JP2019162865A - Image forming device, image forming method and method of producing three-dimensional object - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming device, an image forming method and a method of producing a three-dimensional object, capable of suppressing deterioration of color reproducibility and shape reproducibility by suppressing accumulation of variations of each layer during modeling of a three-dimensional object.SOLUTION: An image forming device comprises a generation unit and a movement controller unit. The generation unit is configured to generate layer information for each layer of a three-dimensional object, from height information and color information, the height information including information on a three-dimensional position of each pixel of the three-dimentional object, information on a diameter of a dot of a forming agent for the pixel and information on a gap from an ejection surface of a forming unit when the forming agent for the pixel is to be ejected, and the color information indicating a color of each pixel of the three-dimentional object. The movement controller unit is configured to, when the forming agent for the pixel indicated by the layer information is to be deposited, move the forming unit to make a gap corresponding to a diameter of a dot for the pixel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object.

  Conventionally, as a technique for modeling a three-dimensional solid object, an inkjet method, a melt deposition method, a rapid prototyping method, an inkjet binder method, an optical modeling method, a powder sintering method, and the like are known.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, in the inkjet method, a three-dimensional object is formed by sequentially forming a three-dimensional object while sequentially stacking modeling materials and applying ink to the surface of the laminated modeling material. A technique for completing the printing on the surface of the paper is disclosed.

  However, in the conventional technology as described above, when a large number of layers are required for modeling a three-dimensional object, by accumulating the variations of each layer, a decrease in shape reproducibility unique to multiple layers, There is a problem that the image quality is deteriorated due to the shape defect due to the occurrence of mist. In particular, when ink dots having different diameters, such as large dots and small dots, are employed and large dots and small dots are ejected under the same conditions, there is a problem that the accumulation of variations in each layer becomes significant.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and is an image that can suppress a decrease in color reproducibility and shape reproducibility by suppressing the accumulation of variations in each layer during modeling of a three-dimensional object. It is an object of the present invention to provide a forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a three-dimensional position information for each pixel of a three-dimensional object, information on a dot diameter of a modeling agent for the pixel, and a modeling agent for the pixel. A generating unit that generates layer information for each layer of the three-dimensional object, from height information including information on a gap of the ejection surface when discharging from the color information indicating color for each pixel of the three-dimensional object; A movement control unit that moves the modeling unit so as to form the gap corresponding to the dot diameter of the pixel when the modeling agent of the pixel indicated by the layer information is stacked. .

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the accumulation of the dispersion | variation of each layer in the case of modeling of a solid object can be suppressed, and the fall of color reproducibility and shape reproducibility can be suppressed.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a controller of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mechanical configuration of the head unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of color information according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of color information according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of height information according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of height information according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a layer information generation method according to the embodiment. Drawing 10 is a figure explaining an example of a modeling method of a solid thing of an embodiment. Drawing 11 is a figure explaining an example of a modeling method of a solid thing of an embodiment. Drawing 12 is a figure explaining an example of a modeling method of a solid thing of an embodiment. Drawing 13 is a figure explaining an example of a modeling method of a solid thing of an embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a comparison between the case of modeling with large dots and the case of modeling with small dots. Drawing 15 is a figure explaining an example of a modeling method of a solid thing of an embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a manufacturing process for a three-dimensional object according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the modeling process in the manufacturing process of the three-dimensional object. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mechanical configuration of a modified head unit.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a three-dimensional object manufacturing method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Further, the present invention is not limited by the following embodiments, and components in the following embodiments can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art, are substantially the same, and have a so-called equivalent range. Is included. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, changes, and combinations of the components can be made without departing from the scope of the following embodiments.

  In the following, as an image forming apparatus, a three-dimensional object is formed (formed) on a recording medium by ejecting ultraviolet curable ink (active energy ray curable ink) as a modeling agent from a piezo-type inkjet head as a modeling agent. An ink jet recording apparatus will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  The recording medium may be any medium as long as a three-dimensional object can be formed, and examples thereof include recording paper or canvas, but are not limited thereto. The modeling agent is not limited to the ultraviolet curable ink, and any modeling agent may be used as long as the modeling agents are not mixed with each other after the lamination is completed and shape stability is obtained. In addition, the modeling agent may be liquid or gel during lamination. In addition, the modeling agent may be an ink that is softened or cured by natural standing or by heat.

(Schematic configuration of inkjet recording apparatus)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ink jet recording apparatus 1 includes an engine 10 and a controller 100.

  The engine 10 forms (forms) a three-dimensional object on a recording medium. Specifically, a three-dimensional object is formed on the recording medium by discharging ultraviolet curable ink from the head unit 15 provided in the engine 10 and laminating the ink on the recording medium.

  The controller 100 performs control for modeling (forming) a three-dimensional object on a recording medium. Specifically, the controller 100 generates information for modeling the three-dimensional object, and causes the engine 10 to model the three-dimensional object based on the generated information.

(Controller hardware configuration)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a controller of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 100 includes a control device 101 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a main storage device 102 such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). ) And the like, a display device 104 such as a display, an input device 105 such as a touch panel or a key switch, and a communication device 106 such as a communication interface, and hardware using a normal computer It has a configuration.

(Mechanical structure of the head unit)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mechanical configuration of the head unit according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the head unit 15 includes an inkjet head 14, an ultraviolet irradiation device 13 (curing light irradiation unit), and an ultraviolet irradiation device 17 (curing light irradiation unit).

  The inkjet head 14 has a nozzle row 11 that ejects ultraviolet curable ink onto the recording medium 16. In FIG. 3, the nozzle row 11 includes a nozzle 11 </ b> W that discharges white (W) ultraviolet curable ink, a nozzle 11 </ b> CL that discharges clear (CL) ultraviolet curable ink, and a nozzle 11 </ b> Y that discharges yellow (Y) ultraviolet curable ink. The nozzle 11M ejects magenta (M) ultraviolet curable ink, the nozzle 11C ejects cyan (C) ultraviolet curable ink, and the nozzle 11K ejects black (K) ultraviolet curable ink. The configuration of the nozzle row 11 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. For example, the nozzle row 11 may not include the nozzle 11CL. Further, the number of nozzles 11W, nozzles 11CL, nozzles 11Y, nozzles 11C, nozzles 11M, and nozzles 11K may be any number as long as it is one or more. In addition, each nozzle of the inkjet head 14 can adjust the amount of ultraviolet curable ink to be freely ejected according to height information (or layer information including it) to be described later. The diameter of the ultraviolet curable ink (dot) is adjusted.

  Although details will be described later, among the ultraviolet curable inks, white (W) and clear (CL) are used for modeling a three-dimensional object, and yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), And black (K) is used for formation of the color of a solid thing.

  When the inkjet head 14 moves in the sub-scanning direction (the direction opposite to the arrow B direction), the ultraviolet irradiation device 13 cures the ultraviolet curable ink 12 stacked on the recording medium 16 by the inkjet head 14 with ultraviolet rays. It has the irradiation part 13a which irradiates the light 13b. The ultraviolet curable ink 12 laminated on the recording medium 16 is cured by the curing light 13 b irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation device 13.

  When the inkjet head 14 moves in the sub-scanning direction (arrow B direction), the ultraviolet irradiation device 17 irradiates the ultraviolet curable ink 12 laminated on the recording medium 16 by the inkjet head 14 with curing light 17b that is ultraviolet. It has the irradiation part 17a to perform. The ultraviolet curable ink 12 laminated on the recording medium 16 is cured by the curing light 17 b irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation device 17.

  In the embodiment, the recording medium 16 is conveyed, for example, in the arrow B direction (sub-scanning direction). When the recording medium 16 is conveyed to a predetermined position, the conveyance of the recording medium 16 is stopped, and the ejection of ultraviolet curable ink by the inkjet head 14 to the recording medium 16 is started.

  Specifically, the head unit 15 reciprocates in the main scanning direction orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction while reciprocating in both directions in the sub-scanning direction, and the recording medium 16 (specifically, the drawing area of the recording medium 16). ), The ultraviolet curable ink is ejected from the inkjet head 14, and the curing light 13b and 17b are irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation devices 13 and 17, respectively.

  When the ultraviolet curable ink for one layer is laminated on the recording medium 16, the head unit 15 moves to the original position and operates as described above until the ultraviolet curable ink for n (n ≧ 2) layers is laminated. repeat.

  Then, when n layers of ultraviolet curable ink are laminated on the recording medium 16 and a three-dimensional object is formed, conveyance of the recording medium 16 in the direction of arrow B is resumed, and the recording medium 16 on which the three-dimensional object is formed is formed. Is output from the inkjet recording apparatus 1.

  The head unit 15 shown in FIG. 3 is configured to include the ultraviolet irradiation devices 13 and 17 on both sides in the sub-scanning direction with respect to the inkjet head 14, but is not limited thereto. It is good also as a structure provided only with the apparatus 13. FIG. However, when the configuration including the ultraviolet irradiation devices 13 and 17 is used, it is possible to form a three-dimensional object in both the forward path and the return path in the sub-scanning direction, and thus it is possible to improve productivity when manufacturing the three-dimensional object. .

  Further, the ejection operation of the head unit 15 is not limited to the above-described method. For example, while the head unit 15 is fixed, the recording medium 16 (specifically, a table unit or the like with the recording medium 16 fixed) is moved in both directions in the sub-scanning direction, and the main scanning direction is orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction. The head unit 15 may eject the ultraviolet curable ink from the inkjet head 14 to the recording medium 16 and irradiate the curing lights 13b and 17b from the ultraviolet irradiation devices 13 and 17. In this case, when one layer of the ultraviolet curable ink is laminated on the recording medium 16, the recording medium 16 is transported to the original position until the ultraviolet curable ink for n (n ≧ 2) layers is laminated. The above-described operation is repeated.

  As will be described later, the size of the ink dot diameter of the ultraviolet curable ink 12 varies depending on the pixel position of the three-dimensional object to be formed and the number of layers. . As will be described later, the ink jet recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment uses a head ejection surface 11a (ejection surface) that is an ejection surface of each nozzle of the nozzle array 11 for each ink dot of the ultraviolet curable ink 12 having a different dot diameter. ), The distance (discharge gap 18) to the vertex of the ink dot when the target ink dot is landed is controlled (so that the discharge gap 18 corresponds to the size (diameter) of the ink dot. The ejection operation is performed by moving the head unit 15 in the vertical direction (direction perpendicular to the surface of the recording medium 16). The target to be controlled is not limited to the ejection gap 18, but the distance from the head ejection surface 11a to the recording medium 16 (the gap 19 between the head media) is controlled (the size (diameter) of the ink dot. The head unit 15 may be moved in the vertical direction so that the gap 19 between the head media corresponding to the above is performed), and the discharge operation may be performed.

(Configuration of functional block of inkjet recording apparatus)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of color information according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of color information according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of height information according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of height information according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a layer information generation method according to the embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 includes an image data acquisition unit 201, a color information generation unit 203, a height information generation unit 205, a layer information generation unit 209 (generation unit), and a conveyance control unit 211. And a movement control unit 213 and a modeling unit 215. Among these, the image data acquisition unit 201 is realized by the control device 101, the main storage device 102, the communication device 106, and the like, for example. The color information generation unit 203, the height information generation unit 205, the layer information generation unit 209, and the transport control unit 211 are realized by the control device 101, the main storage device 102, and the like, for example. The movement control unit 213 and the modeling unit 215 can be realized by the head unit 15 or the like, for example.

  The image data acquisition unit 201 acquires image data of a three-dimensional object. The image data of a three-dimensional object is, for example, image data obtained by imaging a three-dimensional object to be modeled. For example, if the three-dimensional object to be modeled is a painting, the image data of the three-dimensional object may be image data obtained by capturing the picture.

  The image data acquisition unit 201 may acquire image data of a three-dimensional object from an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer), or acquire image data of a three-dimensional object stored in the auxiliary storage device 103 or the like. May be. In the present embodiment, the case where the image data of the three-dimensional object is RGB image data will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  The color information generation unit 203 generates color information indicating the color of each pixel of the three-dimensional object based on the three-dimensional object image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 201. For example, the color information generation unit 203 generates color information by color-converting RGB image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 201 into CMYK image data. For color conversion from RGB to CMYK (color space conversion), a known technique may be used. In addition, since the generated color information is used for modeling a three-dimensional object, processing unique to the modeling of the three-dimensional object may be added.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the color information assumes information for one layer. This is because the color reproducibility deteriorates if the colors are stacked when the colors are stacked. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, when color information for a plurality of layers is generated, in principle, the color information of the first layer is used, and the color information of the upper layer than the second layer is not used. That is, in this embodiment, the color information is assumed to be two-dimensional information (however, in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, it is illustrated in one dimension).

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, the symbol Y indicates that the color of the pixel (hereinafter may be referred to as “dot”) is yellow, and the symbol C indicates that the color of the pixel is cyan. The symbol M indicates that the pixel color is magenta, and the symbol K indicates that the pixel color is black. In the following, the color of the pixel with the same pattern as that of the pixel with the symbol Y indicates yellow, the color of the pixel with the same pattern as the pixel with the symbol C indicates cyan, and is the same as the pixel with the symbol M The color of the pattern pixel indicates magenta, and the color of the pixel having the same pattern as the pixel denoted by the symbol K indicates black.

  The height information generation unit 205 generates height information indicating the height of each pixel of the three-dimensional object based on the image data of the three-dimensional object acquired by the image data acquisition unit 201. The height information may be generated by using a known technique for obtaining the height (Z coordinate) of each pixel from two-dimensional image data disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-230625.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the height information is information of a plurality of layers. That is, in the present embodiment, the height information is three-dimensional information (for example, information on whether or not a dot is present at the corresponding three-dimensional coordinate position) (however, in FIG. 7, it is illustrated in two dimensions. Most of the information is information indicating a pyramid shape based on the bottom as shown in FIG. However, this is not a limitation and there are exceptions.

  In addition, as described above, the inkjet head 14 ejects the ultraviolet curable ink 12 while changing the dot diameter depending on the pixel position of the three-dimensional object to be formed and the number of layers. FIG. 8 shows an example of height information obtained as a result of changing the size of the dot diameter depending on the pixel position of the three-dimensional object and the number of layers. The three-dimensional object indicated by the height information in FIG. 8 is a dot having a small dot diameter (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “small dot”) and a dot having a large dot diameter (hereinafter referred to as “large dot”) in the same layer. And may be shaped (formed) by mixing. Therefore, the height information for modeling the three-dimensional object includes information on the type of dot diameter of each pixel (hereinafter, simply referred to as “dot diameter information”) in addition to the above-described three-dimensional information. included. Furthermore, as described above, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment performs the ejection operation by controlling the ejection gap 18 according to the dot diameter of each dot of the ultraviolet curable ink 12. Therefore, the height information for modeling the three-dimensional object further includes information on the ejection gap 18 corresponding to the dot of each pixel (hereinafter, simply referred to as “gap information”). Note that the gap information included in the height information may be information on the gap 19 between the head media corresponding to the dots of each pixel, instead of the information of the ejection gaps 18 corresponding to the dots of each pixel.

  The layer information generation unit 209 generates layer information (slice information) indicating pixel arrangement (three-dimensional information), dot diameter information, and gap information for modeling a solid object.

  In the present embodiment, the layer information generation unit 209 displays the color information generated by the color information generation unit 203 on the dots indicated by the height information generated by the height information generation unit 205, as shown in FIG. The three-dimensional object information that is the basis of the layer information is generated by arranging the dots to be shown. In FIG. 9, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the dot diameter (dot height H after landing) of each pixel is assumed to be the same. The layer information generation unit 209 generates layer information (layer information of four layers in the example illustrated in FIG. 9) including information regarding each pixel for each layer by separating the three-dimensional object information for each layer. Further, the layer information generation unit 209 separates the generated layer information into shape layer information indicating the arrangement of the shape dots and color layer information indicating the arrangement of the color dots. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the uppermost layer information of the fourth layer is composed only of color layer information.

  In addition, the ultraviolet curable ink formed as dots (color dots) indicated by color information is formed by covering the ultraviolet curable ink formed as dots (height generation dots) indicated by height information with the ultraviolet curable ink. It is formed. For this reason, the dot diameter (color dot diameter) indicated by the color information and the image resolution of the color dots are determined from the viewpoint of improving color reproducibility and aiming for high image quality. Specifically, the color dot image resolution is equal to or higher than the height generation dot image resolution, the color dot diameter is smaller than the height generation dot diameter (height generation dot diameter), and the height generation dot It is desirable that more ultraviolet curable ink is ejected than the diameter to form a color.

  The conveyance control unit 211 controls conveyance of a recording medium on which a solid object is formed by the head unit 15.

  The movement control unit 213 controls movement of the head unit 15 (reciprocating movement in the sub-scanning direction, reciprocating movement in the main scanning direction, and vertical movement).

  Based on the layer information for each layer generated by the layer information generation unit 209, the modeling unit 215 models the three-dimensional object by stacking the ultraviolet curable ink on the recording medium. The modeling unit 215 uses ultraviolet curable ink of a color different from the color indicated by the color information for modeling the shape of the three-dimensional object. In the present embodiment, the modeling unit 215 uses white (W) ultraviolet curable ink for modeling the shape of the three-dimensional object, but is not limited thereto, and is clear (CL) ultraviolet curable. Ink may be used, or white (W) ultraviolet curable ink and clear (CL) ultraviolet curable ink may be mixed and used.

  Note that the image data acquisition unit 201, the color information generation unit 203, the height information generation unit 205, the layer information generation unit 209, the transport control unit 211, the movement control unit 213, and the modeling unit 215 illustrated in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, a plurality of functional units illustrated as independent functional units in FIG. 4 may be configured as one functional unit. On the other hand, the function of one functional unit in FIG. 4 may be divided into a plurality of functions and configured as a plurality of functional units.

(Modeling process of inkjet recording device)
FIGS. 10-13 is a figure explaining an example of the modeling method of the solid object of embodiment. The basic operation of the modeling process of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13, the description will be made assuming that all the dot diameters are the same in order to simplify the description.

  In the present embodiment, the modeling unit 215 performs stacking of the ultraviolet curable ink based on the color layer information among the layer information by delaying m (m is a natural number of 1 or more) layers from the shape layer information of the same layer. 10-13, the lamination | stacking method in the case of m = 1 is demonstrated. Here, the layer information shown in FIG. 9 will be described as an example.

  First, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the modeling unit 215 uses the white (W) ultraviolet curable ink to stack the dots 241 indicated by the first layer shape layer information on the recording medium.

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the modeling unit 215 stacks the dots 251 indicated by the shape layer information of the second layer on the dots 241 using white (W) ultraviolet curable ink, and yellow (Y ), The dots 242 indicated by the color layer information of the first layer are stacked on the recording medium.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the modeling unit 215 uses white (W) ultraviolet curable ink to stack the dots 261 indicated by the shape layer information of the third layer on the dots 251 and yellow (Y ), The dots 252 indicated by the color layer information of the second layer are stacked on the dots 241.

  Finally, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the modeling unit 215 stacks the dots 262 indicated by the color layer information of the third layer on the dots 251 using cyan (C) ultraviolet curable ink, and magenta (M ), The dots 272 indicated by the color layer information of the fourth layer (final layer) are stacked on the dots 261.

  As the value of m described above is larger, the number of times of curable light that is ultraviolet rays is reduced in the ultraviolet curable ink that forms colors such as yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M). The deterioration of the ultraviolet curable ink can be prevented, and the color reproducibility of the three-dimensional object can be further improved.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a comparison between the case of modeling with large dots and the case of modeling with small dots. Among these, FIG. 14A shows a three-layered three-dimensional object modeled with large dots, and FIG. 14B shows a three-layered three-dimensional object modeled with small dots. As shown in FIG. 14, the dots of each dot diameter are arranged on the head ejection surface so as to be the ejection gap 18 (which may be the head-medium gap 19 as described above) indicated by the gap information included in the height information. 11a is discharged. As a result, the ejection gap 18 (or the gap 19 between the head media) suitable for each dot is maintained, landing deviation can be minimized, and unevenness reduction, securing of shape stability and mist reduction can be realized.

  Drawing 15 is a figure explaining an example of a modeling method of a solid thing of an embodiment. A specific modeling process in the case where the three-dimensional object is composed of small dots and large dots will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about FIG. 15, it shall be demonstrated paying attention to the modeling process of the shape part which shape layer information shows, and the operation | movement demonstrated in the above-mentioned FIGS. 10-13 is applied to the modeling process of the dot which color layer information shows. can do. Here, the layer information (shape layer information) shown in FIG. 8 will be described as an example.

  First, as illustrated in FIG. 15A, the movement control unit 213 performs head ejection when the small dots are stacked based on gap information corresponding to the small dots included in the first layer shape layer information. The surface 11a is moved in the vertical direction and moved in the sub-scanning direction (outward path) so that the distance between the surface 11a and the apex of the small dot becomes the ejection gap 18a (or the head medium gap 19a) indicated by the gap information. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15A, the modeling unit 215 uses the white (W) ultraviolet curable ink to place dots 301 that are small dots indicated by the shape layer information of the first layer on the recording medium. Laminate.

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 15B, the movement control unit 213 discharges the head when the large dots are stacked based on the gap information corresponding to the large dots included in the first layer shape layer information. The surface 11a is moved in the vertical direction and moved in the sub-scanning direction (return path) so that the distance between the surface 11a and the vertex of the large dot becomes the ejection gap 18b (or the gap 19b between the head media) indicated by the gap information. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15B, the modeling unit 215 uses the white (W) ultraviolet curable ink to place the dots 302 that are large dots indicated by the first layer shape layer information on the recording medium. Laminate.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 15C, the movement control unit 213 discharges the head when the small dots are stacked based on the gap information corresponding to the small dots included in the shape layer information of the second layer. The surface 11a is moved in the vertical direction and moved in the sub-scanning direction (outward path) so that the distance between the surface 11a and the apex of the small dot becomes the ejection gap 18c (or the head medium gap 19c) indicated by the gap information. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15C, the modeling unit 215 uses the white (W) ultraviolet curable ink to place the dot 311 that is a small dot indicated by the shape layer information of the second layer on the dot 302. Laminate.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 15D, the movement control unit 213 discharges the head when the large dots are stacked based on the gap information corresponding to the large dots included in the shape layer information of the second layer. The surface 11a is moved in the vertical direction and moved in the sub-scanning direction (return path) so that the distance between the surface 11a and the vertex of the large dot becomes the ejection gap 18d (or the gap between head media 19d) indicated by the gap information. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15D, the modeling unit 215 uses the white (W) ultraviolet curable ink to place the dot 312 that is a large dot indicated by the shape layer information of the second layer on the dot 301. Laminate.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 15E, the movement control unit 213 discharges the head when the large dots are stacked based on the gap information corresponding to the large dots included in the shape layer information of the third layer. The surface 11a is moved in the vertical direction and moved in the sub-scanning direction (outward path) so that the distance between the surface 11a and the vertex of the large dot becomes the ejection gap 18e (or the head medium gap 19e) indicated by the gap information. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15E, the modeling unit 215 uses the white (W) ultraviolet curable ink to place the dot 322, which is a large dot indicated by the shape layer information of the third layer, on the dot 311. Laminate.

  Finally, as illustrated in FIG. 15F, the movement control unit 213 discharges the head when the small dots are stacked based on the gap information corresponding to the small dots included in the shape layer information of the fourth layer. The surface 11a is moved in the vertical direction and moved in the sub-scanning direction (return path) so that the distance between the surface 11a and the vertex of the small dot becomes the ejection gap 18f (or the head medium gap 19f) indicated by the gap information. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15 (f), the modeling unit 215 uses the white (W) ultraviolet curable ink to place the dot 331 that is a small dot indicated by the shape layer information on the fourth layer on the dot 322. Laminate.

  With the above operation, the dots are stacked while maintaining the ejection gap 18 (or the head media gap 19) corresponding to each dot (small dot, large dot), so that landing deviation can be minimized, unevenness reduction, It is possible to ensure shape stability and reduce mist.

  Note that in FIG. 15 described above, an example in which the three-dimensional object is configured with dots of two types of dot diameters, small dots and large dots, is not limited to this, and three or more types of dot diameters It may be composed of dots.

(Flow of manufacturing process of three-dimensional object of inkjet recording apparatus)
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a manufacturing process for a three-dimensional object according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the modeling process in the manufacturing process of the three-dimensional object.

  First, the image data acquisition unit 201 acquires image data of a three-dimensional object (step S11).

Subsequently, the color information generation unit 203 generates color information indicating the color of each pixel of the three-dimensional object based on the three-dimensional object image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 201 (step S12).

Subsequently, the height information generation unit 205 includes three-dimensional information, dot diameter information, and gap information for each pixel of the three-dimensional object based on the three-dimensional object image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 201. Information is generated (step S13).

  Subsequently, the layer information generation unit 209 uses the color information generated by the color information generation unit 203 and the height information generated by the height information generation unit 205 to display the surface of the three-dimensional object with the color indicated by the color information. Layer information for each layer for modeling a three-dimensional object that covers the part is generated (step S14).

  Subsequently, the modeling unit 215 performs modeling processing for modeling a three-dimensional object by laminating ultraviolet curable ink on the recording medium based on the layer information for each layer generated by the layer information generation unit 209 (step S15). .

  Here, the details of the modeling process in step S15 in FIG. 16 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the movement control unit 213 determines the distance between the head ejection surface 11a and the apex of the small dot when the small dots are stacked based on gap information corresponding to the small dots included in the first layer shape layer information. Is moved in the vertical direction and moved in the sub-scanning direction (outward path) so that the ejection gap 18 (or the gap 19 between the head media) is indicated by the gap information. At this time, the modeling unit 215 uses white (W) ultraviolet curable ink to stack the small dots indicated by the shape layer information of the first layer on the recording medium (step S151).

  Subsequently, based on gap information corresponding to the large dots included in the first layer shape layer information, the movement control unit 213 determines the relationship between the head ejection surface 11a when the large dots are stacked and the apex of the large dots. The distance is moved in the vertical direction and moved in the sub-scanning direction (return path) so that the discharge gap 18 (or the gap 19 between the head media) is indicated by the gap information. At this time, the modeling unit 215 uses white (W) ultraviolet curable ink to stack large dots indicated by the shape layer information of the first layer on the recording medium (step S152).

  Subsequently, the movement control unit 213 determines, based on the gap information corresponding to the small dots included in the second layer shape layer information, the head ejection surface 11a when the small dots are stacked and the apex of the small dots. The distance is moved in the vertical direction and moved in the sub-scanning direction (forward path) so that the distance becomes the ejection gap 18 (or the gap 19 between the head media) indicated by the gap information. At this time, the modeling unit 215 stacks the small dots indicated by the shape layer information of the second layer on the dots indicated by the shape layer information of the first layer using the white (W) ultraviolet curable ink (step S153). .

  Subsequently, based on the gap information corresponding to the large dots included in the shape layer information of the second layer, the movement control unit 213 determines whether the head ejection surface 11a when the large dots are stacked and the apex of the large dots. The distance is moved in the vertical direction and moved in the sub-scanning direction (return path) so that the discharge gap 18 (or the gap 19 between the head media) is indicated by the gap information. At this time, the modeling unit 215 uses white (W) ultraviolet curable ink to stack the large dots indicated by the second layer shape layer information on the dots indicated by the first layer shape layer information (step S154). .

  The movement control unit 213 and the modeling unit 215 repeat the same operation as described above up to the (n−1) th layer.

  Subsequently, the movement control unit 213, based on the gap information corresponding to the small dots included in the shape layer information of the nth layer (final layer), the head ejection surface 11a and the small dots when the small dots are stacked. Is moved in the vertical direction and moved in the sub-scanning direction (outward path) so that the distance from the apex becomes the ejection gap 18 (or the gap 19 between the head media) indicated by the gap information. At this time, the modeling unit 215 uses white (W) ultraviolet curable ink to stack the small dots indicated by the n-th layer shape layer information on the dots indicated by the (n−1) -th layer shape layer information. (Step S155).

  Finally, the movement control unit 213 determines, based on the gap information corresponding to the large dots included in the nth layer shape layer information, the head ejection surface 11a when the large dots are stacked and the apex of the large dots. The distance is moved in the vertical direction and moved in the sub-scanning direction (return path) so that the discharge gap 18 (or the gap 19 between the head media) is indicated by the gap information. At this time, the modeling unit 215 uses white (W) ultraviolet curable ink to stack a large dot indicated by the nth layer shape layer information on the dot indicated by the (n−1) th layer shape layer information. (Step S156).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the ultraviolet curable ink 12 is ejected while changing the dot diameter according to the pixel position of the three-dimensional object to be formed and the number of layers, and the three-dimensional object is formed. The height information to be included includes pixel arrangement (three-dimensional information), dot diameter information, and gap information in each layer, and layer information is generated using the height information and color information. As a result, the ejection gap 18 (or gap 19 between the head media) suitable for each dot is maintained, landing deviation can be minimized, unevenness can be ensured, shape stability can be ensured, and mist can be reduced. In this case, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of variations in each layer and to suppress a decrease in color reproducibility and shape reproducibility.

  Further, the head unit 15 of the present embodiment is configured to include ultraviolet irradiation devices 13 and 17 on both sides of the inkjet head 14 in the sub-scanning direction, respectively. Accordingly, since the three-dimensional object can be formed on both the outward path and the return path in the sub-scanning direction, the productivity in manufacturing the three-dimensional object can be improved.

  The height information generation unit 205 may generate height information by three-dimensionally measuring a three-dimensional object to be modeled. Note that the height information generation unit 205 may generate height information using both the solid object image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 201 and the three-dimensional measurement of the modeling target solid object. Good.

  Further, the height information generation unit 205 may acquire the height information of the three-dimensional object. For example, when the three-dimensional object to be modeled is a picture or the like, height information may be managed as data in a museum or the like that stores the picture. In such a case, the height information generation unit 205 may acquire the height information of the three-dimensional object from the outside.

  Moreover, although the modeling part 215 demonstrated the example which uses the ultraviolet curable ink of the color different from the color which color information shows for modeling of the shape of a solid object, the color which color information shows among the shapes of a solid object is laminated | stacked. An ultraviolet curable ink of a color different from the color indicated by the color information may be used for modeling the portion, and an ultraviolet curable ink of any color may be used for modeling other than the portion. If it does in this way, the modeling speed of a solid thing can be raised, improving the color reproducibility and shape reproducibility of a solid thing.

(Modification)
In the above-described embodiment, the ink jet method has been described, but in this modification, the mechanical configuration of the head unit 1015 in the case of performing the melt deposition method will be described.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mechanical configuration of a modified head unit. As shown in FIG. 18, the head unit 1015 has a melting (thermal) head 1020.

  The fusing head 1020 has the fusing ink 1023 of each color, and heats the fusing ink 1023 to discharge the fusing ink 1023 to the recording medium 16 and fix it on the recording medium 16 as the molten ink 1012. The melted ink 1023 is composed of melted inks of white (W), clear (CL), yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K), as in the ink jet method.

  In the above-described embodiment and modification, when at least one of the functional units of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is realized by executing a program, the program is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like. The program executed in the ink jet recording apparatus 1 according to the above-described embodiment and modification is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a flexible disk (FD). , A CD-R (Compact Disk-Recordable), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or the like may be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium. Further, the program executed by the ink jet recording apparatus 1 according to the above-described embodiment and the modification is stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Also good. In addition, the program executed by the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to the above-described embodiment and modification may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. In addition, the program executed by the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to the above-described embodiment and modification has a module configuration including at least one of the above-described functional units, and CPU (control) is used as actual hardware. When the device 101) reads out and executes the program from the above-described storage device (for example, the auxiliary storage device 103), the above-described functional units are loaded and generated on the main storage device (for example, the main storage device 102). It has become so.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inkjet recording device 10 Engine 11 Nozzle row 11a Head discharge surface 11C, 11CL, 11K, 11M, 11W, 11Y Nozzle 12 Ultraviolet curable ink 13 Ultraviolet irradiation device 13a Irradiation part 13b Curing light 14 Inkjet head 15 Head unit 16 Recording medium 17 Ultraviolet Irradiation device 17a Irradiation unit 17b Curing light 18, 18a-18f Discharge gap 19, 19a-19f Gap between head media 100 Controller 101 Control device 102 Main storage device 103 Auxiliary storage device 104 Display device 105 Input device 106 Communication device 201 Image data acquisition Section 203 Color information generation section 205 Height information generation section 209 Layer information generation section 211 Transport control section 213 Movement control section 215 Modeling section 241, 242 Dots 251, 252 Dot 261, 262 dots 272 dots 301 dots 311 dots 322 dots 331 dots 1012 melted ink 1015 head unit 1020 melt head 1023 melted ink

JP 2013-43338 A

Claims (10)

Height information including three-dimensional position information for each pixel of the three-dimensional object, information on the dot diameter of the modeling agent of the pixel, and information on the gap of the ejection surface when the modeling agent of the pixel is ejected from the modeling unit, A generating unit that generates layer information for each layer of the three-dimensional object from color information indicating a color for each pixel of the three-dimensional object;
When laminating the modeling agent of the pixel indicated by the layer information, a movement control unit that moves the modeling unit so as to form the gap corresponding to the dot diameter of the pixel;
An image forming apparatus.   The gap in the gap information included in the height information is a distance from the ejection surface to the top of the modeling agent when the modeling agent of the pixel indicated by the height information is landed. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gap in the gap information included in the height information is a distance from the ejection surface to a recording medium on which the three-dimensional object is formed.   When the layer control information indicates that a modeling agent having a different dot diameter is included in the same layer, the gap with respect to the dot diameter is used to stack the modeling agent from the modeling unit for each dot diameter. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the modeling unit is moved so as to form a shape.   In the case where the layer information indicates that a modeling agent having a different dot diameter is included in the same layer, the movement control unit has a small dot diameter in order to stack the modeling agent from the modeling unit for each dot diameter. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the modeling unit is moved so as to form the gap with respect to the dot diameter in order. The modeling unit further includes a curing light irradiation unit that is provided on each of the upstream side and the downstream side of the ejection surface in the sub-scanning direction and radiates curing light for curing the modeling agent stacked on the recording medium. ,
The said movement control part moves this modeling part so that the lamination | stacking operation | movement of a modeling agent may be performed by both the outward path | route of the said subscanning direction, and a return path by the said modeling part. Image forming apparatus. The color information is information for one layer,
The modeling agent for modeling the shape part by which the color which the said color information shows among the shapes of the said solid object is laminated | stacked is a modeling agent of the color different from the color which the said color information shows. The image forming apparatus according to one item. The modeling part further includes
The said modeling part is an image forming apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-7 which laminates | stacks the modeling agent which the said color information shows the last layer of the said solid object, and models this solid object. Height information including three-dimensional position information for each pixel of the three-dimensional object, information on the dot diameter of the modeling agent of the pixel, and information on the gap of the ejection surface when the modeling agent of the pixel is ejected from the modeling unit, A generation step of generating layer information for each layer of the three-dimensional object from color information indicating the color of each pixel of the three-dimensional object;
When laminating the modeling agent of the pixel indicated by the layer information, a movement control step of moving the modeling unit so as to form the gap corresponding to the dot diameter of the pixel;
An image forming method comprising: Height information including three-dimensional position information for each pixel of the three-dimensional object, information on the dot diameter of the modeling agent of the pixel, and information on the gap of the ejection surface when the modeling agent of the pixel is ejected from the modeling unit, A generation step of generating layer information for each layer of the three-dimensional object from color information indicating the color of each pixel of the three-dimensional object;
When laminating the modeling agent of the pixel indicated by the layer information, a movement control step of moving the modeling unit so as to form the gap corresponding to the dot diameter of the pixel;
A modeling step of modeling the three-dimensional object by laminating the modeling agent of the pixel indicated by the layer information on the modeling unit at a height to form the gap,
The manufacturing method of the solid thing which has this.

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