby making a distance between a geometric center of the second drawing area and a center of gravity of the plurality of dots arranged in the second drawing area shorter than that before the translational movement;
2. The image data generating device according to claim 1, wherein in the fourth step, the composite image data is generated based on positions of a plurality of dots within the second drawing area after translational movement. the image data of the first layer specifies positions of a plurality of dots for a plurality of the first drawing areas;
The first drawing area and the second drawing area are each a square or a rectangle with one side parallel to each other,
An image data generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when at least one vertex of the second drawing area is located inside one of the multiple first drawing areas, it is determined that the second drawing area overlaps with a first drawing area among the multiple first drawing areas that has at least one vertex of the second drawing area inside. generating a first layer of image data defining positions of a plurality of dots arranged in a first drawing area of a drawing surface according to a first distribution rule specified by a position of the first drawing area, a size of the first drawing area, and a dot pitch ;
generating second layer image data in a second drawing area of the drawing surface overlapping a portion of the first drawing area, the second layer image data defining positions of a plurality of dots arranged according to a second distribution rule specified by a position of the second drawing area, a size of the second drawing area, and a dot pitch;
performing a process for deleting dots located inside the second drawing area from the image data of the first layer;
Then, based on the positions of dots specified in the image data of the first layer and the positions of dots specified in the image data of the second layer, composite image data is generated by combining the two.

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