Information processing apparatus, tablet printing apparatus, information processing method, tablet printing method, and tablet

Abstract

An object is to improve the legibility of information printed on a tablet. An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a conversion section (84a) that converts information to be printed on a tablet by an inkjet head into a matrix-like dot pattern, a determination section (84b) that determines, in the dot pattern, a dot at which a plurality of dots that are adjacent to each other exist in all of up, down, left, and right directions as a space-elimination target dot, and a production section (84c) that converts, in the dot pattern, a space-elimination target region formed by the space-elimination target dot into a prescribed space-elimination pattern and produces the dot pattern including the prescribed space-elimination pattern as a print pattern.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a tablet printing apparatus, an information processing method, a tablet printing method, and a tablet. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, inkjet printing technology is used to print various information, including identification information, onto tablets. In inkjet printing, characters or markings representing various information are transformed into a matrix of dots. However, the typical dot pattern is a full-coverage pattern (without spacing). If printing is performed based on this full-coverage pattern, depending on the type of tablet or ink, there are instances where the ink on one tablet does not dry completely and transfers to other tablets, or the printed text bleeds, resulting in decreased legibility of the information printed on the tablet.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-58220 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide an information processing device, a tablet printing device, an information processing method, a tablet printing method, and a tablet that can improve the recognizability of information printed on a tablet.

[0008] Methods used to solve problems

[0009] The information processing apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention includes: a transformation unit that transforms information printed from an inkjet head onto a tablet into a matrix-like dot pattern; a determination unit that, in the dot pattern, determines points in which multiple adjacent points exist in all directions (up, down, left, and right) as points to be removed by intervals; and a production unit that, in the dot pattern, transforms the interval removal target area formed by the interval removal target points into a predetermined interval removal pattern, and produces a dot pattern including the predetermined interval removal pattern as a printing pattern.

[0010] The information processing apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention includes: a transformation unit that transforms information printed from an inkjet head onto a tablet into a matrix-like dot pattern; a determination unit that, in the dot pattern, determines points in which multiple adjacent points exist in all directions (up, down, left, and right) as points to be removed by interval; and a production unit that, in the dot pattern, removes the points to be removed by interval and produces a dot pattern after removing the points to be removed by interval as a printing pattern; the determination unit determines the points to be removed by interval sequentially along a pre-set scanning pattern in the dot pattern; and in the scanning sequence of the scanning pattern, points in which adjacent points in any direction (up, down, left, or right) are not designated as points to be removed by interval.

[0011] The information processing apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention includes: a transformation unit that transforms information printed from an inkjet head onto a tablet into a matrix-shaped dot pattern; a contour determination unit that sequentially scans the dot pattern along a pre-set first scanning pattern, and determines points located at the boundary outside the dot pattern as contour points; a determination unit that determines points other than those determined as contour points as interval rejection target points in the dot pattern; and a production unit that transforms the interval rejection target area formed by the interval rejection target points into a predetermined interval rejection pattern in the dot pattern, and produces a dot pattern including the predetermined interval rejection pattern as a printing pattern.

[0012] The information processing apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention includes: a transformation unit that transforms information printed from an inkjet head onto a tablet into a matrix-shaped dot pattern; a contour determination unit that sequentially scans the dot pattern along a pre-set first scanning pattern, and determines points located at the boundary outside the dot pattern as contour points; a determination unit that determines points other than those determined as contour points as interval rejection points in the dot pattern; and a production unit that, in the dot pattern, removes the interval rejection points at intervals and produces a dot pattern after the interval rejection points are removed at intervals as a printing pattern; wherein the determination unit scans the interval rejection points along a pre-set second scanning pattern in the dot pattern within the interval rejection area formed by the interval rejection points, sequentially determining points with multiple adjacent points in all directions (up, down, left, and right) as interval rejection points, and not determining points with adjacent interval rejection points in any direction (up, down, left, or right) in the scanning sequence of the second scanning pattern as interval rejection points.

[0013] The tablet printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: any one of the information processing apparatuses described above for embodiments of the present invention; an inkjet head for printing on conveyed tablets; and a control unit for controlling the inkjet head based on the printing pattern produced by the production unit.

[0014] The information processing method relating to embodiments of the present invention is used to produce the above-described printing pattern using any of the information processing apparatus relating to embodiments of the present invention described above.

[0015] The tablet printing method according to embodiments of the present invention is based on the printing pattern created by the information processing method according to embodiments of the present invention described above, and is printed by the inkjet head.

[0016] The tablet according to an embodiment of the present invention is a tablet in which information is printed in a dot pattern, the dot pattern having: an outline pattern in which a plurality of dots form an outline; and a dot pattern formed in an area surrounded by the outline pattern, wherein a plurality of dots in the area are spaced out.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] According to embodiments of the present invention, the legibility of information printed on tablets can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 Figure 1 is an example of the schematic structure of the tablet printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 Figure 2 is an example of the schematic structure of the tablet printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the general structure of the control device according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a diagram used to illustrate an example of data processing related to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 Figure 1 is an example of the interval elimination pattern specified in the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a tablet with a printed pattern according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a diagram used to illustrate a variation of the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a diagram used to illustrate a variation 2 of the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 9 Figure 2 is an example of the interval elimination pattern specified in the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 10 Figure 3 shows an example of the interval elimination pattern specified in the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 11 Figure 4 is an example of the interval elimination pattern specified in the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 12 This is a diagram used to illustrate an example of data processing related to the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 13 This is a diagram used to illustrate a variation of the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 14 This is a diagram used to explain the determination of the interval removal target points in the cross-shaped region of the third embodiment.

[0033] Figure 15 This is the first figure used to explain the determination of the interval removal of target points in the cross-shaped region by the scanning process in the first scanning direction in relation to the third embodiment.

[0034] Figure 16 This is Figure 2, used to explain the determination of the interval removal of target points in the cross-shaped region by the scanning process in the first scanning direction in relation to the third embodiment.

[0035] Figure 17 This is a diagram used to illustrate the determination of the interval removal of target points in the cross-shaped region by the processing in the second scanning direction in relation to the third embodiment.

[0036] Figure 18 This is a diagram used to illustrate the determination of the interval removal of target points in the cross-shaped region by the scanning process in the first scanning direction in relation to a variation of the third embodiment.

[0037] Figure 19 This is a diagram used to illustrate the determination of the interval removal of target points in the cross-shaped region by the scanning process in the second scanning direction in relation to a variation of the third embodiment.

[0038] Figure 20 This is a diagram used to illustrate the determination of the interval removal of target points in the cross-shaped region by the scanning process in the third scanning direction in relation to a variation of the third embodiment.

[0039] Figure 21This is a diagram used to illustrate the determination of the interval removal of target points in the cross-shaped region by the scanning process in the fourth scanning direction in relation to a variation of the third embodiment.

[0040] Figure 22 This is a diagram used to illustrate the determination of the interval removal of target points in the cross-shaped region by the scanning process in the fifth scanning direction in relation to a variation of the third embodiment.

[0041] Figure 23 This is a diagram used to illustrate the determination of the interval removal of target points in the cross-shaped region by the scanning process in the sixth scanning direction in relation to a variation of the third embodiment.

[0042] Figure 24 This is a diagram used to illustrate the determination of the interval removal of target points in the 3×3 square region of the third embodiment.

[0043] Figure 25 This is a diagram used to illustrate the determination of the interval removal of object points in a 3×3 square region by the first scanning process in relation to the third embodiment.

[0044] Figure 26 This diagram illustrates the combination of the cross-center elimination method and the contour preservation masking method in the third embodiment.

[0045] Figure 27 This is a diagram used to illustrate the determination of the contours by scanning processing in relation to the third embodiment.

[0046] Figure 28 The first figure is an abbreviated version used to illustrate the retrieval performed by the scanning process in relation to the third embodiment.

[0047] Figure 29 The second figure is an abbreviated version used to illustrate the retrieval performed by the scanning process in relation to the third embodiment.

[0048] Figure 30 The third figure is an abbreviated version used to illustrate the retrieval performed by the scanning process in relation to the third embodiment.

[0049] Figure 31 This diagram illustrates the setting of the interval elimination method for each zone in the third embodiment.

[0050] Label Explanation

[0051] 1. Tablet printing apparatus

[0052] 10. Supply Department

[0053] 11. Storage container

[0054] 12 Slides

[0055] 20 Conveying Department

[0056] 21a Suction port

[0057] 21 Conveyor Belt

[0058] 22 Drive pulleys

[0059] 23 Driven pulley

[0060] 24 motors

[0061] 25 Position Detectors

[0062] 26 Suction Chamber

[0063] 30. Testing Department

[0064] 40 First Camera Department

[0065] 50 Printing Department

[0066] 51 Inkjet Head

[0067] 51a nozzle

[0068] 60 Second Camera Department

[0069] 70 Recycling Department

[0070] 80 Control device

[0071] 80b output device

[0072] 80a Input Device

[0073] 81 Image Processing Department

[0074] 82 Storage Section

[0075] 83 Control Department

[0076] 84 Data Processing Department

[0077] 84a Transformer

[0078] 84b Decision Department

[0079] 84c Production Department

[0080] A1 Outline Area

[0081] A2 Interval Removal of Objects

[0082] A3 Interval Removal of Required Areas

[0083] B1 Search Point

[0084] P1 Dot Style

[0085] P1a Outline Style

[0086] P2 dot style

[0087] P2a Interval Rejection Style

[0088] P2b Interval Rejection Style

[0089] P2c Interval Rejection Style

[0090] P2d Interval Culling Style

[0091] P3 Dot Style

[0092] P3A dot style

[0093] P4 Dot Style

[0094] P4A Dot Style

[0095] P5 dot style

[0096] P5A Dot Style

[0097] P5B dot style

[0098] P6 Dot Style

[0099] P6A Dot Style

[0100] P7 Dot Style

[0101] P7A Dot Style

[0102] P7B Dot Style

[0103] P8 Dot Style

[0104] P8A Dot Style

[0105] P8B dot style

[0106] R1 area

[0107] R2 area

[0108] T tablets Detailed Implementation

[0109] <First Implementation>

[0110] Reference Figures 1 to 11 The first embodiment will be described.

[0111] (Structure example of a tablet printing apparatus)

[0112] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of the structure of the tablet printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0113] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the tablet printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment includes a supply unit 10, a conveying unit 20, a detection unit 30, a first camera unit 40, a printing unit 50, a second camera unit 60, a recovery unit 70, and a control device 80.

[0114] The supply unit 10 includes a storage container 11 and a conveyor 12. Located at one end of the conveyor 20, the supply unit 10 is configured to supply tablets T, which are the objects to be printed, to the conveyor 20. The storage container 11 holds a plurality of tablets T and sequentially supplies the held tablets T to the conveyor 12. The conveyor 12 arranges the tablets T supplied from the storage container 11 into a neat row and supplies them to the conveyor 20. The supply unit 10 is electrically connected to a control device 80, and its operation is controlled by the control device 80.

[0115] The conveying unit 20 includes a conveyor belt 21, a drive pulley 22, multiple driven pulleys 23, a motor 24, a position detector 25, and a suction chamber 26. The conveyor belt 21 is an endless belt, mounted on the drive pulley 22 and each driven pulley 23. The drive pulley 22 and each driven pulley 23 are rotatably mounted on the main body of the device (not shown), and the drive pulley 22 is connected to the motor 24. The motor 24 is electrically connected to the control device 80, and its drive is controlled by the control device 80. The position detector 25 is an encoder or similar device mounted on the motor 24. This position detector 25 is electrically connected to the control device 80 and sends a detection signal to the control device 80. The conveying unit 20, through the rotation of the drive pulley 22 driven by the motor 24, causes the conveyor belt 21 and each driven pulley 23 to rotate together, moving the tablets T on the conveyor belt 21 towards... Figure 1 The direction of rotation of arrow H1 in the diagram is the conveying direction H1.

[0116] Multiple circular suction holes 21a are formed on the conveyor belt 21 (see reference). Figure 2 These suction holes 21a are through holes for adsorbing the tablet T, arranged in a row along the transport direction H1 to form a transport path. Each suction hole 21a passes through a suction chamber 26 (see reference). Figure 1 A suction path (not shown) on the conveyor belt 21 is connected to the suction chamber 26, through which suction force is obtained. A pump is connected to the suction chamber 26 via a suction tube (not shown), and the pump depressurizes the pressure inside the suction chamber 26. The suction tube is connected to the side of the suction chamber 26 (the plane parallel to the conveying direction H1) approximately at the center. Furthermore, the pump is electrically connected to a control device 80, and its drive is controlled by the control device 80. When the pressure inside the suction chamber 26 is reduced, the tablets T placed on the suction holes 21a of the conveyor belt 21 are drawn in by the suction holes 21a and held on the conveyor belt 21.

[0117] The detection unit 30 is located downstream of the location where the supply unit 10 is located in the conveying direction H1, and is positioned above the conveyor belt 21. This detection unit 30 detects the tablet T on the conveyor belt 21 in the X direction (see reference φ) by projecting and receiving laser light. Figure 2 The position of the sensor is determined. The detection unit 30 may use a displacement sensor or proximity sensor, for example. Alternatively, various laser sensors, such as reflective laser sensors, may be used as displacement sensors. The detection unit 30 is electrically connected to the control device 80 and sends a detection signal to the control device 80.

[0118] The first camera unit 40 is located downstream of the location where the detection unit 30 is located in the conveying direction H1, and is positioned above the conveyor belt 21. Based on the X-direction position information of the tablet T detected by the detection unit 30, the first camera unit 40 captures an image at a first camera position directly below the first camera unit 40, obtaining a first image including the upper surface of the tablet T, and sends the acquired first image to the control device 80. The first image is used to detect the X, Y, and θ directions of the tablet T (see reference). Figure 2 The position of the camera unit 40 is specified. Various cameras with imaging elements such as CCD (charge-binding element) or CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) are used as the first imaging unit 40. The first imaging unit 40 is electrically connected to the control device 80, and its operation is controlled by the control device 80. Additionally, illumination for imaging is provided as needed.

[0119] Here, the X and Y positions of the tablet T are, for example, positions in the XY coordinate system relative to the center (reference position) of the imaging area of ​​the first camera unit 40. Furthermore, the position in the θ direction represents, for example, the degree of rotation of the tablet T relative to the center line of the Y direction of the imaging area of ​​the first camera unit 40. This θ position is detected when the tablet T has a directional shape, such as when it has dividing lines or when it is shaped like an ellipse, oblong, or quadrilateral.

[0120] The printing unit 50 has an inkjet head 51. The inkjet head 51 is located downstream of the position where the first camera unit 40 is located in the transport direction H1, and is positioned above the conveyor belt 21. The inkjet head 51 has a plurality of (e.g., hundreds to thousands) nozzles 51a (see reference). Figure 2 The inkjet head 51 is configured such that the direction in which the nozzles 51a are arranged in a row (nozzle row) is orthogonal to the transport direction H1 in the horizontal plane (an example of intersection). The inkjet head 51 ejects ink individually from each nozzle 51a through the action of the drive element of each nozzle 51a. This inkjet head 51 uses a printhead of various inkjet types with drive elements such as piezoelectric elements, heating elements, or magnetic strain elements. The inkjet head 51 is electrically connected to the control device 80, and its drive is controlled by the control device 80.

[0121] The second camera unit 60 is located downstream of the location where the printing unit 50 is located in the conveying direction H1, and is positioned above the conveyor belt 21. Based on the X-direction position information of the tablet T detected by the detection unit 30, the second camera unit 60 captures an image at a second camera position directly below the second camera unit 60, obtaining a second image including the upper surface of the tablet T, and sends the acquired second image to the control device 80. The second image is used to inspect the printing pattern printed on the tablet T. Similar to the first camera unit 40 described above, the second camera unit 60 can be, for example, a camera with an imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS sensor. The second camera unit 60 is electrically connected to the control device 80, and its operation is controlled by the control device 80. Illumination for imaging is also provided as needed.

[0122] The recovery unit 70 is located downstream of the position where the second camera unit 60 is located, at the downstream end of the conveying unit 20 in the conveying direction H1. The conveying unit 20 releases the tablet T from its holding position when the tablet T on the conveyor belt 21 reaches a predetermined position, such as the downstream end of the conveying unit 20 in the conveying direction H1. The recovery unit 70 is configured to separate the falling tablet T into defective and acceptable products and recover them. For example, by blowing gas into the falling tablet T, changing the falling direction of the tablet T into defective and acceptable products, or by changing the falling path using a plate or other components, the falling tablet T can be separated into defective and acceptable products and recovered. For example, defective products are tablets with poor printing quality, and acceptable products are tablets with good printing quality. The recovery unit 70 is electrically connected to the control device 80, and its operation is controlled by the control device 80.

[0123] The control device 80 controls various parts of the tablet printing apparatus 1, such as the supply unit 10 or conveying unit 20, the detection unit 30, the first camera unit 40, the printing unit 50, the second camera unit 60, and the return unit 70, based on various information and programs. Furthermore, the control device 80 receives detection information (e.g., detection signals) sent from the position detector 25 or the detection unit 30, and receives image information sent from the first camera unit 40 or the second camera unit 60. The control device 80 is implemented, for example, by electronic circuits such as integrated circuits or a computer.

[0124] (Example of a control device structure)

[0125] Next, refer to Figure 3 The structure of the control device 80 will be described.

[0126] like Figure 3As shown, the control device 80 includes an image processing unit 81, a storage unit 82, a control unit 83, and a data processing unit 84. An input device 80a and an output device 80b are connected to the control device 80. The input device 80a is implemented, for example, a switch, touch panel, keyboard, mouse, etc. Furthermore, the output device 80b is implemented, for example, a display, lamp, instrument, etc.

[0127] The image processing unit 81 acquires the first image captured by the first camera unit 40 and the second image captured by the second camera unit 60, and processes the images using known image processing techniques. For example, the image processing unit 81 processes the first image obtained from the first camera unit 40 to obtain the position of the tablet T in the X, Y, and θ directions. Furthermore, the image processing unit 81 processes the second image obtained from the second camera unit 60 to obtain the printing position, shape, and size of the printed pattern (e.g., characters or markings) printed on the tablet T. The image processing unit 81 sends the obtained position information of each tablet T in the X, Y, and θ directions, as well as the printing position, shape, and size information of the printed pattern on each tablet T, to the control unit 83.

[0128] The storage unit 82 stores processing information and various programs. For example, it may be implemented using semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks or optical discs. The storage unit 82 stores printing data related to printing, the movement speed data of the conveyor belt 21, etc. The printing data includes information about printing patterns such as characters or markings.

[0129] The control unit 83, such as a computer (CPU, Central Processing Unit) or MPU, controls the various units. For example, based on various information and programs stored in the storage unit 82, the control unit 83 controls the supply unit 10, the conveying unit 20, the detection unit 30, the first camera unit 40, the printing unit 50, the second camera unit 60, the recovery unit 70, the image processing unit 81, the storage unit 82, and the data processing unit 84. Furthermore, the control unit 83 receives detection signals from the detection unit 30 or the position detector 25.

[0130] For example, based on the detection information sent from the detection unit 30, i.e., the time point at which the tablet T on the conveyor belt 21 is detected, the control unit 83 obtains the position of the tablet T in the X direction on the conveyor belt 21. Based on the position information indicating the position of the tablet T in the X direction, it sets the first imaging time point of the first camera unit 40, the printing start time point of the inkjet head 51 of the printing unit 50, and the second imaging time point of the second camera unit 60, generates time point information indicating these time points, and saves it to the storage unit 82. The printing start time point is the time point at which printing begins for the tablet T that has reached the printing position directly below the inkjet head 51. In addition, the control unit 83 can obtain information such as the amount of movement (rotation) or speed of the conveyor belt 21 based on the detection information sent from the position detector 25.

[0131] Furthermore, the control unit 83 sets printing conditions for the tablet T based on the X, Y, and θ direction position information of the tablet T sent from the image processing unit 81. For example, based on the Y direction position information of the tablet T and printing data, the control unit 83 determines the range of nozzles 51a used in printing the tablet T, i.e., the range of nozzles used, for the inkjet head 51, and sets printing conditions including the range of nozzles used and the printing start point. In addition, when the tablet T is a directional shape, the control unit 83 sets printing conditions corresponding to the θ direction position of the tablet T based on the θ direction position information of the tablet T. As an example, the control unit 83 pre-registers 180 printing patterns that rotate the orientation of the printing pattern by 1 degree in each of the ranges from 0 degrees to 179 degrees in the storage unit 82, and selects a printing pattern with an angle suitable for the θ direction position of the tablet T from these printing patterns to set the printing conditions.

[0132] Furthermore, based on the printing position information, shape information, and size information of the printing pattern printed on the tablet T sent from the image processing unit 81, the control unit 83 determines whether the printing pattern is printed on the tablet T in a specified position with a specified shape and size, that is, whether the printing pattern is printed normally on the tablet T (printing status check). For example, in determining the shape and size of the printing pattern, the control unit 83 pre-registers the printing pattern for inspection in the storage unit 82 and compares the printing pattern for inspection with the actual printed pattern on the tablet T (the printing pattern printed on the tablet T).

[0133] Furthermore, the control unit 83 appropriately stores various information (e.g., location information or time information, printing conditions, printing success or failure information, etc.) in the storage unit 82. However, if the target tablet T is retrieved by the collection unit 70, the various information is deleted from the storage unit 82 at a predetermined time (e.g., a few seconds) after it falls off the downstream end of the conveying direction H1 from the conveying unit 20. However, if this information is needed in subsequent processes, the various information of each tablet T may be retained without being deleted.

[0134] The data processing unit 84 includes a transformation unit 84a, a decision unit 84b, and a production unit 84c. This data processing unit 84 processes identification information, such as information for printing on tablet T, and generates a printing pattern. The data processing unit 84 functions as an information processing device.

[0135] Transformer 84a Figure 4 As shown, in step S1, the recognition information is transformed into a matrix-like point pattern P1. Figure 4 In the example, the identification information is the digits "1" and "5", which are then transformed into dot pattern P1. Figure 4 In the example, black squares represent printed dots, and white squares represent non-printed dots (dots not scheduled for printing). This dot style transformation is performed according to predefined rules, such as program-based transformation processing, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, it is assumed that dot style P1 does not contain the aforementioned non-printed dots.

[0136] Dot pattern P1 is a two-dimensional arrangement of multiple dots in a matrix, used to represent information such as characters, symbols, and images. This dot pattern P1 is generated based on resolution. For example, if the resolution is set to X600dpi × Y600dpi, then in the X600dpi × Y600dpi matrix, the transformation unit 84a determines the location corresponding to the recognition information as a printing dot, generating dot pattern P1. The recognition information is input by the user through input operation on the input device 80a, and is, for example, saved in the storage unit 82. Alternatively, the resolution can be set by the user through input operation on the input device 80a, or it can be preset to a predetermined resolution.

[0137] In step S2, the decision unit 84b determines points in point pattern P1 that have multiple adjacent points in all directions (i.e., points that have adjacent points in all directions) as points to be removed at intervals. Figure 4In the example, the squares fully painted with diagonal lines represent the points to be removed at intervals. In step S2, the area formed by the set of black squares is the outline area A1, and the area formed by the set of squares fully painted with diagonal lines is the area to be removed at intervals A2. The outline area A1 is the area formed by multiple points outside the points to be removed at intervals (printed points), that is, the area where each point outside the points to be removed at intervals forms an outline. The area to be removed at intervals A2 is surrounded by the outline area A1 and is the area formed by multiple points to be removed at intervals.

[0138] In step S3, production unit 84c transforms the interval rejection object area A2 in dot pattern P1 into a specified interval rejection pattern P2a, and creates a dot pattern P2 containing the specified interval rejection pattern P2a as a printing pattern. Figure 4 In the example, the specified interval rejection style P2a is a checkerboard pattern, and the interval rejection style P2a of the checkerboard pattern is applied to the interval rejection object area A2.

[0139] Here, as Figure 5 As shown, the interval elimination pattern P2a, which is a checkerboard pattern, is, for example, pre-stored in the storage unit 82. Figure 5 In the example, the black squares represent points outside the rejection area (printed points), and the white squares represent points outside the rejection area (non-printed points). This rejection pattern P2a is read from the storage unit 82 by the production unit 84c and applied to the rejection area A2. Furthermore, the rejection pattern P2a is a two-dimensional arrangement of multiple points in a matrix, with a prescribed pattern. Various patterns other than a checkerboard pattern can be used as this pattern.

[0140] According to steps S1 to S3, the identification information is transformed into a dot pattern P1. For this dot pattern P1, a contour area A1 and an interval rejection object area A2 are determined. A predetermined interval rejection pattern P2a is applied to the interval rejection object area A2. Thus, a dot pattern P2 containing the interval rejection pattern P2a is generated outside the contour area A1 as a printing pattern. Then, printing data is generated according to the generated printing pattern, and printing is performed by the inkjet head 51 based on the printing conditions corresponding to this printing data. Thus, the printing pattern, i.e., the identification information, is printed onto the tablet T.

[0141] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the identification information is printed on one side of tablet T. Figure 6In the example, the digits "1" and "5" are printed with their respective dot patterns P2 on one side of the tablet T. Each dot pattern P2 printed on the tablet T has an outline pattern P1a and a gap-removal pattern P2a. Outline pattern P1a is a pattern where multiple gap-removal points (printed dots) form the outline of the digit. Gap-removal pattern P2a is a checkerboard pattern formed within an area enclosed by outline pattern P1a.

[0142] Furthermore, when the tablet T has a directional shape, the storage unit 82 stores 180 dot patterns P1 that rotate the orientation of dot pattern P1 by 1 degree in the range from 0 degrees to 179 degrees. During the printing process, a dot pattern P1 with an angle suitable for the θ direction of the tablet T is selected and used from the 180 dot patterns P1. At this time, the dot pattern P1 is subjected to the determination of the interval rejection target area A2 and the application of the interval rejection pattern P2a. In this case, the transformation unit 84a rotates the dot pattern P1 one degree at a time to create multiple dot patterns, the determination unit 84b determines the interval rejection target point for each dot pattern P1 to generate the interval rejection target area A2, and the production unit 84c creates a dot pattern P2 containing the interval rejection pattern P2a outside the outline area A1 for each dot pattern P1 as a printing pattern.

[0143] (Printing process)

[0144] Next, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The printing process performed by the aforementioned tablet printing apparatus 1 will be described. This printing process also includes an inspection process. In addition, various information, such as data required for printing, is pre-stored in the storage unit 82.

[0145] When the tablet printing device 1 begins printing, the motor 24 is driven, and the conveyor belt 21 rotates in the conveying direction H1 as the drive pulley 22 and driven pulley 23 driven by the motor 24 rotate. While the conveyor belt 21 is rotating in the conveying direction H1, tablets T are sequentially fed from the storage container 11 to the chute 12, arranged in a row on the chute 12, and fed onto the conveyor belt 21 randomly rather than at fixed intervals. The tablets T supplied to the conveyor belt 21 are arranged in a row on the conveyor belt 21 and conveyed at a predetermined speed.

[0146] The tablet T on the conveyor belt 21 is detected by the detection unit 30. Specifically, the tablet T on the conveyor belt 21 is detected by the detection unit 30 at the moment it reaches a detection position (e.g., the laser irradiation position) directly below the detection unit 30. Based on the moment the tablet T is detected, the control unit 83 identifies the position of the tablet T in the X direction within the conveyor belt 21. Furthermore, the control unit 83 generates position information indicating the position of the tablet T in the X direction and saves it to the storage unit 82.

[0147] Next, the tablet T on the conveyor belt 21 is imaged by the first camera unit 40. Specifically, the first camera unit 40 captures an image at a first camera position directly below the first camera unit 40 at the first camera position on the conveyor belt 21, and sends the first image obtained by the first camera unit 40 to the control device 80. Based on this first image, the image processing unit 81 generates position information of the tablet T in the X, Y, and θ directions and saves it to the storage unit 82. Based on the position information of the tablet T in the X, Y, and θ directions and information such as the printing pattern, printing conditions, including the nozzle range and the printing start time, are set for the storage unit 82. Furthermore, based on the aforementioned printing start time (the time when printing begins on the tablet T), the ink ejection time (the time when ink is ejected from the tablet T) is determined.

[0148] Printing is performed by the printing unit 50 based on these printing conditions. Specifically, the control unit 83 controls the inkjet head 51 of the printing unit 50 to print a prescribed printing pattern (e.g., dot pattern P2) onto the tablet T on the conveyor belt 21. More specifically, printing begins at the point when the tablet T on the conveyor belt 21, having passed below the first camera unit 40, reaches the printing position directly below the inkjet head 51, and printing is performed by the inkjet head 51 based on the aforementioned printing conditions. In the inkjet head 51, ink is appropriately ejected from each nozzle 51a to print the printing pattern (e.g., numbers, Latin letters, katakana, symbols, graphics) onto the printing surface of the tablet T, which is the upper surface. The ink coated on the tablet T dries during transport. Alternatively, a drying unit (not shown) that dries the ink by gas or heat may be provided.

[0149] Then, the printed tablets T on the conveyor belt 21 are imaged by the second camera unit 60. Specifically, the second camera unit 60 captures a second image at a second camera position directly below the second camera unit 60, and sends the second image obtained by the second camera unit 60 to the control device 80.

[0150] The second image is analyzed by the image processing unit 81 of the control device 80. Specifically, the image processing unit 81 obtains information about the printed pattern on the tablet T, namely the printing position, shape, and size of the printed pattern. The second image sent from the second camera unit 60 is analyzed by the image processing unit 81, and inspection information showing the printing position, shape, and size of the printed pattern on the tablet T is generated and saved to the storage unit 82.

[0151] The control unit 83 performs a printing status check based on the inspection information. Specifically, the control unit 83, based on the aforementioned inspection information regarding printing position, shape, and size stored in the storage unit 82, determines whether the printing pattern has been correctly printed on the tablet T, generates printing pass / fail information indicating whether the printing of the tablet T is qualified, and saves it in the storage unit 82. For example, in the printing status check, the printing pattern used in printing is saved in the storage unit 82 as an inspection printing pattern. The qualified product information regarding the specified printing position, shape, and size of the inspection printing pattern is compared with the inspection information regarding the printing position, shape, and size of the actual printed printing pattern stored in the storage unit 82 to determine whether the printing pattern has been correctly printed on the tablet T (qualified or unqualified).

[0152] Finally, the tablets T on the conveyor belt 21 are recovered by the recovery unit 70. Specifically, if the inspected tablets T are located at the downstream end of the conveyor belt 21 as it moves, they are released from their position held by the conveyor belt 21, fall off the conveyor belt 21, and are recovered by the recovery unit 70. At this time, qualified tablets T fall as is and are recovered by the recovery unit 70, while unqualified tablets T are separated from qualified tablets by air jets during their descent from the conveyor belt 21 and are recovered by the recovery unit 70.

[0153] In such a printing process, when printing tablets T, especially uncoated tablets or OD tablets (orally disintegrating tablets), which are formed by solidifying powder, the tablet printing apparatus 1 performs interval removal printing on characters or markings, which are the smallest meaningful units, with fewer dots than the full-color pattern, while printing the outline of the characters without removing the dots. Specifically, the data processing unit 84 receives the printing identification information and converts it into a dot pattern P1 (full-color pattern). From dot pattern P1, points with multiple adjacent dots in all directions are selected as interval removal targets. In the interval removal target area A2 formed by these interval removal targets, the dots are removed based on an interval removal pattern P2a, such as a checkerboard pattern. Thus, interval removal printing can be performed without removing the outline of characters or markings.

[0154] Therefore, compared to a full-coverage pattern, the amount of ink on tablet T is reduced, and the ink on tablet T dries more easily, thus shortening the drying time required for the ink to hit the tablet T. Consequently, during the period until tablet T is recycled to the recycling unit 70, the ink on tablet T is dried to the point where it will not transfer, thus suppressing transfer caused by undried ink, and also suppressing ink bleeding onto tablet T. Therefore, printing can be performed without reducing the legibility of the information printed on tablet T.

[0155] Here, the size of the characters or markings printed on the tablet T is much smaller than that of printing on paper. Therefore, the number of dots forming a single character is small, and simply removing them by spacing reduces the legibility of the characters or markings. Furthermore, the legibility of characters and markings on the tablet T is crucial; a decrease in legibility could lead to medication errors or misplacement in a package, potentially impacting lives. To achieve the optimal printing state that suppresses ink bleeding and maintains the legibility of the characters or markings printed on the tablet T, it is important to perform spacing removal as described above, preserving the outlines.

[0156] As explained above, according to the first embodiment, the transformation unit 84a transforms the information (e.g., identification information) printed from the inkjet head 51 onto the tablet T into a dot pattern P1. The determination unit 84b determines points in dot pattern P1 that have multiple adjacent points in all directions as interval rejection target points. The production unit 84c transforms the interval rejection target area A2 formed by the interval rejection target points in dot pattern P1 into a predetermined interval rejection pattern P2a, and produces the dot pattern P2 containing the predetermined interval rejection pattern P2a as a printing pattern. Therefore, compared to a fully coated printing pattern, the ink on the tablet T dries more easily, thus suppressing ink transfer to other tablets T and suppressing ink bleeding on the tablet T. Consequently, the recognizability of the information printed on the tablet T can be improved.

[0157] (Variation Example 1)

[0158] Reference Figure 7 A variation of the first embodiment will be described.

[0159] Regarding the decision part 84b of Modification 1, in step S2 (refer to...) Figure 4 In ), in making the edge ( Figure 6 When the outline style P1a) shown becomes thicker, i.e., as Figure 7 When the outline area A1 is enlarged as shown, all the points adjacent to the points outside the interval removal object area (points outside the interval removal object area A2) of the outline area A1 are changed to points outside the interval removal object area in all eight directions (up, down, left, right, and diagonally) relative to the points outside the interval removal object area of ​​the outline area A1, and removed from the interval removal object area A2. This makes the outline style P1a thicker and more prominent, making it easier for users to identify the information and improving user recognition.

[0160] Furthermore, when changing interval removal object points that are adjacent to each other in the upper, lower, left, right, and diagonal directions relative to the outline area A1 to interval removal object points, a specified number of interval removal object points can also be changed to interval removal object points from the interval removal object points of the changed object towards the interval removal object area A2. Figure 7 In the example, the interval removal point of the object is changed from the point of the object to the point outside the interval removal area A2.

[0161] (Variation Example 2)

[0162] Reference Figure 8 A variation of the first embodiment, example 2, will be described.

[0163] Regarding the decision part 84b of Modification Example 2, in step S2 (refer to...) Figure 4 ) in Figure 8 As shown, all the interval removal object points adjacent to the interval removal object points outside the contour area A1 (points outside the interval removal object area A2), that is, the interval removal object points adjacent to the interval removal object points outside the contour area A1 in a certain direction (up, down, left, right, and diagonal (eight directions), are changed into interval removal necessary object points. Figure 8 The squares (fully colored squares in the grid) are removed from the interval removal target area A2. The interval removal target points are points that must be interval removed; the interval removal target area A3 formed by these points is excluded from the interval removal target area A2 of the interval removal pattern P2a. This prevents the outline pattern P1a, which has the most printed dots, from bleeding, making it easier for users to identify information and improving user recognition. Furthermore, this printing pattern is preferred, for example, when printing markings or other identification information that do not want the outline to be prominent.

[0164] For example, in the tablet T, the ink hits are most concentrated and the amount of ink is greater in the outline area A1 (outline pattern P1a) that must be printed. However, the inside of the outline area A1 must be removed intermittently, so the drying time required can be shortened, ink transfer between tablets T can be suppressed, and ink diffusion on tablet T can also be suppressed.

[0165] Additionally, when changing adjacent points of the interval removal object relative to the outline area A1 in a certain direction (up, down, left, right, or diagonally) to points that must be removed during interval removal, a specified number of interval removal object points can also be changed to points that must be removed during interval removal from the interval removal object points of the changed object towards the interval removal object area A2. Figure 8In the example, the interval removal point of the object is changed from the interval removal point of the object to the interval removal point of the object within the interval removal area A2.

[0166] (Example of how to create an intermittent culling style)

[0167] Here, in the first embodiment, the first modification, and the second modification, the use of, as Figure 5 The case shown is an alternating checkerboard pattern P2a with one point outside the exclusion target and one point outside the exclusion target, but it is not limited to this. The point outside the exclusion target is the printed point (ink ejection area), and the point outside the exclusion target is the non-printed point (non-ejection area).

[0168] As other specified interval rejection styles, for example, can also be used as follows: Figure 9 As shown, the interval culling style P2b alternates between four intervals for culling objects outside the object and four intervals for culling objects. Alternatively, styles such as... Figure 10 As shown, a pattern of repeated interval removal (P2c) with five points arranged in a cross shape to remove objects outside the target area, or as shown... Figure 11 As shown, there is a pattern of repeated interval removal P2d with 5 interval removal points arranged in a cross shape.

[0169] For example, Figure 5 This is an example of a 50% interval rejection style. Figure 5 In the example, the specified interval culling style P2a is a checkerboard pattern in which one point outside the interval culling object and one point of the interval culling object are arranged alternately in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0170] Figure 9 Is with Figure 5 An example of different 50% interval elimination styles. Figure 9 In the example, the specified interval culling style P2b is a checkerboard pattern that alternately configures four interval culling object points arranged in a square shape and four interval culling object points arranged in a square shape.

[0171] Figure 10 This is an example of a 62.5% interval rejection pattern. Figure 10 In the example, the specified interval culling style P2c is a style that alternately arranges five interval culling object outside points and one interval culling object point in a cross shape in both the vertical and horizontal directions. If using Figure 10 The example with the 62.5% interval culling style is similar to... Figure 5 or Figure 9 Compared to the 50% interval elimination style, this allows for a denser printing of characters and marks.

[0172] Figure 11 This is an example of a 37.5% interval rejection style. Figure 11 In the example, the specified interval culling style P2d is a style that alternates between five interval culling object points and one interval culling object non-point arranged in a cross shape in both the vertical and horizontal directions. If using... Figure 11 The example with a 37.5% interval culling style is similar to... Figure 5 or Figure 9 The 50% interval rejection pattern sprays less ink onto the tablet T compared to the 50% interval rejection pattern, thus facilitating ink drying after printing and suppressing transfer. Furthermore, when printing on tablets prone to ink bleeding, the 37.5% interval rejection pattern, which sprays less ink onto the tablet T compared to the 50% interval rejection pattern, is more effective in preventing the expansion of printable information and resulting decrease in recognizability.

[0173] Here, for example Figure 11 The 37.5% interval rejection pattern represents 37.5% of the total number of printed dots constituting the identification information, while the number of dots subject to interval rejection is 62.5% of the total. This is different from other patterns. Figure 5 or Figure 9 , Figure 10 The same applies to interval culling styles. However, the interval culling ratio (interval culling ratio) is the ratio within the interval culling object area A2, excluding the outline area A1, since the outline portion is not included in the interval culling. This ratio varies subtly depending on the shape of the interval culling object area A2, so if it is... Figure 5 In the case of a region formed by two points x two points, the percentage is 50%. Figure 9 In the case of a 4x4 area, the percentage is 50%. Figure 10 The situation is 62.5% in the area with 3 points vertically and 4 points horizontally (4 points vertically and 3 points horizontally). Figure 11 In the case of a 3x3 area, the percentage is 37.5%, which is the ratio under the minimum unit of the interval rejection style. Therefore, if one of the interval rejection styles is applied to the actual interval rejection target area A2, the interval rejection ratio in the style with the applied interval rejection style, i.e., the point style P2, will vary slightly from the ratio under the minimum unit of the interval rejection style, but will be approximately the same.

[0174] Such specified interval rejection patterns P2a to P2d can also be pre-stored in the storage unit 82. These interval rejection patterns P2a to P2d can be selected and used either by the user's input operation on the input device 80a, or they can be automatically selected and used according to the shape of characters or marks, etc.

[0175] Additionally, as an interval removal style, it can also be used in Figure 5 , Figures 9-11 The interval removal styles shown in the examples are not limited to P2a to P2d. Additionally, other interval removal styles can also be used... Figure 5 , Figures 9-11 The interval rejection styles P2a to P2d shown in the examples can be used in combination. For example, multiple regions can be defined within a single interval rejection style to use different styles for each region. Figure 5 , Figures 9-11 The examples shown are various styles.

[0176] Furthermore, from various interval rejection styles, the style with the best recognizability can be selected based on the type of characters used in the printed identification information (Latin letters, numbers, kanji, katakana, hiragana, symbols, diagrams, etc.), the type of ink used in printing, and the type of tablet being printed. For example, numbers are among the most frequent identification information printed on tablets, but when printing numbers, there are more curves, and it can be assumed that the number of dots forming curves is less than the number of dots forming straight lines. Therefore, a 50% interval rejection style is used to maintain recognizability. On the other hand, kanji have more straight and angular parts, especially a tendency for the number of dots to increase in the angular parts. Therefore, a 37.5% interval rejection style can be used to remove more dots while maintaining recognizability. In addition, for tablets that are uncoated tablets or tablets formed by solidifying powder, the optimal interval rejection style can be used based on the particle size of the powder. Specifically, larger particles are more prone to diffusion, so a 37.5% interval rejection pattern is used, while a 50% interval rejection pattern is used when the particles are smaller. By employing the optimal interval rejection pattern, recognition can be improved.

[0177] <Second Implementation Method>

[0178] Reference Figure 12 The second embodiment will be described.

[0179] In the second embodiment, this is used to address the situation where, after performing the interval rejection process of the first embodiment, the recognizability decreases due to the shape of the character or mark. That is, depending on the character or mark, even if it is a point that is a "point to be rejected due to interval rejection" as in the first embodiment, there is a situation where recognizability decreases by rejecting that point. For example, there is a decrease in recognizability in curved portions of characters or marks or in characters or marks that consist only of straight lines.

[0180] In the second embodiment, for example, when the threshold is set to "3 points" (i.e., if there are no printed points of at least 4 points arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions, it is determined that no interval rejection will be performed), in step S2 of the first embodiment, the determination unit 84b is as follows: Figure 12 As shown, among those points that become interval removal targets in interval removal target area A2, all interval removal target points that are adjacent in two directions (up / down and left / right) and do not have three consecutive points that serve as a threshold starting from that point are changed to points outside the interval removal target. Figure 12 The squares in the grid are completely covered and removed from the interval removal object area A2. In addition, the threshold is not limited to 3. It can be determined in advance through experiments to determine the most appropriate level of recognizability based on the type of characters in the printed identification information, the size of the characters or identification information, and the type of tablets to be printed.

[0181] That is, if the decision unit 84b has three consecutive points counting from the point in at least one direction (up and down) and at least one direction (left and right) adjacent to the point of interval rejection, it treats the point as an interval rejection point. If there are not three consecutive points counting from the point in the two directions (up and down) adjacent to the point of interval rejection (e.g., only two points), or if there are not three consecutive points counting from the point in the two directions (left and right) adjacent to the point of interval rejection (e.g., only two points), the point of interval rejection is changed to a point outside the interval rejection list. Then, the interval rejection list area A2 is transformed into one of the prescribed interval rejection patterns P2a to P2d.

[0182] By employing this process, for example, when printing curved portions of characters or markings, or characters or markings consisting only of straight lines, the execution of interval rejection, which would reduce the legibility of characters or markings printed on tablet T, can be suppressed. Therefore, interval rejection printing can be performed without significantly impairing their legibility. For example, it is conceivable that if a thin line formed by a small number of dots, such as 3 dots, is excluded from the interval rejection area in the outline portion, the overall legibility would be impaired. However, according to this embodiment, since areas with a width thinner than a threshold are excluded from the interval rejection, legibility can be maintained.

[0183] Furthermore, the threshold can be determined in advance through experiments to determine the most appropriate level of recognizability based on the type of characters in the printed identification information, the size of the characters or identification information, and the type of tablets to be printed.

[0184] As explained above, the second embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, since the execution of interleaving, which reduces the legibility of characters or markings printed on the tablet T, can be suppressed, interleaving printing can be performed without significantly impairing their legibility.

[0185] Additionally, regarding the interval removal of object area A2, it will be as follows: Figure 12 The areas that become enclaves are also treated as interval removal target areas A2. That is, interval removal target areas A2 are not limited to being connected; a set of multiple unconnected interval removal target areas A2 can also be treated as one interval removal target area A2. In other words, all points designated as interval removal target areas A2 are treated as interval removal target areas A2.

[0186] (Modified Example)

[0187] Reference Figure 13 A variation of the second embodiment will be described.

[0188] In this variation, for example, when the threshold is set to "3 points", in step S2 of the first embodiment, the determination unit 84b is as follows: Figure 13 As shown, among the points that are to be removed from the interval removal object area A2, all points that are adjacent in at least three of the four directions (up, down, left, and right) and that do not have three consecutive points that serve as a threshold starting from that point are set as points outside the interval removal object. Figure 13 The squares in the grid are fully painted and removed from the interval removal object area A2.

[0189] That is, if the decision unit 84b has three consecutive points that are considered as thresholds in at least three directions (up, down, left, and right) adjacent to the interval rejection target point, it sets it as an interval rejection target point as is. If the interval rejection target point does not have three consecutive points that are considered as thresholds in at least three directions (e.g., three points in two directions but only two points in one direction), it changes the interval rejection target point to an external point. Then, the interval rejection target area A2 is transformed into one of the prescribed interval rejection styles P2a to P2d.

[0190] By doing so, even when the corner portion of a character or mark has features (e.g., the left-falling or right-falling strokes of a Chinese character) compared to the second embodiment, it is possible to suppress the execution of interval removal that would reduce the recognizability of the character or mark printed on the tablet T. Therefore, interval removal printing can be performed without compromising the recognizability of characters or marks with features in the corner portion.

[0191] <Third Implementation Method>

[0192] Reference Figures 14 to 31 The third embodiment will be described.

[0193] In the third embodiment, the decision unit 84b is as follows: Figure 14 As shown, when the dots in dot pattern P3, which serves as the printing pattern, are arranged in a cross shape, the dot in the very center of the cross-shaped dot pattern P3 is designated as the "interval rejection target point" to prevent the center (central) dot from being printed, thus generating a dot pattern P3A containing the interval rejection target point. That is, the determination unit 84b determines the interval rejection target point by designating points that are adjacent to each other in all directions (up, down, left, and right) as interval rejection target points. Furthermore, in Figure 14 In the example, black squares represent printed points, white squares represent non-printed points, and the fully enclosed squares with diagonal lines represent points to be removed at intervals. This is in Figures 15 to 30 The same applies to the Chinese version, so its explanation will be omitted below.

[0194] The following uses Figure 15 The specific details of specifying the point to be removed at intervals, which is the point in the exact middle of a set of points arranged in a cross shape, are explained.

[0195] For example, decision section 84b, such as Figure 15 As shown, when the printing pattern is a matrix of filled dots P4, the process of repeatedly scanning the search point B1, which represents the point to be searched, from left to right and from right to left is repeated (refer to...). Figure 15 (The arrow in the image). In detail, the decision unit 84b shifts the search point B1 sequentially from the upper left of point pattern P4 to the right. Once one line (one row) has been shifted, it moves to the right end of the next line (lower line) and shifts sequentially to the left. Once one line (one row) has been shifted, it moves to the left end of the next line (lower line) and shifts sequentially to the right. The decision unit 84b repeatedly performs this right-hand and left-hand line scan alternately in the column direction.

[0196] In this scan, the decision unit 84b sets the search point B1, which has multiple adjacent points (printed points) in all directions (up, down, left, and right), as the point to be removed at intervals. For example, as Figure 16 As shown, the decision unit 84b determines the initial interval for removing object points within the cross-shaped region R1 centered on the retrieval point B1. That is, in Figure 16In the scanning process, the search point B1 is scanned from the upper left to the right, and the line below the first line is scanned from the right to the left. The second scan point is the first point to be considered an interval rejection target (a point where multiple adjacent printed points exist in all directions). Within the cross-shaped area R1, the determination unit 84b determines whether all directions above, below, to the left, and to the right of the search point B1 are printed points. In subsequent scans, the determination unit 84b treats points already designated as interval rejection targets as "non-printed points," and does not treat points where adjacent non-printed points (interval rejection targets) already exist in any direction as interval rejection targets.

[0197] Under these scanning conditions, the decision unit 84b determines the interval for culling object points for point style P4, forming... Figure 15 The point style P4A is shown as shown. Point style P4A includes an outline style and a point style after multiple points within the area enclosed by the outline style have been periodically removed.

[0198] In addition, the decision department 84b can also be like Figure 17 As shown, the scanning of search point B1 is performed repeatedly from right to left and from left to right. Specifically, the decision unit 84b shifts search point B1 sequentially from the upper right to the left. Once one line (one row) has been shifted, it moves to the left end of the next line (the lower line) and shifts sequentially to the right. Once one line has been shifted, it moves to the right end of the next line (the lower line) and shifts sequentially to the left. The decision unit 84b alternately and repeatedly performs this left and right line scanning in the column direction.

[0199] In this scan, similarly to the above, the decision unit 84b will select the search point B1, which has multiple adjacent points (printed points) in all directions (up, down, left, and right), as the point to be removed by interval. Furthermore, similarly to the above, the decision unit 84b will not select points that already have adjacent non-printed points (points to be removed by interval) in any direction (up, down, left, or right) as points to be removed by interval. Additionally, Figure 17 The scan direction shown (refer to) Figure 17 (arrow in the middle) and Figure 15 The scan direction shown (refer to) Figure 15 The arrows in the image are reversed, but the resulting print style is the same.

[0200] As described above, a printing pattern is obtained based on the scanning pattern, and tablet T is printed based on the obtained printing pattern. Thus, it is possible to obtain tablet T printed with a dot pattern that is a contour pattern and multiple points within the area enclosed by the contour pattern are periodically removed.

[0201] Furthermore, by changing the scanning style, the scanning direction and order can vary, resulting in different intervals for removing object points. For example, the scanning direction can be above or below, in addition to right and left. In other words, there are cases where the printing style changes due to changes in the scanning style (pattern).

[0202] For example, in decision 84b, such as Figure 18 In the case of a fully filled printing pattern P5, the search point B1 is repeatedly scanned from left to right (pattern 1). Specifically, the decision unit 84b shifts the search point B1 sequentially from the upper left to the right. Once one line (one row) has been shifted, it moves to the left end of the next line (the lower line) and shifts sequentially to the right. The decision unit 84b repeatedly scans the rightward lines in the column direction.

[0203] Under these scanning conditions, the decision unit 84b determines the interval for culling object points for point style P5, forming... Figure 18 The point style P5A is shown as described above. This point style P5A, like the ones described above, includes outline styles and point styles where multiple points within an area enclosed by the outline style are periodically removed. This is in other... Figures 19 to 23 The same applies to the Chinese, so its explanation will be omitted below.

[0204] In addition, for example, decision section 84b, such as Figure 19 As shown, the search point B1 is repeatedly scanned from right to left (Style 2). In detail, the decision unit 84b shifts the search point B1 sequentially from the upper right to the left. Once one line (one row) has been shifted, it moves to the right end of the next line (the lower line) and shifts sequentially to the left. The decision unit 84b repeatedly scans the left-hand line in the column direction.

[0205] In addition, for example, decision section 84b, such as Figure 20 As shown, the scanning of search point B1 from right to left and from left to right is performed repeatedly (Style 3). In detail, the decision unit 84b shifts search point B1 sequentially from the upper right to the left. Once one line (one row) has been shifted, it moves to the left end of the next line (the lower line) and then sequentially shifts to the right. Once one line has been shifted, it moves to the right end of the next line (the lower line) and then sequentially shifts to the left. The decision unit 84b repeatedly performs this left and right line scanning in the column direction.

[0206] In addition, for example, decision section 84b, such as Figure 21As shown, the scanning process for the search point B1 is repeated from left to right and from right to left (Style 4). Specifically, the decision unit 84b shifts the search point B1 sequentially from the upper left to the right. Once one line (one row) has been shifted, it moves to the right end of the next line (the lower line) and then sequentially shifts to the left. Once one line has been shifted, it moves to the left end of the next line (the lower line) and then sequentially shifts to the right. The decision unit 84b repeatedly performs this right-hand and left-hand line scanning in the column direction.

[0207] In addition, for example, decision section 84b, such as Figure 22 As shown, the search point B1 is scanned from top to bottom repeatedly to the right (Style 5). Specifically, the decision unit 84b shifts the search point B1 sequentially downwards from the upper left, and once one line (one column) has been shifted, it moves to the upper end of the next line (the right line) and shifts downwards sequentially. The decision unit 84b repeatedly scans the lines below to the right. Furthermore, Figure 22 The point style P5A shown is the result of style 5 and Figure 18 The point pattern shown is the same as P5A (the result of pattern 1).

[0208] In addition, for example, decision section 84b, such as Figure 23 As shown, the search point B1 is scanned from top to bottom repeatedly to the left (Style 6). Specifically, the decision unit 84b shifts the search point B1 sequentially downwards from the upper right, and once one line (one column) has been shifted, it moves to the upper end of the next line (the left line) and shifts downwards sequentially. The decision unit 84b repeatedly scans the lower lines to the left. Furthermore, Figure 23 The point style P5A shown is the result of style 6 and Figure 19 The point pattern shown is the same as P5A (the result of pattern 2).

[0209] In this way, a dot pattern P5A with altered scanning patterns and reduced intervals is generated. The output device 80b can be, for example, a display, and the control unit 83 can display multiple selectable dot patterns P5A for the operator to choose from. Furthermore, when the operator selects a dot pattern P5A, this selection can also be performed for each individual character.

[0210] Furthermore, the area R1 centered on retrieval point B1 is not limited to a cross shape; for example, it can also be a square, or points with multiple adjacent printed points all around them (i.e., points with multiple adjacent printed points all around them) can be used as interval removal targets. For example, points with multiple adjacent printed points in all directions, including up, down, left, right, and diagonal, can also be used as interval removal targets.

[0211] like Figure 24As shown, for example, when the dots of dot pattern P6, which is used as a printing pattern, are arranged in a 3×3 square, the decision unit 84b takes the center point of dot pattern P6 arranged in a 3×3 square as the "interval rejection point" so that the center point of the multiple dots arranged in the 3×3 square is not printed, and generates dot pattern P6A containing the interval rejection point.

[0212] For example, decision section 84b, such as Figure 25 As shown, the search point B1, representing the point to be searched, is repeatedly scanned from left to right and from right to left. Specifically, the decision unit 84b shifts the search point B1 sequentially from the upper left to the right. Once one line (one row) has been shifted, it moves to the right end of the next line (the lower line), and then sequentially shifts to the left. Once one line has been shifted, it moves to the left end of the next line (the lower line), and then sequentially shifts to the right. The decision unit 84b alternately and repeatedly scans the right and left lines in the column direction.

[0213] In this scan, the decision unit 84b selects the search point B1, which contains multiple adjacent points (printed points) in all directions (up, down, left, right, and tilt), as the points to be eliminated at intervals. For example, as Figure 25 As shown, the decision unit 84b determines the initial interval rejection target points in a square region R2 centered on the search point B1. Within this square region R2, the decision unit 84b determines whether all directions (up, down, left, right, and tilt) of the search point B1 are printing points. In subsequent scans, the decision unit 84b treats points already designated as interval rejection target points as "non-printing points," and does not treat points that already have adjacent non-printing points (interval rejection target points) in any of the up, down, left, or right directions as interval rejection target points.

[0214] Under these scanning conditions, the decision unit 84b determines the point pattern P5 (refer to...). Figure 18 Determine the interval for removing object points to form Figure 25 The point style P5B is shown as described above. This point style P5B, like the one described above, includes an outline style and a point style where multiple points within an area enclosed by the outline style are periodically removed.

[0215] Here, the interval culling process of the third embodiment is referred to as the "cross-center elimination method". Furthermore, the interval culling process of the first embodiment is referred to as the "contour preservation masking method". These cross-center elimination methods and contour preservation masking methods can also be combined. Additionally, the cross-center elimination method also includes interval culling processing that uses the center of a plurality of points arranged in a square as the interval culling target point.

[0216] For example, in the outline-preserving masking method, there are cases where interval removal is not performed in narrower areas (areas with fewer consecutive printed dots) depending on the graphic. Depending on the hue of the printed characters or graphics, there are cases where further interval removal improves recognizability. For example, if printing with a low-brightness ink, insufficient interval removal can lead to variations in density between areas with fewer consecutive printed dots and areas with more consecutive printed dots. Therefore, the decision unit 84b can also... Figure 26 As shown, an outline-preserving masking method is applied to the point style P7 as a printing style (e.g., also including regarding...). Figure 12 The outline of the processed data is preserved using a masking method to generate point style P7A. Then, a crosshair center elimination method is applied to point style P7A to generate point style P7B. Point style P7B is used as the printing style. Additionally, in... Figure 26 The illustrations of non-printing dots surrounding point styles P7, P7A, and P7B are omitted.

[0217] In addition, the decision department 84b can also be like Figure 27 As shown, the dot pattern is scanned along a pre-set first scan pattern to determine the contour. At this time, the determination unit 84b functions as the contour determination unit. Specifically, firstly, for the dot pattern P8 arranged in a matrix, the search point B1 is repeatedly scanned from left to right in the column direction (row by row from the top row downwards). During this scan, printed points that change from non-printing points (non-ejection points) to printing points (ejection points), or printed points that change from printing points to non-printing points, are searched for; that is, printed points located on the outer boundary of dot pattern P8. Then, these printed points are determined as contour points (…). Figure 27 The grid lines in the square are filled in, generating point pattern P8A. If the scan is finished, the determination unit 84b repeatedly scans the search point B1 from top to bottom in the row direction (from the leftmost column to the right). Then, similarly, the printed points that change from non-printed points to printed points, or the printed points that change from printed points to non-printed points (similarly, the printed points located on the outer boundary of point pattern P8A) are determined as contour points. Figure 27 The grid lines in the image are filled with a square, generating point style P8B. In addition, this example also includes scanning the non-printed areas of point styles P8 and P8A, which include the central non-printed area (non-printed area), referred to as "scanning of point style P8".

[0218] exist Figure 27In the example, after a left-to-right scan is performed in the column direction, a top-to-bottom scan is performed in the row direction. During the top-to-bottom scan, in the first column of the points arranged as contour points resulting from the left-to-right scan, no new points are determined as contour points, and the top point of the second column becomes the printing point at the boundary where non-printing points change into printing points.

[0219] This interval removal process, which specifies the outline and performs interval removal on the remaining printed points, can be either the "cross-center elimination method" or the "outline preservation masking method." Furthermore, the determination of the outline point is not limited to the above. For example, in point pattern P8, during the exploration of printed points located at the outer boundary of point pattern P8, the cross-shaped area used in the "cross-center elimination method" can be utilized. In this case, if one of the points located at the top, bottom, left, or right is a non-printed point, it is sufficient to determine that point as the outline point. Moreover, in this case, scanning of point pattern P8 does not need to be performed separately in the left-right and top-bottom directions; it is sufficient to scan all printed points sequentially once each. Therefore, scanning styles can be adopted regardless of whether they are sequential scanning in the left-right direction, sequential scanning in the top-bottom direction, or sequential scanning in a spiral pattern from the outermost periphery of point pattern P8 towards the center (innermost periphery), or conversely, sequential scanning from the innermost periphery of point pattern P8 towards the outermost periphery.

[0220] Furthermore, after determining the contour points as described above, when performing interval removal using the "cross-center elimination method," the scanning pattern can be the same as that illustrated in the third embodiment. This scanning pattern may also be different from the first scanning pattern used when determining the contour points, but it can also be the same. For convenience, the scanning pattern used in the "cross-center elimination method" after determining the contour points will be referred to as the "second scanning pattern."

[0221] Furthermore, in the cross-center elimination method, the decision unit 84b determines (investigates) whether all the points above, below, to the left, and to the right of the search point B1 are printed points, but it is not necessary to perform this determination on all points. For example, when the decision unit 84b scans the search point B1 from left to right, if... Figure 28 As shown, investigate the point to the right of retrieval point B1 ( Figure 28 If a point in the diagram is fully covered with a square, and the point to its right is a non-printed point, then the points above, below, and to the right of that point will not be subject to interval removal, so there is no need to investigate the points above, below, and to the right of that point. Therefore, the investigation of the points above, below, and to the right is omitted. Additionally, in... Figure 28 In the diagram, black squares represent printed dots, and white squares represent non-printed dots. That is, in... Figure 28In this case, based on the determination result of the right-hand point (the point that search point B1 then moves to) obtained when determining the points above, below, left, and right of search point B1, the planned investigation when search point B1 moves to that right-hand point can be omitted.

[0222] Furthermore, if the search point B1 is a non-printed point, the points above, below, to the left, and to the right of search point B1 are not considered for interval elimination. Therefore, the determination unit 84b can also omit the investigation of these points in such cases.

[0223] Here, when scanning search point B1 from right to left, the points to the left of search point B1 are investigated; when scanning search point B1 from top to bottom, the points below search point B1 are investigated; or when scanning search point B1 from bottom to top, the points above search point B1 are investigated. If the investigated point is a non-printed point, the investigation of other points is omitted. That is, when search point B1 is a printed point, it is determined whether to investigate points adjacent to the previous point by investigating whether the previous point in the scanning direction of search point B1 is a non-printed point. In this way, the investigation can be omitted. Furthermore, when search point B1 is a non-printed point, the investigation of its upper, lower, left, and right sides can be omitted.

[0224] Furthermore, when retrieval point B1 is a printed point, even if one of the points adjacent to retrieval point B1 (top, bottom, left, and right) is a non-printed point, retrieval point B1 is determined to be an excluded point. Therefore, in such cases, the investigation of uninvestigated points among the points adjacent to retrieval point B1 (top, bottom, left, and right) can be omitted.

[0225] Furthermore, when performing a rightward scan, the decision unit 84b can make decisions in the order of right, top, left, and bottom of the search point B1; similarly, when performing a leftward scan, it can make decisions in the order of left, top, right, and bottom of the search point B1. The decision order can be changed according to the scanning direction, or it can be preset and fixed. Moreover, the decision order is not particularly limited; for example, it can be top, bottom, left, right, or left, right, top, bottom, etc., or it can be a clockwise or counter-clockwise order from the starting search point B1.

[0226] Furthermore, in the method of eliminating the center of the cross, the decision part 84b is as follows: Figure 29 As shown, since the area around retrieval point B1 is entirely composed of printed dots (refer to...). Figure 29 (See the top left and bottom left images in the image), so the retrieval point B1 is set as the interval removal point ( Figure 29The white square in the lower left image (non-printed point). Then, when the determination unit 84b scans the search point B1 from left to right, since the point to the right of the search point B1 will never be eliminated at intervals, it can choose not to set that point as the search point B1, and instead use the point one point further to the right as the search point B1. That is, if the determination unit 84b scans from left to right... Figure 29 As shown in the lower left image, passing through the lower right image to the upper right image, the retrieval point B1 is moved two points to the right. At this retrieval point B1 (refer to...) Figure 29 In the upper right image, since the left-hand point must be a printed point, we only need to investigate the right, top, and bottom points. Figure 29 (The points in the upper right image can be fully colored with a square). In this way, not only when the retrieval point B1 was originally a non-printed point as described above, but also when the survey result is an interval elimination object and is a non-printed point, the survey can be omitted.

[0227] In addition, decision 84b, such as Figure 30 As shown, since the area around retrieval point B1 is entirely composed of printed dots (refer to...). Figure 30 (See the top left and bottom left images in the image), so the retrieval point B1 is set as the interval removal point ( Figure 30 The white square in the lower left image (non-printed point). Then, when the determination unit 84b scans the search point B1 from top to bottom, since the points below the search point B1 will never be eliminated at intervals, it can choose not to set that point as the search point B1, but instead use the point one point lower down as the search point B1. That is, if the determination unit 84b scans from top to bottom... Figure 30 As shown in the lower left image, passing through the lower right image to the upper right image, the retrieval point B1 is moved down two points. At this retrieval point B1 (refer to...) Figure 30 In the upper right image, since the top point must be a printed point, we only need to investigate the left, right, and bottom points. Figure 30 (The points in the upper right image can be fully colored with a square). In this way, not only when the retrieval point B1 was originally a non-printed point as described above, but also when the survey result is an interval elimination object and is a non-printed point, the survey can be omitted.

[0228] Furthermore, the scanning direction of the search point B1 in the cross-center elimination method is not limited to up, down, left, or right; it can also be diagonal (search point B1 moves to the upper right or lower left), or it can move in a clockwise or counterclockwise spiral pattern. That is, any scanning direction is acceptable as long as all points that might be subject to interval elimination are scanned. Additionally, regardless of the scanning direction, the investigation of points that cannot be subject to interval elimination can be omitted as described above. Furthermore, when the scanning direction is set to diagonal, even... Figure 18In the case of patterns containing convex or concave portions, as shown, it is possible to prevent the continuity of printed dots in the vertical, horizontal, or diagonal directions. A diagonal direction is, for example, the direction in which adjacent dots exist between points located above, below, left, or right of that point. In this case, the scan line switching can be performed simply by moving the search point B1 to a point adjacent to the edge of the dot pattern relative to that point when the search point B1 reaches the edge of the pattern.

[0229] In addition to performing interval removal on characters or graphics as a whole, for example, it can also be done as follows: Figure 31 As shown, a region is specified for each character or graphic, and the interval elimination method is used differently for each region. Figure 31 In the example, the printed characters are "A", "B", "C", "D", "E", and "F". The decision unit 84b sets a specific interval removal method for each of the designated zones 1-6 for these characters. For example, the interval removal method for zone 1 is the cross-center elimination method; the interval removal method for zone 2 is the outline-preserved checkerboard interval removal masking method (using a checkerboard pattern mask); the interval removal method for zone 3 is a combination of the outline-preserved checkerboard interval removal masking method and the cross-center elimination method; and the interval removal method for zone 4 is the outline-preserved four-interval removal masking method (using... Figure 9 The mask shown is a checkerboard pattern where four square-shaped culling points are alternately arranged. The culling method for area 5 is a checkerboard pattern culling mask without outline (using checkerboard pattern masking), and the culling method for area 6 is none (no culling).

[0230] Furthermore, interval rejection can be set not only for each zone, but also for each type of tablet (e.g., bare tablets, sugar-coated tablets, etc.), the size of each tablet, or the type of graphic (e.g., characters, images, etc.). For example, Latin letters can be rejected, but numbers can be left unrejected; similarly, characters can be rejected, but images can be left unrejected. Additionally, the choice of whether to use interval rejection or the specific method of rejection can be adjusted based on the size of the printed characters or images. For instance, with larger printed characters, even with some blurring, legibility is less likely to decrease, so interval rejection may be omitted, or the rejection rate may be set to, for example, 62.5%. With smaller printed characters, interval rejection is used, with the rejection rate set to 37.5% to prevent decreased legibility. Moreover, the presence or absence of interval rejection or the rejection rate can be selected and set based on the number of dots (the thickness of the lines constituting the characters or images) of the printed characters or images. In addition, the interval rejection method or whether to perform interval rejection can be selected and set according to the brightness of the ink used in printing, or according to the desired density of the printed characters or images.

[0231] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0232] In the above description, the tablet printing apparatus 1 (tablet printing method) of one embodiment is used to print tablet T, but this can also be referred to as using the tablet printing apparatus 1 (tablet printing method) of one embodiment to print tablet T and manufacture printed tablet T. That is, the tablet printing apparatus 1 can be referred to as a tablet manufacturing apparatus, and the tablet printing method can be referred to as a tablet manufacturing method.

[0233] Furthermore, in the above description, the data processing unit 84, which functions as an information processing device, is provided in the control device 80, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be provided separately from the control device 80 or the tablet printing device 1.

[0234] Furthermore, while the above description illustrates conveying the tablets T in a single column, it is not limited to this; the number of columns can be two, three, or four or more, without particular limitation. Similarly, the number of conveyor belts 21 can be two or more, without particular limitation. Additionally, the number of inkjet heads 51 can be two or more, without particular limitation.

[0235] Furthermore, in the above description, a printhead with nozzles 51a arranged in a single row is illustrated as inkjet head 51, but it is not limited to this. For example, a printhead with multiple rows of nozzles 51a can also be used. In addition, multiple inkjet heads 51 can be arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction H1 in the horizontal plane.

[0236] Furthermore, in the above description, it is illustrated that the inkjet head 51 is configured such that the direction in which the nozzles 51a are arranged is orthogonal to the transport direction H1 in the horizontal plane, but it is not limited to this. For example, it can also be configured such that the direction in which the nozzles 51a are arranged is intersecting the transport direction H1 in the horizontal plane.

[0237] Furthermore, the above description illustrates printing on one side of the tablet T, but it is not limited to this. For example, the conveying unit 20, the detection unit 30, the first camera unit 40, the printing unit 50, and the second camera unit 60 can be arranged as a unit, with the unit stacked vertically. The upper conveying unit 20 flips the printed tablet T and hands it over to the lower conveying unit 20, thus printing on both sides of the tablet T.

[0238] Furthermore, in the above description, the tablets T are supplied to the conveyor belt 21 randomly rather than at fixed intervals, but this is not a limitation; they can also be supplied at fixed intervals. Furthermore, in the above description, the tablets T are drawn and held by suction holes 21a formed on the conveyor belt 21, but this is not a limitation; they can also be contained and held in a bag or the like for transport, or they can be held on the conveyor belt 21 by their own weight for transport.

[0239] Here, the aforementioned tablet T can include tablets used for pharmaceutical, dietary, cleaning, industrial, or aromatic purposes. Furthermore, tablet T can be uncoated, sugar-coated, film-coated, enteric-coated, gelatin-coated, multilayer, or cored forms; various capsules, such as hard or soft capsules, can also be included within the tablet T. Moreover, the shape of tablet T can be disc-shaped, lens-shaped, triangular, elliptical, or various other shapes. Furthermore, when the tablet T to be printed is for pharmaceutical or dietary use, edible ink is preferred. This edible ink can be any type of ink, including synthetic pigment ink, natural pigment ink, dye ink, or pigment ink.

[0240] The above describes several embodiments of the present invention, but these embodiments are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in a wide variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope or spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the technical solution and its equivalents.

Claims

1. An information processing device, characterized in that, have: The transformation unit transforms the information from the inkjet head to the tablet printing into a matrix-like dot pattern; In the above point style, the decision-making department will determine points that have multiple adjacent points in all directions (up, down, left, and right) as points to be removed at intervals. as well as The production department removes the intervals of the points to be removed from the above point patterns and creates a point pattern with the intervals of the points to be removed from the above point patterns as a printing pattern. The aforementioned decision department In the above point style, the above intervals for removing object points are determined sequentially along the preset scan style; In the scanning sequence of the above scanning pattern, points that already have adjacent points to be removed in any of the up, down, left, or right directions will not be considered as points to be removed.

2. The information processing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned transformation unit rotates the aforementioned dot pattern one degree at a time to create multiple dot patterns; The aforementioned decision-making department determines the interval for removing object points for each of the aforementioned point styles; The aforementioned production department creates the aforementioned printing patterns for each of the aforementioned point patterns.

3. A tablet printing apparatus, characterized in that, have: The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2; The inkjet head prints the delivered tablets; and The control unit controls the inkjet head based on the printing pattern produced by the production unit.

4. A tablet printing apparatus, characterized in that, have: The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2; The inkjet head prints the delivered tablets. The control unit controls the inkjet head based on the printing pattern produced by the production unit; and the output device displays the dot pattern. The aforementioned decision-making unit determines the object points to be removed at the aforementioned intervals using multiple of the aforementioned scanning patterns; The above-mentioned production section respectively produces point styles for the interval removal of the object points obtained from multiple scanning styles. The output device described above can selectively display the point pattern after the interval removal of the aforementioned interval removal object points.

5. An information processing method, characterized in that, The above-described printing pattern is produced by the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A method for printing pharmaceutical tablets, characterized in that, The above-described printing pattern, created by the information processing method according to claim 5, is printed by the inkjet head.

Images