TWI777584B - Image data generating device and image data generating method - Google Patents

Abstract

[Subject] To provide an image data generating apparatus for generating appropriate image data defining a dot pattern in which a plurality of dots are distributed. [Solution] The image data of the first layer specifying the positions of the plurality of dots arranged in the first drawing area is generated based on the information of the rule specifying the first drawing area in which the plurality of dots are scattered on the surface to be drawn. The image data of the second layer specifying the positions of the plurality of dots arranged in the second drawing area is generated based on the information of the rule specifying the second drawing area in which the plurality of dots are scattered on the surface to be drawn. When the second drawing area is overlapped with a part of the first drawing area, the processing of deleting the point located inside the second drawing area is performed on the image data of the first layer. Then, composite image data in which the position of a point designated by either the image data of the first layer and the image data of the second layer is designated is generated.

Description

Image data generating device and image data generating method

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

In the resistive film type touch panel, a dot spacer is used to prevent short circuit between two conductive films. The dot spacers are composed of a plurality of dots regularly distributed in the plane, and the plurality of dots are composed of an insulating material. The following Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of forming dot spacers by spraying ink on a dot spacer forming surface using an ink jet printer. When an inkjet printer is used to draw a desired pattern, image data in a raster format is used in order to control the ejection of ink from the inkjet head. Image data in raster format is usually generated by converting data in vector format using CAD. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-139162

[The problem to be solved by the invention]

When converting the image data in the vector format into the image data in the raster format, it may happen that one point of the image data in the vector format is allocated to two pixels of the image data in the raster format. Furthermore, there may be a situation in which dots are allocated to pixels deviated by one pixel from the pixels to which the dots should be allocated.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image data generating apparatus and an image data generating method for generating image data defining a dot pattern in which a plurality of dots are distributed without converting image data in a vector format. [Means of Solving Problems]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image data generating apparatus, which executes: A first program for generating a first program specifying the positions of a plurality of dots to be arranged in the first drawing area based on first distribution rule information specifying a rule for dispersing a plurality of dots in a first drawing area on a surface to be drawn layer image data; A second program for generating a second distribution rule information specifying the positions of the plurality of dots to be arranged in the second drawing area based on the second distribution rule information specifying the rule for dispersing the plurality of dots in the second drawing area on the surface to be drawn. 2-layer video data; a third process of deleting a point located inside the second drawing area from the image data of the first layer when the second drawing area overlaps a part of the first drawing area; and The fourth process is to generate composite image data in which a position of a point designated by either the image data of the first layer and the image data of the second layer is designated after the third process.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for generating image data, wherein, generating image data of the first layer defining the positions of a plurality of points arranged in the first drawing area of the surface to be drawn according to the first distribution rule; generating image data of the second layer defining the positions of a plurality of points of the second drawing area that overlaps with a part of the first drawing area on the surface to be drawn according to the second distribution rule; The processing of deleting the points located inside the second drawing area is performed on the image data of the first layer; Then, based on the position of the point designated by the image data of the first layer and the position of the point designated by the image data of the second layer, a composite image data obtained by combining the two is generated. [Inventive effect]

Image data defining a dot pattern in which a plurality of dots are distributed can be generated by inputting distribution rule information of a plurality of dots formed in a drawing area without creating image data in a vector format. Furthermore, by performing the third procedure and the fourth procedure, the dots can be arranged according to the first distribution rule inside the first drawing area and outside the second drawing area, and can be arranged according to the second distribution rule inside the second drawing area point.

Referring to FIG. 1A to FIG. 9D, an image data generating apparatus based on an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1A is a schematic front view of an image data generating apparatus according to the present embodiment and an ink application apparatus for drawing using the image data generated by the image data generating apparatus. On the base 10 , a movable bed 12 is supported by the moving mechanism 11 . An xyz orthogonal coordinate system is defined with the x-axis and y-axis oriented horizontally and the z-axis oriented vertically downward. The moving mechanism 11 is controlled by the control device 50 to move the movable bed 12 in both directions of the x-direction and the y-direction. As the moving mechanism 11, for example, an XY stage including an X-direction moving mechanism 11X and a Y-direction moving mechanism 11Y can be used. The X-direction moving mechanism 11X moves the Y-direction moving mechanism 11Y relative to the base 10 in the x-direction, and the Y-direction moving mechanism 11Y moves the movable bed 12 relative to the base 10 in the y-direction.

The substrate 20 to which the ink is to be applied is held on the upper surface (holding surface) of the movable bed 12 . The substrate 20 is fixed to the movable bed 12 by, for example, a vacuum chuck. The moving mechanism 11 moves the base plate 20 held on the movable bed 12 in a direction parallel to the xy plane. Above the movable bed 12 , the ink discharge unit 30 and the imaging device 40 are supported by, for example, a door-shaped support member 13 . The ink ejection unit 30 and the imaging device 40 are supported so as to be movable up and down with respect to the base 10 . The ink discharge unit 30 has a plurality of nozzles facing the substrate 20 . Each nozzle converts photocurable (for example, ultraviolet curable) ink into droplets and discharges it toward the surface of the substrate 20 . The discharge of ink is controlled by the control device 50 .

The imaging device 40 images the upper surface (surface on which the ink is applied) of the substrate 20 . An area of the upper surface of the substrate 20 within the range of the viewing angle of the imaging device 40 is captured by the imaging device 40 .

The control device 50 includes a memory unit 51 and a control unit 52 . In the memory unit 51, information (hereinafter, referred to as image data) specifying the position where the ink should be applied is stored. The image data is composed of a plurality of pixels that are respectively associated with a plurality of positions on the surface of the substrate 20 . The pixel on which the ink should be dripped is specified by establishing a corresponding relationship between the information specifying the presence or absence of ink coating and each pixel. In this specification, the position on the substrate corresponding to a plurality of pixels of the image data may be simply referred to as a "pixel".

The control unit 52 controls the movement mechanism 11 and the ink ejection unit 30 based on the image data to drop ink on a predetermined position on the surface of the substrate 20 . Thereby, a dot pattern or a film pattern made of ink is formed on the surface of the substrate 20 . In this specification, among the dots, the ink dripped on one pixel is not continuous with the ink dripped on other pixels but is independent as an "independent dot".

The image data generating device 60 generates image data according to various drawing conditions input by the user. The generated image data is input to the control device 50 . The input of the image data from the image data generation device 60 to the control device 50 is performed using a removable medium, a communication network such as a LAN, or short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the movable bed 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 bed 12 . The ink ejection unit 30 and the imaging device 40 are supported above the substrate 20 . The ink ejection unit 30 and the imaging device 40 are supported above the substrate 20 . A plurality of nozzles 32 are provided on the surface of the ink jet head 31 facing the substrate 20 . The plurality of nozzles 32 are arranged at equal intervals in the x direction. This interval is, for example, a size corresponding to a resolution of 600 dpi. In addition, the plurality of nozzles 32 do not need to be arranged on a straight line parallel to the x-direction, and may be arranged at positions that are regularly shifted in the y-direction from a reference line parallel to the x-direction. For example, it can be configured as staggered.

The light sources 33 for curing are respectively arranged on both sides of the inkjet head 31 in the y direction, and irradiate the substrate 20 with light for curing the ink applied on the substrate 20 . For example, when the ink is of an ultraviolet curing type, the curing light source 33 irradiates the substrate 20 with ultraviolet rays. The curing light source 33 functions as a curing device for curing the ink applied to the substrate 20 .

The moving mechanism 11 is controlled by the control device 50 to move the movable bed 12 in the x-direction and the y-direction. Furthermore, the control device 50 controls the discharge 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), it is possible to print the ink in the x direction at a resolution of, for example, 600 dpi. The ink is applied to the substrate 20 . The ink dropped on the substrate 20 is cured by light radiated from the curing light source 33 located on the downstream side in the moving direction of the substrate 20 . The operation of dropping ink from the inkjet head 31 to the substrate 20 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.

The inkjet head 31 can be reciprocated in the y direction at least once by one scanning operation. At this time, the ink can be dropped on the substrate 20 with a resolution of 1200 dpi by offsetting the ink jet head 31 with respect to the substrate 20 by 1/2 of the pitch of the nozzles 32 in the x direction during the forward and return travels. By reciprocating the inkjet head 31 twice with the offset amount of the inkjet head 31 being 1/4 of the pitch of the nozzles 32 , the ink can be dropped on the substrate 20 with a resolution of 2400 dpi. In this way, even when the inkjet head 31 is moved a plurality of times in the negative and positive directions of the y-axis in order to improve the resolution, the plurality of movements are collectively referred to as one scanning operation.

When one scan operation ends, the control device 50 moves the movable bed 12 in the x direction. In other words, the ink jet head 31 is relatively moved in the x direction with respect to the substrate 20 . This action is called "displacement action". The x direction is referred to as the displacement direction. By repeating the scanning operation and the displacement operation, the ink can be applied to the entire area of the substrate 20 . The relative movement amount of the inkjet head 31 in the x direction with respect to the substrate 20 may be set to be approximately equal to the distance between the two nozzles 32 located at both ends in the x direction. In addition, when a part of the nozzles 32 in the vicinity of both ends is not used for the discharge of ink, the distance between the nozzles 32 located at both ends of the nozzles 32 actually used may be set to be substantially equal.

By performing a plurality of scanning operations without performing a displacement operation, the ink can be dropped on one pixel a plurality of times. That is, the ink can be repeatedly applied. By repeatedly applying the ink, the independent dots can be made higher and the film can be made thicker.

When the scanning operation is performed in a state where the substrate 20 is irradiated with light from the curing light source 33 , the ink discharged from the inkjet head 31 is temporarily cured immediately after dropping on the substrate 20 . Specifically, after the ink is dropped, the ink is temporarily cured in a short period of time until the drop point of the ink moves into the path of the light irradiated from the curing light source 33 . Before the ink is temporarily cured, the ink dropped on the substrate 20 spreads in the in-plane direction of the substrate 20 . The degree of diffusion depends on the degree of lyophilicity of the surface of the substrate 20 . After the ink is temporarily cured, the spreading of the ink in the in-plane direction of the substrate 20 does not occur.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a pattern formed by ink on the surface of the substrate 20 . In this embodiment, dot spacers for resistive film touch panels are formed. Four touch panels are spliced on one substrate 20 . The surface (upper surface) of the substrate 20 to which the ink should be applied is referred to as the surface to be drawn 23 . Four square or rectangular drawing areas 25 are defined on the drawing surface 23 corresponding to the four touch panels, respectively. Each of the four edges of the surface 23 to be drawn and the four edges of the drawing area 25 are parallel to the x direction (displacement direction) or the y direction (scanning 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 Figure 2, the upper left vertex is defined as the origin O, the right direction is defined as the positive direction of the x-axis, and the lower direction is defined as the positive direction of the y-axis. Reference points 24 whose relative positions with respect to the drawing area 25 are fixed are respectively defined in the drawing area 25 . As the reference point 24, for example, the vertex closest to the origin O among the four vertexes of the drawing area is used. In FIG. 2 , the upper left vertex of each of the surfaces 23 to be drawn becomes 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 drop position of the ink ejected from the ink jet head 31 ( FIG. 1B ) is specified by the pixel coordinates defined on the surface 23 to be drawn. A pixel that takes the origin of the xy coordinate system as a vertex corresponds to the origin (0,0) of the pixel coordinate system.

In the drawing area 25, a plurality of independent points 22 are regularly distributed along the x-direction and the y-direction. The distribution rules of the plurality of dots 22 are different between the inner deep part and the peripheral part of the drawing area 25 . The image data generating device 60 ( FIG. 1A ) generates image data specifying the positions of the plurality of dots 22 arranged in the drawing area 25 .

FIG. 2 shows an example in which the dot density in the inner deep part of the drawing region 25 is lower than the dot density in the peripheral part, but the distribution of the plurality of dots 22 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2 . There are cases where the dot density in the inner deep part of the drawing area 25 is higher than that in the peripheral part, and there are also cases where a plurality of dots 22 are evenly distributed over the entire area of the drawing area 25 .

The area where the ink can be applied by one scanning operation is referred to as a sweep (original: パス) area 21 . A plurality of sweep regions 21 are arranged in a row along the x direction. In FIG. 2 , the area to be coated with ink of one substrate 20 is covered by four sweep areas 21 . In addition, the required number of sweep regions 21 depends on the size of the substrate 20 in the x-direction and the size of the ink jet head 31 .

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the image data generating apparatus 60 according to the present 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 generation unit 63 , an output control unit 64 , a drawing condition storage unit 65 , and a video data storage unit 66 .

Various printing conditions or drawing information required for forming the dots 22 on the substrate 20 ( FIG. 2 ) are input from the input device 67 . As the input device 67, for example, a keyboard, a display device and a pointing device, a communication device, a removable media reading device, or the like can be used.

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 or drawing information input from the input device 67 and stores them in the drawing condition storage unit 65 . The printing conditions and the drawing information stored in the drawing condition storage unit 65 are supplied to the data generating unit 63 as needed. The printing conditions include the size of the surface 23 ( FIG. 2 ) to be drawn on the substrate 20 ( FIG. 2 ), the drawing resolution, and the conversion factor. The drawing information includes range information specifying the respective ranges of the plurality of drawing regions 25 ( FIG. 2 ), distribution rule information specifying a rule for distributing a plurality of dots, and the like. The range information includes, for example, information specifying the position, shape, and size of the drawing area 25 . The distribution rule information includes, for example, information specifying the distances in the x-direction and the y-direction of the points 22 .

The data generation unit 63 generates image data in raster format according to 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, or the like can be used. The image data output from the output device 68 is read into the control device 50 (FIG. 1A) of the ink application device. Furthermore, the output device 68 includes a display screen, which displays the image data on the two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system. In addition, the output device 68 and the input device 67 can share some components.

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

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a window 70 for inputting printing conditions. Various programs related to the window 70 described below are executed by the input control unit 62 controlling the input device 67 .

Tabs in the window 70 display an input area 72 for "setting printing conditions", "reading drawing information file", "setting drawing information", "editing drawing information" and "deleting drawing information". FIG. 4 shows a state in which the set printing conditions tab is activated. In the window 70, in addition to the input area 72, a print condition display area 73, a drawing information list display area 74, a save button 75, and a video data creation button 76 are displayed.

The printing conditions registered as basic information for generating image data are displayed in the printing condition display area 73 . The drawing information list display area 74 displays a list of drawing information registered as basic information for generating video data. When the user designates the save button 75, the currently registered printing conditions and drawing information are added with a file name and stored in the drawing condition memory unit 65 (FIG. 3). The file name can be freely set by the user. When the user designates the video data creation start button 76, the input control unit 62 (FIG. 3) instructs the data generation unit 63 (FIG. 3) to create video data. When the data generating unit 63 receives the command, it generates image data based on the printing conditions or the drawing information stored in the drawing condition storage unit 65 . The designation of the save button 75 and the start of creating video data button 76 is performed by a user's touch (tap) operation, a mouse click operation, or the like.

When the set printing conditions tab is activated, the input control unit 62 displays the x-direction and y-direction dimensions, the x-direction and y-direction drawing resolution, x Six input boxes 81 for conversion coefficients in the direction and the y-direction. In addition, a button 82 for applying printing conditions is displayed.

The dimensions of the surface 23 to be drawn are specified by the lengths in the x-direction and the y-direction. The lengths in the x-direction and y-direction are specified in the unit "mm". The drawing resolution in the x-direction and y-direction is input through the drop-down menu. The drawing resolution is specified in the unit "dpi". A pixel coordinate system is defined on the rendered surface 23 (FIG. 2) according to the specified resolution.

Next, the conversion coefficient will be described. Since 1 inch = 25.4mm, the normal conversion factor C ₀ to convert inches to millimeters is 25.4. If the position in the xy coordinate system is specified in millimeter units, the pixel coordinates in the pixel coordinate system can be obtained according to the xy coordinate of the position, the conversion coefficient C ₀ and the specified resolution.

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

When the design value of the nozzle pitch is denoted by Pn, when an ink jet head with a resolution of 600 dpi is used, the number of pixels of the length Lx [mm] in the x direction on the surface to be drawn is (Lx/C ₀ )×600[pieces]. The length Lxc[mm] corresponding to the number of pixels is (Lx/C ₀ )×600×Pn[mm].

When using an inkjet head with a resolution of 600dpi and a design value of the nozzle pitch Pn of 0.04225mm, if the normal conversion coefficient C ₀ is used to convert the x coordinate expressed in millimeters into the pixel coordinate, sometimes the correct pixel coordinates. In the present embodiment, the input control unit 62 inputs, as the conversion coefficient, an appropriate conversion coefficient based on the design value of the nozzle pitch of the actually used inkjet head, not the normal conversion coefficient C ₀ . For example, when using an ink jet head with a resolution of 600 dpi and a nozzle pitch of 0.04225 mm, it is sufficient to give 25.35 as the conversion factor. Correct pixel coordinates can be obtained by converting the x-coordinate expressed in millimeters into pixel coordinates using this conversion factor. The conversion factor is entered, for example, in a pull-down menu. The conversion coefficient corresponding to the design value of the nozzle pitch of the actually used inkjet head and the normal conversion coefficient C ₀ may be included in the menu list of the drop-down menu.

When the user designates the apply print condition button 82, the input control unit 62 (FIG. 3) registers the information at the current time input into the input box 81 as the print condition for generating the image data, and displays the registered print condition on the Printing condition display area 73 .

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the window 70 when the Read-Drawing Information File tab is activated. The input area 72 displays the file name and update date and time of the drawing information file stored in the drawing condition memory unit 65 (FIG. 3), and a list of the name of the folder in which the drawing information file is stored. Furthermore, a file read button 83 is displayed in the input area 72 .

When the user selects a file from the list and designates the read file button 83, the input control unit 62 (FIG. 3) reads the designated file from the drawing condition storage unit 65 (FIG. 3), and displays the content on the print Condition display area 73 and drawing information list display area 74 .

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the window 70 when the setting drawing information tab is activated. Input the layer identification information of the specified layer, the position of the reference point 24 (FIG. 2) in the x and y directions (reference point position), the size of the drawing area 25 (FIG. 2) in the x and y directions (drawing area size), A total of seven input boxes 84 for the dot pitches in the x-direction and the y-direction are displayed in the input area 72 . Furthermore, the applicable drawing information button 85 is displayed.

The layer identification information is an integer greater than 1, which can be input in the form of a drop-down menu. The role of the information of the designated layer will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9D . The position of the reference point 24 (FIG. 2) is specified by the x-coordinate and the y-coordinate of the xy-coordinate system with one vertex of the surface 23 (FIG. 2) being drawn as the origin O. The x and y coordinates are specified in millimeters. The size of the drawing area 25 is specified by the length of the side extending in the x-direction and the length of the side extending in the y-direction of the drawing area 25 (FIG. 2). The length of the equilateral is specified in millimeters. The information including the position information of the reference point 24 and the length information of the side indicating the size of the drawing area 25 is sometimes referred to as "range information" specifying the range of the drawing area 25 .

The dot pitch in the x direction and the dot pitch in the y direction are respectively defined by the distance between the centers of two adjacent points in the x direction and the distance between the centers of two adjacent points in the y direction. The dot pitch is specified in millimeters. The information on the distance between specified points is sometimes referred to as "distribution rule information" for specifying a distribution rule of a plurality of points.

If the user designates to apply the drawing information button 85, a new drawing area 25 (FIG. 2) is newly registered as the basic information for generating image data according to the information input into the input box 84 at the current time point. When a new drawing area 25 is newly registered, 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 a plurality of drawing areas 25 in one layer, for example, and is composed of integers assigned in sequence from 1. 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 .

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the window 70 when the edit drawing information tab is activated. The content displayed in the input area 72 is the same as the content when the set drawing information tab is activated (FIG. 6). When the user selects a 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 related to the selected drawing area 25 in the input area 72, and allows the user to correct it such 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 (FIG. 3). After correcting the information, when the user designates the application drawing information button 85, the input control unit 62 rewrites the drawing information of the selected drawing area 25 with the corrected drawing information. When the layer information is corrected, the input control unit 62 assigns new drawing area IDs to all the currently registered drawing areas 25 .

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the window 70 when the delete drawing information tag is activated. 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 gray in the input area 72 . Users cannot correct this information. A delete button 86 is further displayed in the input area 72 .

When the user designates the delete button 86, the registration of the currently selected drawing area 25 is canceled. Furthermore, a drawing area ID is newly assigned to the currently registered drawing area 25 other than the erased drawing area 25 . The input control unit 62 deletes the drawing area 25 whose registration has been erased from the drawing information list display area 74 .

Next, referring to FIGS. 9A to 9D , the procedure of generating image data by the data generating unit 63 ( FIG. 3 ) will be described. One drawing area is set in each of the two layers. The two layers are referred to as a first layer and a 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 below the second layer.

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

9A is a diagram showing a pixel 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 91 of the first layer generated by executing the first program. The image data 91 of the first layer specifies pixels corresponding to the plurality of dots 22 distributed in the first drawing area 26 . In FIG. 9A, the pixel 90 of the arrangement|positioning point 22 is shown in black. In the following drawings, the pixels 90 of the arrangement dots 22 are also shown in black.

In the first drawing area 26, a plurality of pixels 90 are arranged in a matrix along the x-direction and the y-direction. The pitches in the x-direction and the y-direction of the plurality of pixels 90 (hereinafter, referred to as pixel pitches) are obtained from the rendering resolution and the conversion coefficient under the printing conditions shown in FIG. 4 . When the drawing resolution in the x-direction is 2400dpi and the conversion factor is 25.35, the pixel pitch in the x-direction is 25.35/2400=0.0105625mm. When the drawing resolution in the y-direction is 2400dpi and the conversion factor is 25.4, the pixel pitch in the y-direction is 25.4/2400=0.01058333mm.

The position of the reference point 24A of the first drawing area 26 in the drawing surface 23 (FIG. 2) is determined by converting the xy coordinates of the reference point position input in the window 70 shown in FIG. 6 into pixel coordinates. The sizes of the first drawing area 26 in the x-direction and the y-direction can be obtained from the drawing area size input in the window 70 shown in FIG. 6 . The range of the first drawing area 26 can be defined by, for example, the position of the reference point 24A and the position of a pixel positioned diagonally with respect to the reference point 24A. The pixel coordinates of the pixels located diagonally with respect to the reference point 24A can be calculated from the xy coordinates of the reference point position input in the window 70 shown in FIG.

In the first procedure, the data generating unit 63 arranges a plurality of dots 22 in the x-direction and the y-direction with a specified dot pitch, using the reference point 24A of the first drawing area 26 as a starting point. Hereinafter, the pixel 90 in which the dots 22 are arranged may be simply referred to as "dots 22". The dot pitch is equal to the distance between the centers of pixels 90 corresponding to two adjacent dots 22 .

9A shows an example in which two pixels 90 are arranged between two adjacent dots 22 in both the x-direction and the y-direction, but when forming dot spacers of the resistive film touch panel, The number of pixels between two adjacent points 22 is usually more than two. In addition, the pixel pitch in the x direction and the pixel pitch in the y direction are not strictly the same, so even if the dot pitch in the x direction and the dot pitch in the y direction expressed in unit millimeters are the same, the two adjacent dots in the x direction The number of pixels between 22 and the number of pixels between two adjacent points 22 in the y direction are not necessarily the same.

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

9B is a diagram showing a pixel 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 92 of the second layer generated by executing the second program. The second drawing area 27 is included in the first drawing area 26 and is located deep inside the first drawing area 26 .

The position of the reference point 24B of the second drawing area 27 , the dimensions in the x-direction and the y-direction, and the dot pitch are performed by the user in a state where the window 70 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed, as in the case of the first drawing area 26 . Enter to set. The dot pitch of the second drawing area 27 is wider than the dot pitch of the first drawing area 26 . Similar to the case of the first drawing area 26 , the plurality of dots 22 are arranged at a specified point pitch in the x-direction and the y-direction using the reference point 24B of the second drawing area 27 as a starting point. The image data 92 of the second layer specifies the positions of the plurality of dots 22 distributed in the second drawing area 27 .

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

9C is a diagram showing a pixel 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 91 of the first layer generated by executing the third program. In the third procedure, the data generation unit 63 ( FIG. 3 ) deletes the video data 91 of the first layer (that is, the video data of the relatively lower layer) in the second drawing area 27 defined on the relatively upper layer. The processing of the internal point 22. Thereby, among the plurality of pixels 90 of the image data 91 of the first layer, all the pixels 90 located inside the second drawing area 27 become pixels where the dots 22 are not arranged.

After executing the third procedure ( FIG. 9C ), the data generating unit 63 executes the fourth procedure described below.

9D is a diagram showing the pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the composite image data 93 generated by executing the fourth process. In the fourth procedure, the data generating unit 63 generates a point 22 that specifies either the video data 91 ( FIG. 9C ) of the first layer and the video data 92 ( FIG. 9B ) of the second layer after the third procedure. Composite image data 93 of the location. For example, "1" is associated with the pixels 90 where the dots 22 are arranged, and "0" is associated with the pixels 90 where the dots 22 are not arranged, and the image data 91 of the first layer and the image data 92 of the second layer are associated The composite image data 93 is generated by taking the logical sum of each pixel 90 .

The third procedure and the fourth procedure are equivalent to the processing of overlaying the pixels 90 of the second drawing area 27 of the image data 92 of the second layer on the pixels 90 of the second drawing area 27 of the image data 91 of the first layer.

In this way, as shown in FIG. 9D , a plurality of dots 22 are arranged inside the second drawing area 27 at the dot pitch specified by the drawing information of the second drawing area 27 . In addition, a plurality of dots are arranged inside the first drawing area 26 and outside the second drawing area 27 (hereinafter, referred to as the peripheral portion 29 .) at the dot pitch specified by the drawing information of the first drawing area 26 twenty two. In FIG. 9D , the peripheral edge portion 29 is hatched. The second drawing region 27 may be referred to as an inner deep portion with respect to the peripheral edge portion 29 .

Next, the excellent effect of the above-mentioned embodiment will be described. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the user can generate the composite image data 93 specifying the positions of the plurality of dots 22 by specifying the range and dot pitch of the drawing area by creating the image data in the vector format without using CAD or the like ( FIG. 9D ). The data generation unit 63 stores the composite video data 93 in the video 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 . The composite image data is supplied to the control device 50 of the ink application device.

Furthermore, when the user specifies the distribution rule of the plurality of dots 22 arranged on the peripheral portion 29 ( FIG. 9D ), as shown in FIG. 9A , it is not necessary to specify the position or shape of the inner peripheral side edge of the peripheral portion 29 , but only to specify The range of the first drawing area 26 , that is, the edge on the outer peripheral side of the peripheral edge portion 29 may be sufficient.

In a certain drawing area, if the dot pitches in the x-direction and the y-direction are specified so as to be the same as the pixel pitches in the x-direction and the y-direction, respectively, the ink is applied to all the pixels in the drawing area. Thereby, a film can be formed from ink. Such a film can be used, for example, as a protective film (overcoat layer) covering wiring of a resistive film type touch panel. Therefore, using the image data generating apparatus based on the above-mentioned embodiment, it is possible to generate image data for forming both the dot spacer and the overcoat layer of the resistive film touch panel.

Moreover, the user can input the position, size, and dot pitch of the drawing area in millimeters without considering the pixel pitch. Thereby, compared with the method in which the user individually designates the pixel 90 in which the plurality of dots 22 are arranged in consideration of the pixel pitch, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an input error by the user.

In addition, once registered drawing information can be corrected for each drawing area 25 as shown in FIG. 7 , or can be deleted for each drawing area 25 as shown in FIG. 8 . Therefore, the convenience for the user is improved.

Next, a modification of the above-described embodiment will be described. In the above-mentioned embodiments, the image data generating device 60 ( FIG. 1A ) is used to form the dot spacers of the resistive film type touch panel, but the image data generating device 60 based on the above-mentioned embodiment can also generate Image data of another dot pattern in which a plurality of dots are regularly arranged is formed. For example, it can be used to generate image data for each emitting color pixel used to form an organic EL (OLED) panel or a quantum dot display panel.

In the above-described embodiment, the positions of the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 are specified in the surface to be drawn 23, and a plurality of dots 22 are arranged in the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27, but not necessarily The positions of the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 must be specified. For example, the position of the first drawing area 26 or the second drawing area 27 in the drawing surface 23 may not be designated, but only the distribution rule of the plurality of points 22 arranged on the drawing surface 23 may be designated. For example, when a plurality of dots 22 are arranged in almost the entire area within the surface 23 to be drawn, only the distribution rule may be specified.

Next, an image data generating apparatus based on another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10D . Hereinafter, descriptions of the configurations common to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D are omitted.

The data generating unit 63 ( FIG. 3 ) generates the image data 91 ( FIG. 9A ) and the image data 92 of the second layer ( FIG. 9B ).

10A is a diagram showing the pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 92 of the second layer generated by executing the second program, which is the same as that shown in FIG. 9B . Since a plurality of dots 22 are arranged with a predetermined dot pitch in the x-direction and the y-direction using the reference point 24B of the second drawing area 27 as a starting point, some of the dots 22 are arranged on the two sides (outer side) extending from the reference point 24B. The surrounding line) meets the position (or edge). In this embodiment, the second drawing area 27 is expanded before executing the third process (FIG. 9C) of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D. No dots are arranged in the enlarged area by expanding the second drawing area 27 .

10B is a diagram showing a pixel 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 92 of the second layer after the expansion of the second drawing area 27 . The data generation unit 63 expands the second drawing area 27 by moving the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area 27 to the outside. For example, in order to expand the second drawing area 27, the outer peripheral lines of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the second drawing area 27 may be moved in the upper, lower, left, and right directions, respectively. The movement amount of the outer peripheral line is determined according to the density of the dots 22 ( FIG. 9A ) arranged in the first drawing area 26 or the density of the dots 22 ( FIG. 10A ) arranged in the second drawing area 27 .

For example, the outer peripheral line is moved in the x direction by the number of pixels between two points 22 adjacent in the x direction of the second drawing area 27 . Likewise, the outer peripheral line is moved in the y direction by the number of pixels between two adjacent points 22 in the y direction. In the example shown in FIG. 10B , since there are three pixels arranged between two points 22 adjacent in the x direction, the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area 27 is shifted by three pixels in the x direction. The same is true in the y direction.

10C is a diagram showing a pixel 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 91 of the first layer generated by executing the third program. In the third procedure, the data generation unit 63 performs a process of deleting the point 22 located inside the second drawing area 27 after the expansion of the video data 91 of the first layer. Thereby, among the plurality of pixels 90 of the image data 91 of the first layer, all the pixels 90 located inside the second drawing area 27 after the expansion become pixels where the dots 22 are not arranged.

After the third procedure ( FIG. 10C ) is executed, the fourth procedure is executed in the same manner as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D .

10D is a diagram showing a pixel 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the composite image data 93 generated by executing the fourth process. In the expanded second rendering area 27, a plurality of dots 22 are arranged similarly to the image data 92 of the second layer shown in FIG. 10B. In the peripheral portion 29, a plurality of dots 22 are arranged similarly to the image data 91 of the first layer shown in FIG. 10C. In FIG. 10D , the peripheral edge portion 29 is hatched. No dots are arranged in an 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. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D , as shown in FIG. 9D , the distance between the center of the point 22 arranged on the peripheral portion 29 and the center of the point 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 may be shorter than that of the first drawing area. Either the dot pitch of 26 and the dot pitch of the second drawing area 27 . For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9D , the dots 22 are approached across the left and upper outer peripheral lines of the second drawing area 27 .

On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A to 10D , the second drawing area 27 is expanded, and no dots are arranged in the area larger than that before the expansion. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the dots 22 arranged on the peripheral edge 29 from being arranged on the The point 22 of the second drawing area 27 (inner deep part) is too close. Therefore, it is possible to secure a non-arrangement region where no dots are arranged in the boundary between the second drawing region 27 (inner deep portion) and the peripheral edge portion 29 .

For example, if the amount of movement of the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area 27 in the x direction is the number of pixels between two points 22 adjacent in the x direction of the second drawing area 27, the second drawing area 27 can be The shortest distance in the x direction between the point 22 in the drawing area 27 and the point 22 arranged on the peripheral edge portion 29 is equal to or more than the point distance in the x direction of the second drawing area 27 . The same is true in the y direction.

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

11A is a diagram showing the pixels 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 92 of the second layer generated by executing the second program, which is the same as that shown in FIG. 10A . The dot pitch in the x-direction and the y-direction of the second drawing area 27 is four times the pixel pitch. That is, three pixels 90 are arranged between two adjacent dots 22 . In addition, as shown in FIG. 9A , the dot pitch in the x-direction and the y-direction of the first drawing area 26 is three times the pixel pitch. That is, two pixels 90 are arranged between two adjacent dots 22 .

11B is a diagram showing a pixel 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 92 of the second layer after the expansion of the second drawing area 27 . In this embodiment, the amount of movement of the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area 27 (expanding the second drawing area) is calculated from the shorter of the dot pitch of the first drawing area 26 and the dot pitch of the second drawing area 27 . 27 width). For example, the outer peripheral line is moved by the number of pixels 90 between two dots 22 adjacent to each other in a region with a short 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 peripheral line is moved by the number of pixels 90 between two points 22 adjacent to each other in the first drawing area 26 , that is, by two.

11C is a diagram showing a pixel 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 91 of the first layer generated by executing the third program. In the third procedure, similarly to the third procedure shown in FIG. 10C , the data generating unit 63 ( FIG. 3 ) deletes the point 22 located inside the second drawing area 27 after the expansion of the video data 91 of the first layer. processing.

11D is a diagram showing a pixel 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the composite image data 93 generated by executing the fourth process. In the expanded second rendering area 27, a plurality of dots 22 are arranged similarly to the image data 92 of the second layer shown in FIG. 11B. In FIG. 11D , the peripheral edge portion 29 is hatched.

Next, the excellent effects of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11A to 11D will be described. In this embodiment, the width of the non-arrangement region secured at the boundary between the peripheral edge portion 29 and the second drawing region 27 (inner deep portion) can be narrowed compared to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A to 10D . If the present embodiment is suitable for applications where the width of the non-disposition area of the dots is too wide, a greater effect can be obtained.

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

12A is a diagram showing a pixel 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 91 of the first layer generated by executing the first program. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A , the data generation unit 63 ( FIG. 3 ) arranges the plurality of dots 22 in the first drawing area 26 with a specified dot pitch.

12B is a diagram showing a pixel 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 92 of the second layer generated by executing the second program.

The data generation unit 63 ( FIG. 3 ) arranges the plurality of dots 22 in the second drawing area 27 with a specified dot pitch. If a plurality of dots 22 are arranged in the x-direction (right direction) at a specified dot pitch using the reference point 24B on the upper left as the starting point, there is a possibility that the dot 22 at the right end and the outer periphery on the right side of the second drawing area 27 An area 96x where the dots 22 are not arranged is created between the lines. As shown in FIG. 12B , when the number of pixels 90 between two adjacent dots 22 in the x direction is five, the size in the x direction of the area 96x where the dots 22 are not arranged is equal to or less than five pixels. Similarly, in the y direction, there is a possibility that a region 96y in which the dots 22 are not arranged may be generated between the dots 22 at the lower end and the outer peripheral line on the lower side of the second drawing region 27 .

In this embodiment, after arranging a plurality of dots 22 in the second drawing area 27 , a position closer to the outer side than the outermost point 22 is defined so as to surround all the dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 Ring-shaped blank area 95 . In FIG. 12B , the blank area 95 is hatched. The outermost point 22 of the second drawing area 27 is in contact with the pixel 90 located on the inner peripheral side of the blank area 95 . The width of the blank area 95 is equal to the length of the number of pixels between the points in the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 in which the point distance is narrower.

In this embodiment, the dot pitch of the first drawing area 26 ( FIG. 12A ) is narrower than that of the second drawing area 27 , and the number of pixels between the dots in the first drawing area 26 is two, so the The width of the white area 95 corresponds to two pixels. The data generating unit 63 moves the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area 27 to a position equal to the outer peripheral line of the blank area 95 .

12C is a diagram showing a pixel 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 91 of the first layer generated by executing the third program. The data generation unit 63 ( FIG. 3 ) deletes the point 22 inside the second drawing area 27 after moving the outer peripheral line among the plurality of points 22 arranged in the first drawing area 26 .

12D is a diagram showing a pixel 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the composite image data 93 generated by executing the fourth program. The data generating unit 63 generates either the video data 91 ( FIG. 12C ) and the video data 92 ( FIG. 12B ) of the second layer after the third procedure is specified, similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9D . The composite image data 93 of the position of the point 22.

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 peripheral line of the second drawing area 27 is moved to a position equal to the outer peripheral line of the blank area 95 . Therefore, it is possible to secure a non-arranged region with a sufficient width in which the dots are not arranged at the boundary portion between the peripheral edge portion 29 and the second drawing region 27 (inner deep portion). In FIG. 12D , the peripheral edge portion 29 is hatched.

The width of the blank area 95 is set according to the dot pitch of the drawing area with the narrower dot pitch among the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27, and the outermost point 22 of the second drawing area 27 is set to be located in the blank area. The blank area 95 is defined in such a way that the pixels 90 on the inner peripheral side of the 95 are connected to each other. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12B , even if the area 96x or the area 96y in which the dots 22 are not arranged is generated, the width of the non-arranged area is not easily generated. A state of expanding more than necessary.

Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13A to 13D . Hereinafter, descriptions of the configurations common to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D are omitted. The image data 91 of the first layer generated by executing the first program is the same as the image data 91 of the first layer shown in FIG. 12A .

13A is a diagram showing a pixel 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 92 of the second layer generated by executing the second program. The data generation unit 63 ( FIG. 3 ) arranges the plurality of dots 22 in the second drawing area 27 according to the specified distribution rule.

If the reference point 24B on the upper left of the second drawing area 27 is used as the starting point and the dots 22 are arranged in the x direction (right direction) at a specified point pitch, the point 22 at the right end and the right side of the second drawing area 27 An area 96x where the dots 22 are not arranged is generated between the outer peripheral lines. Also in the y-direction, a region 96y in which the dots 22 are not arranged is generated between the dots 22 at the lower end and the outer peripheral line on the lower side of the second drawing region 27 .

In the present embodiment, the data generating unit 63 translates the plurality of dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 before executing the third program in the second drawing area 27 in a state where the relative positional relationship of the plurality of dots 22 is fixed. move. More specifically, the distance between the geometric center of the second drawing area 27 and the center of gravity of the plurality of points 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 is shortened from that before the translational movement. More preferably, the center of gravity of the plurality of points 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 is made to coincide with the geometric center of the second drawing area 27 .

13B is a diagram showing a pixel 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 92 of the second layer after the plurality of dots 22 are shifted in translation. By moving the plurality of dots 22 in translation, the point 22 located on the outermost side among the plurality of dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 and the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area 27 are ensured to leave no dots left. White area 97. In FIG. 13B , the blank area 97 is hatched.

13C is a diagram showing a pixel 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the image data 91 of the first layer generated by executing the third program. The data generation unit 63 performs a process of removing the plurality of dots 22 arranged inside the second drawing area 27 on the video data 91 ( FIG. 12A ) of the first layer.

13D is a diagram showing a pixel 90 arranged inside the first drawing area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the composite image data 93 generated by executing the fourth program. The data generation unit 63, similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9D, generates and specifies either the video data 91 (FIG. 13C) of the first layer and the video data 92 of the second layer (FIG. 13B) after the third procedure. The composite image data 93 of the position of the point 22.

Next, the excellent effects of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A to 13D will be described. In this embodiment, the plurality of dots 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 are moved in translation, and the composite image data 93 is generated based on the arrangement of the dots 22 after the translation movement ( FIG. 13D ). Therefore, it is possible to secure a non-arrangement region where no dots are arranged at the boundary between the peripheral edge portion 29 and the second drawing region 27 (inner deep portion). In FIG. 13D , the peripheral edge portion 29 is hatched. A blank area 97 created by translational movement is included in the non-disposition area.

Next, a modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A to 13D will be described. In the example shown in FIG. 13B, the white space 97 is created by moving the plurality of points 22 in translation. However, for example, when two points 22 located at both ends in the x-direction are in contact with the left and right outer peripheral lines of the second drawing area 27 , that is, when the center of gravity of the plurality of points 22 and the geometry of the second drawing area 27 When the x-coordinates of the center are the same, the distance of translational movement in the x-direction becomes zero. In this case, the blank area 97 ( FIG. 13B ) along the left and right outer peripheral lines of the second drawing area 27 is not generated. In the y direction, the same state of affairs is possible.

In this modification, after moving the plurality of points 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 in translation, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12B , at a position closer to the outer side than the outermost point 22, An annular blank area 95 is defined so as to surround all the points 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 . Furthermore, the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area 27 is moved to a position equal to the outer peripheral line of the blank area 95 . In the third procedure, the data generation unit 63 ( FIG. 3 ) deletes the point 22 inside the second drawing area 27 after moving the outer peripheral line among the plurality of points 22 arranged in the first drawing area 26 .

Next, the excellent effects of this modification will be described. In this modification, even when the width of the blank area 97 (FIG. 13B) generated by moving the plurality of dots 22 in translation is insufficient, the same procedure as that shown in FIG. 12B is used to Make sure to leave blank area 95. Therefore, a non-arrangement region having a sufficient width can be secured at the boundary between the peripheral edge portion 29 and the second drawing region 27 (inner deep portion).

Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14A to 14C . Hereinafter, descriptions of the configurations common to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D are omitted.

FIG. 14A is a diagram showing the arrangement of the drawing area of the first layer designated by the image data 91 of the first layer. In the present embodiment, two first drawing regions 26A and 26B are arranged on the surface 23 to be drawn. The data generation unit 63 ( FIG. 3 ) arranges a plurality of dots in the first drawing areas 26A and 26B by executing the same procedure as the first procedure shown in FIG. 9A . Specifically, the data generation unit 63 generates the video data 91 of the first layer specifying the positions of the plural points arranged in the two first drawing regions 26A and 26B by executing the first program. In FIG. 14A, only the outer peripheral line of the 1st drawing area 26A, 26B is shown, and description of several points is abbreviate|omitted.

FIG. 14B is a diagram showing the arrangement of the drawing area of the second layer designated by the image data 92 of the second layer. One second drawing area 27 is arranged on the surface 23 to be drawn. The data generation unit 63 ( FIG. 3 ) arranges a plurality of dots in the second drawing area 27 by executing the same procedure as the second procedure shown in FIG. 9B . Specifically, the data generation unit 63 generates the image data 92 of the second layer specifying the positions of the plurality of dots arranged in the second drawing area 27 by executing the second program. In FIG. 14B, only the outer peripheral line of the 2nd drawing area 27 is shown, and description of several points is abbreviate|omitted.

FIG. 14C is a diagram showing the arrangement of the first drawing areas 26A and 26B and the second drawing area 27 designated by the composite image data 93 . The data generation unit 63 generates the composite image data 93 by executing the third procedure shown in FIG. 9C and the fourth procedure shown in FIG. 9D . Before executing the third procedure, the data generation unit 63 extracts a drawing area overlapping the second drawing area 27 arranged on the second layer from the plurality of first drawing areas 26A and 26B arranged on the first layer. Whether or not the drawing area of the first layer and the drawing area of the second layer overlap is determined based on the positions (xy coordinates) of the vertices of the drawing areas.

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

When at least one of the four vertices of the second drawing area 27 is located within the range surrounded by the four vertices of either of the first drawing areas 26A and 26B of the first layer, it is determined that the first layer of This drawing area overlaps with the second drawing area 27 of the second layer at least partially. 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 and the second drawing area 27 Some overlap.

Any vertex of the second drawing area 27 of the second layer does not exist within the range of the other first drawing area 26B. In this case, the first drawing area 26B does not overlap with any drawing area on the second layer.

Next, the excellent effects of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C will be described. In this embodiment, when the user inputs the drawing information of the drawing area of the second layer, there is no need to input information specifying the drawing area of the lower layer (the first layer) that overlaps the drawing area to which the drawing information is currently being input. Thereby, the burden on the user at the time of input operation of drawing information can be reduced.

Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15A to 16C . Hereinafter, descriptions of the configurations common to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D are omitted.

15A and 15B are diagrams showing a window 70 for inputting drawing information according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, in addition to the input box 84 displayed on the window 70 ( FIG. 6 ) for inputting drawing information based on the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D , the input control section 62 is also displayed for inputting the lower The input box 87 of the overlapping drawing area ID.

As shown in FIG. 15A , when the drawing information of the drawing area of the first layer is input, the input box 87 for inputting the drawing information identification information is set as an empty field. At this time, the input control unit 62 ( FIG. 3 ) stores the drawing information in the drawing condition memory unit 65 by the same procedure as that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D . As shown in FIG. 15B , when inputting the drawing information of the drawing area of the second layer, the user sets the input box of the reference point position as an empty field, and inputs the overlapping drawing area ID 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 memory unit 65 .

FIG. 16A is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the surface 23 to be drawn and the two first drawing regions 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 in the x-direction of the first drawing area 26A is 70 mm, and the dimension in the y-direction is 80 mm.

FIG. 16B is a diagram showing the second drawing area 27 of the second layer. As shown in FIG. 15B , since the reference point position of the second drawing area 27 is not input, the position of the second drawing area 27 on the surface 23 to be drawn cannot be determined based only on the drawing information input regarding the second drawing area 27 . . However, the size of the second drawing area 27 can be determined. For example, the dimension in the x-direction of the second drawing area 27 is 50 mm, and the dimension in the y-direction is 60 mm.

FIG. 16C is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing before the data generation unit 63 ( FIG. 3 ) executes the third program. As shown in FIG. 15B , the second drawing area 27 overlaps with the first drawing area 26A whose drawing area ID is “1” in the first layer. The data generation unit 63 arranges the second drawing area 27 in the center of the first drawing area 26A which is a layer below the second drawing area 27 . Specifically, the second drawing area 27 is arranged so that the geometric center of the second drawing area 27 coincides with the geometric center of the first drawing area 26A. Thereby, the width of any part of the upper, lower, left, and right parts of the peripheral edge portion 29 is 10 mm. The overlapping drawing area ID of the lower layer shown in FIG. 15B can be said to be information that indirectly specifies the position of the second drawing area 27 on the surface 23 to be drawn.

After determining the position of the second drawing area 27 on the surface 23 to be drawn, the data generating unit executes the third and fourth procedures shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D , thereby generating the composite image data 93 .

Next, the excellent effects of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15A to 16C will be described. Depending on the use of the plurality of dots 22 formed on the substrate 20 ( FIG. 2 ), it may be desirable to arrange the second drawing area 27 ( FIG. 9D ) at the center of the first drawing area 26 ( FIG. 9D ). In the present embodiment, the second drawing area 27 can be arranged in the center of the first drawing area 26A only by specifying the overlapping drawing area of the lower layer without specifying the position of the second drawing area 27 on the surface 23 to be drawn. The user does not need to calculate the position of the second drawing area 27 on the surface 23 to be drawn, so that an excellent effect of improving operability can be obtained.

Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19F . Hereinafter, descriptions of the configurations common to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D are omitted.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a window 70 for inputting drawing information according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, in addition to the input box 84 displayed on the window 70 ( FIG. 6 ) for inputting drawing information based on the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D , the input control section 62 is also displayed for inputting the height of the point. the input box 88. Dot height specifies the number of times the ink will drop on the same pixel.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing pixels 90 including regions of the first drawing regions 26A, 26B, 26C, and 26D among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the composite image data 93 . Four first drawing regions 26A, 26B, 26C, and 26D are arranged on the surface 23 to be drawn. A value specifying the height of the point is assigned to each of the pixels 90 . No dots are arranged on the pixels 90 to which the assigned value is zero. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the height of the point arranged in the first drawing areas 26A and 26B is "1", the height of the point arranged in the first drawing area 26C is "2", and the height of the point arranged in the first drawing area 26D is "2". The height of the point is "3".

FIG. 19A is a diagram showing the arrangement of the first drawing regions 26A and 26B in the first layer. Two first drawing regions 26A and 26B are arranged on the surface to be drawn 23 . The positions of the plurality of points arranged in the two first drawing areas 26A and 26B are specified by the image data 91 of the first layer. The height of the point arranged in one of the first drawing areas 26A is "2", and the height of the point arranged in the other first drawing area 26B is "3".

FIG. 19B is a diagram showing the arrangement of the second drawing regions 27A to 27F in the second layer. Six second drawing regions 27A to 27F are arranged on the surface 23 to be drawn. The positions of the plurality of dots arranged in the six second drawing regions 27A to 27F are specified by the video data 92 of the second layer. The heights of the points arranged in the second drawing regions 27A, 27B, 27D, 27E, and 27F are "1", and the heights of the points arranged in the remaining second drawing regions 27C are "3".

FIG. 19C is a diagram showing the drawing area and the height of the point designated by the composite image data 93 . Three second drawing areas 27A, 27B, 27C of the second layer are arranged in the first drawing area 26A of the first layer, and three second drawing areas 26B of the second layer are arranged in the first drawing area 26B of the first layer. Areas 27D, 27E, 27F are drawn. The height of the point arranged inside the first drawing area 26A and outside the second drawing area 27A, 27B, 27C, that is, the peripheral portion 29A is equal to the point arranged in the first drawing area 26A designated by the image data 91 of the first layer height "2". Similarly, the height of the point located inside the first drawing area 26B and outside the second drawing areas 27D, 27E, and 27F, that is, the peripheral edge 29B is equal to the height of the point located in the first drawing area designated by the image data 91 of the first layer. Height "3" at point 26B. The heights of the points arranged in the second drawing regions 27A to 27F are equal to the heights designated by the image data 92 ( FIG. 19B ) of the second layer.

The data generation unit 63 ( FIG. 3 ) generates printing data from the composite image data 93 . In this example, the maximum value of the height of the dots is "3", so the printing is performed three times. The data generation unit 63 generates the first, second, and third printing data.

FIG. 19D is a diagram schematically showing the first printing material 101 on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system. The first printing data 101 designates the positions of the dots where the ink should be applied by the first printing. In FIG. 19D, hatching is attached to the area|region where the dot to which the ink should be applied is arrange|positioned. In the first printing, ink is applied to the positions of dots whose heights are "1", "2", and "3". Therefore, the positions of all the dots arranged in the first drawing regions 26A and 26B become the target of ink application.

FIG. 19E is a diagram schematically showing the second printing material 102 on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system. The second printing data 102 designates the positions of the dots where the ink should be applied by the second printing. In FIG. 19E, hatching is attached to the area|region which arrange|positions the dot which should apply the ink by the 2nd printing. In the second printing, ink is applied to the positions of the dots whose heights are "2" and "3". Therefore, the positions of the dots in the second drawing areas 27A, 27B, 27D, 27E, and 27F ( FIG. 19C ) are excluded from the ink application objects, and the positions of the dots arranged on the peripheral parts 29A, 29B and the second drawing area 27C become the ink Coating objects.

FIG. 19F is a diagram schematically showing the third printing material 103 on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system. The third printing data 103 designates the positions of the dots where the ink should be applied by the third printing. In FIG. 19F, hatching is attached to the area|region where the dot to which the ink should be applied is arrange|positioned. In the third printing, ink is applied to the position of the dot whose height is "3". Therefore, the positions of dots in the peripheral portion 29A ( FIG. 19C ) are excluded from the ink application target, and the positions of the dots arranged in the peripheral portion 29B and the second drawing area 27C are the ink application targets.

Next, the excellent effects of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 17 to 19F will be described. In this embodiment, a plurality of dots with different heights can be formed on one surface 23 to be drawn. The user does not need to create the first, second, and third printing data, but only needs to input the height of the point in the window 70 for inputting the drawing information shown in FIG. 17 . When the user inputs the height of the dot, the data generation unit 63 generates a plurality of printing data. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for producing image data composed of the first, second, and third printing data.

Next, a modification of the above-described embodiment will be described. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the maximum value of the height of the dots is set to "3", but the height of the dots may be set to "2", and may be set to "4" or more. For example, when the height of the dot is determined by an integer of 1 or more and N or less, the data generation unit 63 generates a plurality of printing documents for the first to Nth times. The parameter n may be set to an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N, and the position of a dot whose height is greater than or equal to n may be specified for the n-th printing material.

Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 20A and 20B . Hereinafter, descriptions of the configurations common to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D are omitted.

20A is a diagram showing a pixel 90 arranged inside the first rendering area 26 among a plurality of pixels 90 constituting the composite image data 93 according to the present embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D , a peripheral portion 29 ( FIG. 9D ) surrounding the second drawing area 27 ( FIG. 9D ) of the second layer is provided. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a part of the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area 27 of the second layer coincides with a part of the outer peripheral line 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 outer peripheral line on the upper side 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 need 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 procedures from the first procedure ( FIG. 9A ) to the fourth procedure ( 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 process. As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13B , the plurality of points 22 arranged in the second drawing area 27 can be moved in translation.

In addition, various programs of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C and the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 19F can be applied to this embodiment.

FIG. 20B is a diagram showing the pixels 90 arranged in and around the first drawing area 26 among the plurality of pixels 90 constituting the composite image data 93 according to the modification of the present embodiment. In this modification, a part of the second drawing area 27 overlaps with the first drawing area 26 , and the other part of the second drawing area 27 is located outside the first drawing area 26 . Also in this modification, various programs of the above-mentioned embodiment can be applied. As in this modification, the second drawing area 27 does not necessarily need to be included in the first drawing area 26 .

Next, referring to FIG. 21 , another embodiment will be further described. Hereinafter, descriptions of the configurations common to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D are omitted.

FIG. 21 shows the arrangement of the first drawing area 26 of the first layer and the second drawing area 27 of the second layer designated by the composite image data 93 generated by the image data generating device 60 ( FIG. 3 ) according to the present embodiment map. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D , the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 are square or rectangular. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 having shapes other than square or rectangle are arranged on the surface 23 to be drawn. The shape of the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 is a circle, an ellipse, or a regular hexagon.

When the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 are circular, the center point may be used as the reference point, and the length of the radius may be used as the information for specifying the size. When the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 are elliptical, the center point is used as the reference point, and the lengths of the long and short axes are used as the information for specifying the size, and the lengths of the long and short axes are used as the information for specifying the posture on the surface 23 to be drawn. The angle formed by the x direction and the long diameter can be used. When the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 are regular hexagons, the center point is used as the reference point, and the diagonal length (diameter of the circumscribed circle) is used as the information for specifying the size as the specified drawing surface 23. The angle formed by the x-direction and a side can be used for the information of the posture.

As in the present embodiment, the shapes of the first drawing area 26 and the second drawing area 27 may be defined as two-dimensional figures capable of defining a point as a reference for a position and defining a size and a posture on the surface 23 to be drawn.

Next, referring to FIG. 22 , another embodiment will be further described. Hereinafter, descriptions of the configurations common to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D are omitted.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a drawing area designated by the synthetic image data 93 generated by the image data generating device 60 ( FIG. 3 ) according to the present embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 9D , the drawing regions are arranged in two layers, the first layer and the second layer. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the drawing regions are arranged in three layers.

The first drawing area 26 is arranged on the first layer which is the lowermost layer, the second drawing area 27 is arranged on the second layer which is the middle layer, and the third drawing area 28 is arranged on the third layer which is the uppermost layer. The second drawing area 27 is included in the first drawing area 26 , and the third drawing area 28 is included in the second drawing area 27 . When generating the composite image data 93, as in the third procedure shown in FIG. 9C and the like, it is sufficient to delete a point located inside the drawing area of the previous layer among a plurality of points defined by the image data of one layer. In this way, the total number of layers is not limited to two layers, and may be three or more layers.

The above-mentioned embodiments are only examples, and of course, partial replacement or combination of the structures shown in different embodiments can also be performed. For each embodiment, the same functions and effects based on the same structure of the plurality of embodiments will not be described one by one. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited by the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, it is a matter of course for those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains to be capable of various changes, improvements, combinations, and the like.

10: Abutment 11: Mobile Mechanism 11X: X direction moving mechanism 11Y: Y direction moving mechanism 12: Movable bed table 13: Supporting members 20: Substrate 21: Scanning area 22: point 23: Depicted Surface 24: Reference point for drawing area 24A: Reference point of the first drawing area 24B: Reference point of the second drawing area 25: Delineate the area 26, 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D: The first drawing area of the first layer 27, 27A, 27B, 27C, 27D, 27E, 27F: The second drawing area of the second layer (inner deep part) 28: The 3rd drawing area of the 3rd floor 29, 29A, 29B: peripheral part 30: Ink discharge unit 31: Inkjet head 32: Nozzle 33: Light source for curing 40: Camera device 50: Control device 51: Memory Department 52: Control Department 60: Video data generation device 61: Processing device 62: Input control section 63: Data Generation Department 64: Output control section 65: Draw Conditional Memory Section 66: Video data memory department 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: Start creating image data button 81: input box 82: Apply printing conditions button 83: Read in file button 84: input box 85: Applicable drawing information button 86: Delete button 87: Input box for inputting the overlapping drawing area ID of the lower layer 88: Input box for input point height 90: pixels 91: Image data of the first floor 92: Video data of the second floor 93: Composite image data 95: blank area 96x, 96y: Area without points 97: Blank area 101: The first printing material 102: The second printing material 103: The third printing material

1A is a schematic front view of an image data generating apparatus according to an embodiment and an ink application apparatus for drawing using the image data generated by the image data generating apparatus, and FIG. 1B shows a movable bed and an ink discharge unit and the positional relationship of the camera device when viewed from above. [ Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a plan view showing a pattern formed by ink on the surface of a substrate. [FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the image data generating apparatus according to the present embodiment. [ Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a view showing a window for inputting printing conditions. [FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a window when the read-drawing information file tab is activated. [ Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a window when the setting drawing information tag is activated. [FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a window when the edit drawing information tag is activated. [ Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a window when the delete drawing information tag is activated. [FIG. 9] FIG. 9A is a diagram showing the image data of the first layer generated by executing the first program on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 9B is a diagram showing the first layer generated by executing the second program. The image data of the second layer is represented on the two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 9C is a drawing of the image data of the first layer generated by executing the third procedure on the two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system, FIG. 9D is a diagram showing the composite image data generated by executing the fourth procedure on a two-dimensional plane of a pixel coordinate system. 10A is a diagram showing the image data of the second layer generated by executing the second program based on another embodiment on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the expansion of the second drawing area The following image data of the second layer is displayed on the two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 10C is a diagram of the image data of the first layer generated by executing the third procedure on the two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system. 10D is a diagram showing the composite image data generated by executing the fourth procedure on the two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system. FIG. 11A is a diagram showing the image data of the second layer generated by executing the second program according to another embodiment on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 11B is a diagram showing the expansion of the second drawing area The following image data of the second layer is displayed on the two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 11C is a diagram of the image data of the first layer generated by executing the third procedure on the two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system. 11D is a diagram showing the composite image data generated by executing the fourth procedure on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system. [FIG. 12] FIG. 12A is a diagram showing the image data of the first layer generated by executing the first program according to another embodiment on a two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 12B is generated by executing the second program The image data of the second layer and the blank area that should be ensured are shown on the two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system. Figure 12C shows the image data of the first layer generated by executing the third procedure on the pixel coordinate system. As a diagram on a two-dimensional plane, FIG. 12D is a diagram showing the composite image data generated by executing the fourth procedure on a two-dimensional plane of a pixel coordinate system. [FIG. 13] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing the image data of the second layer generated by executing the second program based on another embodiment on a two-dimensional plane of a pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 13B is a diagram that translates a plurality of points The following image data of the second layer is displayed on the two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 13C is a diagram of the image data of the first layer generated by executing the third procedure on the two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system. 13D is a diagram showing the synthetic image data generated by executing the fourth procedure on the two-dimensional plane of the pixel coordinate system. [ Fig. 14] Fig. 14A is a diagram showing the arrangement of the drawing area of the first layer designated by the image data of the first layer according to another embodiment, and Fig. 14B is a diagram showing the second layer designated by the image data of the second layer. FIG. 14C is a diagram showing the arrangement of the first and second drawing areas designated by the composite image data. [FIG. 15] FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams showing windows for inputting drawing information according to still another embodiment. [FIG. 16] FIG. 16A is a diagram showing the positional relationship between two first drawing areas arranged on the surface to be drawn and the first layer, FIG. 16B is a diagram showing the second drawing area on the second layer, and FIG. 16C is a drawing for A schematic diagram for explaining the processing before the data generation unit ( FIG. 3 ) executes the third program. [FIG. 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a window for inputting drawing information according to still another embodiment. [ Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing synthetic image data on a two-dimensional plane of a pixel coordinate system. [ Fig. 19] Fig. 19A is a diagram showing the arrangement of the first drawing area arranged on the first layer, Fig. 19B is a drawing showing the arrangement of the second drawing area arranged on the second layer, and Fig. 19C is a diagram showing the use of composite image data Figures 19D to 19F schematically represent the first to third printing data on a two-dimensional plane of a pixel coordinate system, respectively, as a drawing of a designated drawing area and a height of a point. [FIG. 20] FIG. 20A is a diagram showing synthetic image data based on yet another embodiment on a two-dimensional plane of a pixel coordinate system, and FIG. 20B shows synthetic image data based on a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 20A on pixels A graph on a two-dimensional plane of a coordinate system. [ Fig. 21] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the first rendering area of the first layer and the second rendering area of the second layer designated by the composite image data generated by the image data generating apparatus according to the further embodiment. [FIG. 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a drawing area designated by the synthetic image data generated by the image data generating apparatus according to the further embodiment. [FIG.

22: point

24A: Reference point of the first drawing area

24B: Reference point of the second drawing area

26: The first drawing area of the first floor

27: The second drawing area of the second layer (inner deep part)

29: Peripheral part

90: pixels

91: Image data of the first floor

92: Video data of the second floor

93: Composite image data

Claims (8)

An image data generating apparatus that executes: a first program for generating a predetermined arrangement in the first drawing area based on first distribution rule information specifying a rule for dispersing a plurality of dots in a first drawing area on a surface to be drawn The image data of the first layer of the positions of the plurality of dots; the second program, which generates the specified arrangement according to the second distribution rule information of the rule specifying that the plurality of dots are scattered in the second drawing area of the above-mentioned surface to be drawn The image data of the second layer at the positions of a plurality of points in the second drawing area; and the third program, when the second drawing area is overlapped in a part of the first drawing area, the image data of the first layer is The image data deletes a point located inside the second drawing area; and a fourth process, which is after the third process, generates any one of the image data of the first layer and the image data of the second layer. Composite image data of the position of the specified point. The image data generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in the second procedure, a part of the dots are arranged at positions that are in contact with the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area; and before the third procedure, the second procedure is The outer peripheral line of the drawing area moves outward by a movement amount to expand the second drawing area, and the movement amount is based on the density of the plurality of points arranged in the first drawing area or the density of the plurality of points arranged in the second drawing area. The density is determined; in the aforementioned third procedure, the image data of the aforementioned first layer is deleted Processing of a plurality of points located inside the expanded second drawing area. The image data generating apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality of dots arranged according to the first distribution rule information are arranged at a first dot pitch along a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to each other in the first drawing area ; A plurality of dots arranged according to the second distribution rule information are arranged in the second drawing area along the first direction and the second direction with a second dot pitch; in the third procedure, the second drawing is performed The area expands in the first direction and the second direction by a width obtained from the shorter one of the first and second dot pitches. The image data generating apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein when expanding the second drawing area, the density of the plurality of dots arranged in the first drawing area or the plurality of dots arranged in the second drawing area The density of the dots is used to determine the blank area that should be ensured between the plurality of dots that should be arranged in the second drawing area and the plurality of dots that should be arranged in the first drawing area; when expanding the second drawing area, The blank area is secured by moving the outer peripheral line of the second drawing area. The image data generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein after the second procedure and before expanding the second drawing area, a plurality of points arranged in the second drawing area are moved in translation in a state where the relative positional relationship is fixed. , and make the geometric center of the aforementioned second drawing area The distance from the center of gravity of the plurality of points arranged in the second drawing area is shorter than that before the translational movement; when the second drawing area is expanded, according to the position after the translational movement of the plurality of points inside the second drawing area, to determine the aforementioned blank area. The image data generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after the second procedure and before the fourth procedure, the plurality of points arranged in the second drawing area are moved in translation in a state where the relative positional relationship is fixed, Then, the distance between the geometric center of the second drawing area and the center of gravity of a plurality of points arranged in the second drawing area is shortened from that before the translational movement; The position after the translational movement of the point is used to generate the aforementioned composite image data. The image data generating device according to any one of claim 1 to claim 3 or claim 6, wherein the image data of the first layer specifies the positions of a plurality of points in a plurality of the first drawing areas; a plurality of The first drawing area and the second drawing area are squares or rectangles with one side parallel to each other; when at least one vertex of the second drawing area is located inside one of the first drawing areas At the time, it is determined that the second drawing area overlaps with the first drawing area having at least one vertex of the second drawing area inside of the plurality of first drawing areas. A method for generating image data, wherein, generating image data of the first layer defining the positions of a plurality of points of the first drawing area arranged on the surface to be drawn according to the first distribution rule; The image data of the second layer of the positions of the plural points of the second drawing area where a part of the area overlaps; the image data of the first layer is processed to delete the points located inside the second drawing area; then, according to the following The position of the point designated by the image data of the first layer and the position of the point designated by the image data of the second layer are used to generate composite image data obtained by combining the two.

Images