Processing device, information processing method, and recording medium

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing device, an information processing method, and a recording medium that address the issue of requiring subjective judgment by the user when setting the layer structure of a base layer, which consumes time and effort. The information processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires designated transmittance values ​​for one or more layers, including a base layer, included in a plurality of layers stacked on a print medium, the plurality of layers including one or two image layers printed so as to be visually visible from any surface of the print medium and the base layer serving as a base for the one or two image layers; and a determination unit that determines a layer structure, serving as the structure of the base layer, based on the designated values ​​acquired by the acquisition unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. Background Art

[0002] There is a printing device that prints a plurality of layers stacked together, such as an image layer and a base layer serving as a base for the image. Patent Document 1 discloses a structure for previewing the layer structure of a plurality of layers to be printed.

[0003] When printing multiple stacked layers, it's desirable to set the base layer structure so that one or more layers, including the base layer, have appropriate transmittance for a given light source, in order to maintain the visual visibility of the printed image. Conventionally, users have determined the base layer structure based on their own judgment. However, setting the base layer structure by users requires subjective judgment, which consumes time and effort.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-159552 Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on the above-mentioned problem, an information processing device includes: an acquisition unit, which acquires a specified value of the transmittance of one or more layers including a base layer included in a plurality of stacked layers printed on a printing medium, wherein the plurality of layers include one or two image layers printed in a manner that can be visually confirmed from any surface of the printing medium and the base layer serving as the base of one or two of the image layers; and a determination unit, which determines the layer structure serving as the structure of the base layer based on the specified value obtained by the acquisition unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 A diagram showing an example of the structure of an information processing device, etc.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of a printing layer to be printed.

[0008] Figure 3 A diagram showing an example of characteristic information.

[0009] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating an increase in image resolution.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the transmittance of a layer formed by combining a base layer and an image layer B.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a diagram explaining the transmittance of the image layer B.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a diagram explaining the increase in concentration of each layer in the base layer.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a diagram explaining the increase in concentration of each layer in the base layer.

[0014] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of print control processing.

[0015] Figure 10 This is a flowchart showing an example of layer structure determination processing.

[0016] Figure 11 A diagram showing an example of characteristic information.

[0017] Figure 12 A diagram illustrating the transmittance of the C image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Here, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in the following order.

[0019] (1) First embodiment:

[0020] (1-1) Structure of information processing device:

[0021] (1-2) Printing control processing:

[0022] (2) Second Implementation Method:

[0023] (3) Other implementation methods:

[0024] (1) First embodiment:

[0025] (1-1) Structure of information processing device:

[0026] Figure 1This figure shows an example of the structure of the information processing device 100 and the printing device 200 involved in this embodiment. The information processing device 100 of this embodiment is an information processing device that controls the printing device 200, such as a personal computer, a tablet device, a smartphone, etc. The printing device 200 is a printing device that prints an image on a printing medium (for example, an acrylic plate, a glass plate, a resin medium (for example, a resin mobile phone case, etc.), printing paper, etc.) according to instructions from the information processing device 100. In this embodiment, the printing device 200 uses a predetermined coating to print on the printing medium. In this embodiment, the predetermined coating is a color material (for example, a dye, a pigment, etc.) of various colors such as cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), as well as white. Hereinafter, the color materials of C color, M color, Y color, K color, and white color used by the printing device 200 are referred to as C color material, M color material, Y color material, K color material, and white material, respectively. The coating material used by the printing device 200 of the present embodiment is a coating material that is hardened by irradiation with ultraviolet rays. In the present embodiment, the direction of the printed image in the printing medium is set to the front side. That is, the side of the printing medium opposite to the direction of the printed image is set to the back side. In the present embodiment, the printing device 200 sprays a fixed amount of coating material for each pixel in the printing medium where the coating material is to be sprayed. Here, the pixel refers to each area formed by dividing the printing area by the image resolution. The image resolution is an indicator that represents the density of the coating material in the printing medium (the density of pixels), for example, expressed in dpi (dot per inch). In addition, although the printing device 200 in the present embodiment is set to an inkjet method, it can also be a laser printing device that uses a colorant as the coating material.

[0027] In this embodiment, if Figure 2As shown, the following describes a printing apparatus 200 printing multiple layers on a transparent printing medium, including an image layer A with an image visible from the front, an image layer B with an image visible from the back, and a base layer positioned between the image layers and serving as a base for each image layer. In this embodiment, image layer A is positioned on the frontmost side of the multiple layers to be printed, making it visible from the front. Furthermore, image layer B is positioned on the backmost side of the printed layers, making it visible from the back. In this embodiment, the base layer consists of white layer A and white layer B, formed by applying a white material at a constant concentration across the entire printed area, and a black layer positioned between white layer A and white layer B, formed by applying a K-color material at a constant concentration across the entire printed area. Hereinafter, the multiple layers to be printed will be referred to as printed layers. The term "printing area" refers to the area on the printed surface of the printing medium that is to be printed. Furthermore, "density" is an indicator indicating the proportion of the area occupied by the corresponding coating within the printed area. In this embodiment, since a fixed amount of paint is ejected to each pixel, the concentration indicates the ratio of the number of pixels to which the corresponding paint is applied to the total number of pixels in the target area.

[0028] In this embodiment, the following situation is assumed, that is, when using a printed print medium, a situation in which light of relatively high intensity is incident on the print medium from the back side of the print medium. In this embodiment, as the print medium, for example, an advertising medium posted on a shop window is assumed. It is assumed that light from a fluorescent lamp or the like is incident on the advertising medium posted on the shop window from the inside of the house, and it is assumed that relatively strong light such as sunlight is irradiated from the outside of the house. In this case, since the light from the outside of the house passes through the printed layer, it is possible to see the image on the image layer on the outside of the house through the image layer on the inside of the house. In this case, the visual confirmation (ease of visual confirmation) of the image layer on the inside of the house will be reduced. In the following, light incident on the print medium from the back side will be referred to as back-side incident light. In addition, in the following, light incident on the print medium from the front side will be referred to as front-side incident light.

[0029] In this embodiment, printing device 200 prints by dispensing paint onto a print medium and irradiating the dispensed paint with ultraviolet light. Information processing device 100 and printing device 200 are connected to each other via a wired or wireless connection for communication. Alternatively, information processing device 100 and printing device 200 may be integrated into a single piece of hardware, controlled by information processing device 100 installed within printing device 200.

[0030] In this embodiment, the information processing device 100 adjusts the transmittance of a layer formed by combining an image layer B and a base layer in a printed layer with respect to back-incident light, in order to maintain the visibility of the image layer A. Each layer of the base layer in this embodiment functions as a light-shielding layer, shielding at least a portion of the light incident on the printed layer. Furthermore, the white layer included in the base layer functions as an auxiliary layer that assists the color development of the image layer by serving as a base for the image layer and setting the background of the image layer to a white color that is less likely to obstruct color development.

[0031] The hardware included in the information processing apparatus 100 and the printing apparatus 200 will be described.

[0032] The information processing device 100 includes a processor 110, a communication unit 120, a storage medium 130, and a UI unit 140. In addition, the information processing device 100 includes a random access memory (RAM) and a read-only memory (ROM), which are not shown. The processor 110 controls the information processing device 100 by executing various programs stored in the ROM, the storage medium 130, etc. The processor 110 can be composed of a single chip or a plurality of chips. In addition, although the processor 110 is set as a central processing unit (CPU) in this embodiment, it can also be composed of an ASIC, etc., or it can be composed of a CPU and an ASIC. The communication unit 120 includes a circuit for communicating with external devices such as the printing device 200 in accordance with various wired or wireless communication protocols. The storage medium 130 stores various programs such as the print control program 111 for executing a process for controlling printing via the printing apparatus 200 , and various information such as image data 130 a , print conditions 130 b , and characteristic information 130 c .

[0033] Image data 130a is data for image layers A and B to be printed. In this embodiment, the data for each of image layers A and B shown in image data 130a is RGB data, with each pixel of image layers A and B divided into a predetermined number of pixels (e.g., 640×480, 1200×1600, etc.) being represented by grayscale values ​​of three RGB channels.

[0034] Printing conditions 130b represent various conditions related to printing image data 130a (e.g., the printing area on the print medium, the image resolution of image layers A and B, etc.). Furthermore, in this embodiment, printing conditions 130b include data on the layer structure of the base layer. Here, the layer structure refers to the structure of the base layer and indicates the layers included in the base layer, the order in which each layer is stacked, the image resolution of each layer, and the coating concentration of each layer. While in this embodiment, printing conditions 130b are user-specified, they can also be predetermined.

[0035] Characteristic information 130c is information indicating the characteristics of each coating material used in printing device 200. In this embodiment, this characteristic indicates the ease with which various light rays penetrate a layer formed by coating a specific area under various conditions (image resolution, concentration). In this embodiment, characteristic information 130c indicates the transmittance of various light rays when a layer is formed by coating a specific area under various conditions (image resolution, concentration). In this embodiment, characteristic information 130c is pre-stored in storage medium 130.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the characteristic information 130c of this embodiment is table information indicating the correspondence between the type of coating, image resolution (dpi), concentration (%), incident light, and transmittance. Here, as information indicating the type of coating, there are, for example, the name and model of the coating. The characteristic information 130c is obtained by applying various types of coatings in advance at various image resolutions and concentrations, causing various types of light to be incident on the coating area, and measuring the transmittance. Figure 4 , showing the difference in the coating application method due to the difference in image resolution. Figure 4 Each circular object in the represents the paint to be applied to 1 pixel. Figure 4 The amount of paint applied to a given area is constant regardless of image resolution. However, the gaps between the paint layers decrease with increasing image resolution. The inventors previously applied various types of paint at various image resolutions and concentrations, then measured transmittance under various light incident conditions on the coated areas. The experimental results revealed that higher image resolution leads to higher light blocking rates.

[0037] The UI unit 140 includes an input unit such as a mouse, keyboard, touch pad, or touch panel operation unit for receiving input from the user, a display unit such as a monitor or touch panel, and an output unit such as a speaker for presenting information to the user.

[0038] The printing device 200 includes a processor 210, a communication unit 220, a storage medium 230, and a printing head 240. In addition, the printing device 200 includes a RAM and a ROM (not shown). The processor 210 controls the printing device 200 by executing various programs stored in the ROM, the storage medium 230, etc. The processor 210 can be composed of a single chip or a plurality of chips. In addition, although the processor 210 is set as a CPU in this embodiment, it can also be composed of an ASIC, etc., or it can be composed of a CPU and an ASIC. The communication unit 220 includes a circuit for communicating with external devices such as the information processing device 100 in accordance with various wired or wireless communication protocols. The storage medium 230 stores various programs such as the printing execution program 211 for controlling the execution of printing, and various information.

[0039] The print head 240 ejects paint and irradiates the print medium with ultraviolet light. The processor 210 ejects paint and irradiates the print medium with ultraviolet light while moving the print head 240 via its drive mechanism. The processor 210 performs printing by repeatedly printing lines onto the print medium via the print head 240. Hereinafter, the direction of these lines is referred to as the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction and parallel to the print medium positioned during printing is referred to as the sub-scanning direction. Furthermore, the printing of one line by the print head 240 while moving from one end of the print area to the other along the main scanning direction on the print medium is referred to as one print stroke. Furthermore, the number of print strokes required to print the same area within the print area is referred to as the number of print strokes. The print head 240 includes a discharge unit 241 for discharging various types of paint and an irradiation unit 242 for irradiating the paint discharged by the discharge unit 241 with ultraviolet light. The ejection unit 241 is a nozzle used to eject various color materials, including CMYK and white, onto the print medium, thereby applying the various color materials to the print medium. The irradiation unit 242 is a lamp that emits ultraviolet light and is located on both sides of the ejection unit 241 in the main scanning direction. When the print head 240 is scanning, the processor 210 irradiates the paint ejected from the ejection unit 241 onto the print medium with ultraviolet light via the irradiation unit 242, located behind the print head 240 in the scanning direction.

[0040] Next, the functions of the information processing apparatus 100 and the printing apparatus 200 will be described.

[0041] The processor 110 of the information processing apparatus 100 functions as an acquisition unit 111 a , a determination unit 111 b , and a print control unit 111 c by executing a print control program 111 stored in the storage medium 130 .

[0042] The acquisition unit 111a has a function of acquiring a specified value of transmittance for a predetermined light source for one or more layers, including a base layer, included in a printed layer printed on a print medium. Hereinafter, the specified transmittance value acquired by the acquisition unit 111a is referred to as a specified transmittance value.

[0043] In this embodiment, the processor 110 uses the function of the acquisition unit 111a to acquire a designated transmittance value for the layer comprising the base layer and the image layer B, with respect to back-incident light, as the designated transmittance value. In this embodiment, the processor 110 acquires the designated transmittance value by accepting input of the designated transmittance value based on user operation of the UI unit 140. Furthermore, the processor 110 accepts input of printing conditions 130b based on user operation of the UI unit 140 and stores the information in the storage medium 130.

[0044] The determination unit 111 b has a function of determining a layer structure as a structure of a base layer of a printed layer group based on the transmittance designation value acquired by the acquisition unit 111 a .

[0045] In this embodiment, processor 110, through the function of determination unit 111b, determines the layer structure based on the specified transmittance value and characteristic information 130c indicating the transmittance of the layer formed by each coating material used for printing the base layer with respect to back-incident light. The processing performed by processor 110 related to determination unit 111b is described in detail below. Processor 110 obtains the initial values ​​of the base layer's layer structure indicated by printing conditions 130b as temporary values ​​of the layer structure. Hereinafter, the temporary values ​​of the layer structure are referred to as the temporary structure. In this embodiment, the initial values ​​of the base layer's layer structure indicated by printing conditions 130b indicate densities of 40%, 70%, and 40% for white layer A, black layer, and white layer B, respectively. Furthermore, processor 110 obtains printed image data for the case where image layer B indicated by image data 130a is printed under the conditions indicated by printing conditions 130b. Here, printed image data indicates which color material should be applied to which pixel at which image resolution within the print area of ​​the print medium. More specifically, processor 110 scales the RGB data of image layer B, as indicated by image data 130a, based on the image resolution indicated by printing conditions 130b. Processor 110 then converts the scaled RGB data into grayscale data for each color of the predetermined color materials used in printing device 200. In this embodiment, the predetermined color materials are C, M, Y, and K. Processor 110 then performs halftoning based on the converted grayscale data and determines the amount of each color material to be ejected into each pixel in the print area to achieve the color of image layer B. Processor 110 obtains the data indicating the amount of each color material to be ejected into each pixel on the print medium as the print image data for image layer B.

[0046] Next, the processor 110 obtains the transmittance of the layer formed by combining the image layer B with the base layer of the temporary structure with respect to the back-side incident light. The details of the process of obtaining the transmittance are described below. Hereinafter, the transmittance of the layer formed by combining the image layer B with the base layer of the temporary structure with respect to the back-side incident light is set to R. In addition, in the following, the transmittance of the white layer A of the base layer of the temporary structure with respect to the back-side incident light is set to α. In addition, in the following, the transmittance of the black layer of the base layer of the temporary structure with respect to the back-side incident light is set to β. In addition, in the following, the transmittance of the white layer B of the base layer of the temporary structure with respect to the back-side incident light is set to γ. In addition, in the following, the transmittance of the image layer B of the temporary structure with respect to the back-side incident light is set to δ. As Figure 5 As shown, the transmittance R is expressed as the product of transmittances α to δ.

[0047] Based on the temporary structure, the processor 110 obtains the image resolution and the density of the white material in the white layer A of the temporary structure. Then, based on the characteristic information 130c, the processor 110 obtains the transmittance corresponding to the white material, the obtained image resolution, the obtained density, and the back-incident light, and sets it as the transmittance α.

[0048] Furthermore, processor 110 obtains the image resolution and the concentration of the K-color material in the black layer of the temporary structure based on the temporary structure. Then, processor 110 obtains the transmittance corresponding to the K-color material, the obtained image resolution, the obtained concentration, and the back-incident light based on characteristic information 130c, and sets this as transmittance β.

[0049] Furthermore, processor 110 obtains the image resolution and the concentration of the white material in white layer B of the temporary structure based on the temporary structure. Processor 110 then obtains the transmittance corresponding to the white material, the obtained image resolution, the obtained concentration, and the back-incident light based on characteristic information 130c, and sets this as transmittance γ.

[0050] In addition, using Figure 6 , the process by which the processor 110 obtains the transmittance δ of the image layer B printed on the print area will be described. The processor 110 selects a rectangular area of ​​a predetermined size (e.g., 10 pixels × 10 pixels, 100 pixels × 100 pixels, 500 pixels × 500 pixels, the entire print area, etc.) from the image layer B printed on the print area. Hereinafter, the area selected here will be referred to as the selected area. The image in the selected area can be considered to be an image synthesized by an image formed by a C-color material (hereinafter referred to as a C image), an image formed by an M-color material (hereinafter referred to as an M image), an image formed by a Y-color material (hereinafter referred to as a Y image), and an image formed by a K-color material (hereinafter referred to as a C image). Therefore, the processor 110 calculates the transmittance of the C image, M image, Y image, and K image in the selected area for back-incident light and multiplies the calculated transmittances to obtain the transmittance of the selected area for back-incident light. In this embodiment, the processor 110 derives the ratio of the number of pixels coated with the C color material relative to the total number of pixels in the selected area as the density of the C image in the selected area based on the printed image data of the image layer B. Similarly, the processor 110 derives the ratio of the number of pixels coated with the M color material, the Y color material, and the K color material relative to the total number of pixels in the selected area as the densities of the M image, the Y image, and the K image in the selected area, respectively, based on the printed image data of the image layer B.

[0051] Based on the characteristic information 130c, the processor 110 obtains the transmittance corresponding to the C color material, the image resolution of image layer B, the density of the C image in the selected area, and the back-incident light, and sets it as the transmittance of the C image in the selected area with respect to the back-incident light. Furthermore, based on the characteristic information 130c, the processor 110 obtains the transmittance corresponding to the M color material, the image resolution of image layer B, the density of the M image in the selected area, and the back-incident light, and sets it as the transmittance of the M image in the selected area with respect to the back-incident light. Based on the characteristic information 130c, the processor 110 obtains the transmittance corresponding to the Y color material, the image resolution of image layer B, the density of the Y image in the selected area, and the back-incident light, and sets it as the transmittance of the Y image in the selected area with respect to the back-incident light. Based on the characteristic information 130c, the processor 110 obtains the transmittance corresponding to the K color material, the image resolution of image layer B, the density of the K image in the selected area, and the back-incident light, and sets it as the transmittance of the K image in the selected area with respect to the back-incident light.

[0052] The processor 110 derives the transmittance of the selected area with respect to the back-side incident light by multiplying the transmittances of the acquired C image, M image, Y image, and K image with respect to the back-side incident light.

[0053] Processor 110 again selects a rectangular area of ​​a predetermined size, different from the previously selected area, from image layer B as a selected area, and derives the transmittance of the selected area for back-incident light. Processor 110 repeats the above process until the transmittance of all rectangular areas of a predetermined size included in image layer B for back-incident light has been derived. Processor 110 determines the maximum transmittance among the derived transmittances and sets this as the transmittance δ of image layer B.

[0054] The processor 110 derives the transmittance R by multiplying the transmittances α, β, γ, and δ. The processor 110 determines whether the transmittance R is within a predetermined range corresponding to the specified transmittance value. In this embodiment, the predetermined range corresponding to the specified transmittance value is set to the range of the specified transmittance value ± a predetermined threshold value (for example, 3%, 5%, etc.). When the processor 110 determines that the transmittance R is within the range corresponding to the specified transmittance value, the processor 110 determines the temporary structure as the layer structure of the base layer. More specifically, the processor 110 uses the content of the temporary structure to update the content of the layer structure of the base layer shown in the printing condition 130b. When the processor 110 determines that the transmittance R is outside the range corresponding to the specified transmittance value, the processor 110 adjusts the temporary structure as follows.

[0055] A description will be given of a case where the transmittance R is outside the range corresponding to the designated transmittance value and the transmittance R is greater than the designated transmittance value.

[0056] Processor 110 increases the image resolution of each layer of the base layer of the temporary structure. The increase can be set to any value. In addition, if the image resolution of each layer of the base layer of the temporary structure is at the upper limit, processor 110 does not adjust the image resolution of the temporary structure.

[0057] Processor 110 increases the density of the black layer shown in the temporary structure by a predetermined amount. While this predetermined amount is set to 10% in this embodiment, it may be another value, such as 3%, 5%, or 20%. Processor 110 also increases the density of the white layers A and B shown in the temporary structure by a predetermined amount that is greater than the increase in the black layer. While this predetermined amount is set to 40% in this embodiment, it may be another value, such as 5%, 10%, 20%, or 30%.

[0058] When the density of the black layer increases, the black color of the black layer will be visible from the front and back sides through the white layers A and B, increasing the possibility of reducing the visibility of the image layers A and B. Therefore, in this embodiment, the processor 110 increases the density of the white layers A and B by a larger amount than the increase in the density of the black layer. In this way, the processor 110 can reduce the possibility that the black color of the black layer will be visible through the white layers A and B, thereby reducing the visibility of the image layers A and B.

[0059] Furthermore, processor 110 determines whether image layers A and B are light-colored based on the type and concentration of the paint used in forming each image layer. If determined to be light-colored, processor 110 increases the concentration of white layers A and B, which serve as the base for image layers A and B, by a predetermined amount. More specifically, processor 110 operates as follows. Processor 110 obtains printed image data for image layer A in the same manner as printed image data for image layer B. Based on the printed image data for image layer A, processor 110 determines the type of paint used in forming image layer A. Based on the printed image data for image layer A, processor 110 determines the concentration of each of the determined types of paint throughout image layer A. In this embodiment, storage medium 130 pre-stores information on the correspondence between the concentration of each type of paint used in forming the image within the image and whether the image is light-colored. This correspondence information is obtained by forming images using various types of paint at various concentrations and determining whether the resulting images are light-colored (e.g., based on a user's subjective judgment or a colorimeter). Processor 110 determines whether image layer A is light-colored based on the types of paint used to form it, the concentrations of the various types of paint throughout image layer A, and this correspondence information. Similarly, processor 110 determines whether image layer B is light-colored.

[0060] When image layer A is light-colored, processor 110 increases the density of white layer A, which serves as the base of image layer A, as shown in the temporary structure, by a predetermined increment. In this embodiment, this predetermined increment is set to 20%, but it may be another value, such as 3%, 5%, 10%, or 30%. Similarly, when image layer B is light-colored, processor 110 increases the density of white layer B, which serves as the base of image layer B, as shown in the temporary structure, by a predetermined increment.

[0061] When image layers A and B are light-colored, the color of the base layer is more easily visible than when they are dark. Therefore, when the density of the black layer in the base layer increases, the black color of the black layer may be visible through the image layers, potentially changing the visual color of image layers A and B. When image layers A and B are light-colored, processor 110 can reduce the possibility of such a change in the visual color of image layers A and B by increasing the density of the white layers A and B, which serve as the base layer.

[0062] By the above-mentioned treatment, the temporary structure is adjusted in such a way that the concentration of each layer of the base layer is increased. Figure 7, the results of adjusting the density of each layer of the base layer shown in the temporary structure are shown when the image layer A is light-colored and the image layer B is not light-colored.

[0063] Next, a description will be given of a case where the transmittance R is outside the range corresponding to the designated transmittance value and is smaller than the designated transmittance value.

[0064] When the transmittance R is less than a specified transmittance value, the processor 110 reduces the image resolution of each layer of the base layer indicated by the temporary structure. The degree of reduction can be set to any value. Furthermore, when the image resolution of each layer of the base layer indicated by the temporary structure is at a lower limit, the processor 110 does not adjust the image resolution of the temporary structure.

[0065] Processor 110 reduces the density of the black layer shown in the temporary structure by a predetermined amount. In this embodiment, the predetermined amount is set to 10%, but it may be another value, such as 20%. Furthermore, processor 110 reduces the density of the white layer A and the white layer B shown in the temporary structure by a predetermined amount. In this embodiment, the predetermined amount is set to 40%, but it may be another value, such as 20% or 30%.

[0066] By the above-described treatment, the temporary structure is adjusted so that the concentration of each layer of the base layer is reduced.

[0067] When the processor 110 adjusts the temporary structure to adjust the image resolution and density of each layer of the base layer, it re-derives transmittances α to γ ​​based on the adjusted temporary structure. The processor 110 then multiplies the derived transmittances α to γ ​​by the transmittance δ to derive the transmittance R for back-incident light of the layer formed by combining the base layer and the image layer B in the adjusted temporary structure. The processor 110 determines whether the derived transmittance R is within a predetermined range corresponding to the specified transmittance value. If the processor 110 determines that the derived transmittance R is within the predetermined range corresponding to the specified transmittance value, the processor 110 determines the adjusted temporary structure as the layer structure of the base layer. More specifically, the processor 110 uses the contents of the temporary structure to update the contents of the base layer's layer structure indicated in the print conditions 130b. If the processor 110 determines that the derived transmittance R is outside the predetermined range corresponding to the specified transmittance value, the processor 110 re-adjusts the temporary structure for the image resolution and density of each layer of the base layer.

[0068] The processor 110 repeatedly performs the above processing until the transmittance R of the layer formed by combining the base layer of the temporary structure and the image layer B with respect to the incident light from the back side is within the range corresponding to the transmittance specified value and the temporary structure is determined as the layer structure of the base layer. In addition, sometimes in the adjustment of the temporary structure, the concentration of each layer of the base layer shown in the temporary structure may exceed 100%. In this way, the layer with a concentration exceeding 100% is realized by multiple layers. For example, when the concentration of the white layer A is 140%, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, it is formed by one layer formed of a white material with a concentration of 100% and one layer formed of a white material with a concentration of 40%.

[0069] The print control unit 111c has a function for controlling the printing of a print layer by the printing device 200. Through the function of the print control unit 111c, the processor 110 generates print data used for printing the print layer by the printing device 200 based on the image data 130a and the print conditions 130b. Here, the print data is data indicating the printing method to be executed by the printing device 200. In this embodiment, it indicates the print area on the print medium, image resolution, number of print passes, the amount of paint applied to each pixel, and the like.

[0070] The processor 110 generates print data for image layers A and B based on the image data 130a and various conditions related to printing of image layers A and B indicated by the print conditions 130b. Furthermore, the processor 110 generates print data for each layer of the base layer based on the layer structure of the base layer indicated by the print conditions 130b. At this time, the processor 110 also determines the number of print passes required to form each layer of the base layer based on the layer structure of the base layer indicated by the print conditions 130b.

[0071] The processor 110 sends the generated printing data to the printing device 200 and instructs the printing of the printing layer on the printing medium.

[0072] Next, the functions of the printing apparatus 200 will be described.

[0073] The processor 210 of the printing apparatus 200 functions as a print execution unit 211 a by executing a print execution program 211 stored in the storage medium 230 .

[0074] The print execution unit 211a has a function of printing the printing layers on the print medium using the print data transmitted from the information processing device 100. The processor 210 prints the printing layers in the order of image layer B, white layer B, black layer, white layer A, and image layer A in the print area of ​​the print medium using the function of the print execution unit 211a and based on the print data.

[0075] With the above configuration, the information processing device 100 determines the layer structure of the base layer based on the specified transmittance value of the layer formed by combining the base layer and the image layer B. Thus, the information processing device 100 can determine the layer structure of the base layer without requiring subjective judgment by the user.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the information processing device 100 determines the layer structure of the base layer based on the specified transmittance value and characteristic information 130c indicating the characteristics of the coating used to form each layer of the printed layer (the transmittance of each layer formed by the coating used to form each layer of the printed layer for back-incident light). This allows the information processing device 100 to adjust the transmittance of the layer formed by combining the base layer and the image layer B, taking into account the characteristics of the coating used to form each layer.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the information processing device 100 determines whether image layers A and B are light-colored based on the type and concentration of the coating material used to form them. Then, if the transmittance of the layer formed by combining the temporary structure's base layer and image layer B is outside the range corresponding to the specified transmittance value and exceeds the specified transmittance value, the information processing device 100 adjusts the temporary structure by increasing the density of the white layers A and B, which serve as the base for the image layers A and B determined to be light-colored. This reduces the likelihood that the visually observed color of the light-colored image layers A and B will be altered by the black color of the black layer.

[0078] (1-2) Printing control processing:

[0079] use Figure 9 、 Figure 10 , the print control process executed by the information processing apparatus 100 is described.

[0080] The processor 110 starts the printing operation when a screen used for instructing the printing device 200 to print and a screen used for specifying a transmittance setting value, printing conditions, etc. is displayed on the UI unit 140. Figure 9 processing.

[0081] In step S100, processor 110 utilizes the functionality of acquisition unit 111a and, based on user operation of UI unit 140, accepts input of a designated transmittance value, which is a designated transmittance value for a layer formed by combining a base layer and image layer B. This designation acquires the designated transmittance value. Furthermore, processor 110 accepts input of print conditions 130b based on user operation of UI unit 140 and stores the information in storage medium 130. After completing step S100, processor 110 proceeds to step S105. Step S100 is an example of an acquisition step.

[0082] In step S105, the processor 110 performs a layer structure determination process for determining the layer structure of the base layer through the function of the determination unit 111b. The process of step S105 is an example of a determination step. Figure 10 The layer structure determination process will be described in detail.

[0083] In step S200, processor 110, through the function of determining unit 111b, obtains the initial value of the layer structure of the base layer indicated by printing conditions 130b as a temporary value of the layer structure, i.e., a temporary structure. Processor 110 then obtains print image data for printing image layer B indicated by image data 130a at the image layer resolution indicated by printing conditions 130b.

[0084] Based on the temporary structure, the processor 110 obtains the image resolution and the concentration of the white material in the white layer A of the temporary structure. Then, based on the characteristic information 130c, the processor 110 obtains the transmittance corresponding to the white material, the obtained image resolution, the obtained concentration, and the back-incident light, and sets this as transmittance α. Furthermore, based on the temporary structure, the processor 110 obtains the image resolution and the concentration of the K material in the black layer of the temporary structure. Then, based on the characteristic information 130c, the processor 110 obtains the transmittance corresponding to the K material, the obtained image resolution, the obtained concentration, and the back-incident light, and sets this as transmittance β. Furthermore, based on the temporary structure, the processor 110 obtains the image resolution and the concentration of the white material in the white layer B of the temporary structure. Then, based on the characteristic information 130c, the processor 110 obtains the transmittance corresponding to the white material, the obtained image resolution, the obtained concentration, and the back-incident light, and sets this as transmittance γ.

[0085] Furthermore, the processor 110 selects a rectangular selection area of ​​a predetermined size from the image layer B printed on the print area. Based on the printed image data of image layer B, the processor 110 derives the ratio of the number of pixels coated with the C color material relative to the total number of pixels in the selected area as the density of the C image in the selected area. Similarly, based on the printed image data of image layer B, the processor 110 derives the ratio of the number of pixels coated with the M color material, the Y color material, and the K color material relative to the total number of pixels in the selected area as the densities of the M image, Y image, and K image in the selected area. Based on the characteristic information 130c, the processor 110 obtains the transmittance corresponding to the C color material, the image resolution of image layer B, the density of the C image in the selected area, and back-incident light, and sets this as the transmittance of the C image in the selected area for back-incident light. Furthermore, based on the characteristic information 130c, the processor 110 obtains the transmittance corresponding to the M color material, the image resolution of image layer B, the density of the M image in the selected area, and back-incident light, and sets this as the transmittance of the M image in the selected area for back-incident light. Based on the characteristic information 130c, the processor 110 obtains the transmittance corresponding to the Y color material, the image resolution of the image layer B, the density of the Y image in the selected area, and the back-incident light, and sets it as the transmittance of the Y image in the selected area with respect to the back-incident light. Based on the characteristic information 130c, the processor 110 obtains the transmittance corresponding to the K color material, the image resolution of the image layer B, the density of the K image in the selected area, and the back-incident light, and sets it as the transmittance of the K image in the selected area with respect to the back-incident light.

[0086] The processor 110 derives the transmittance of the selected area with respect to the back-side incident light by multiplying the transmittances of the acquired C image, M image, Y image, and K image with respect to the back-side incident light.

[0087] Processor 110 again selects an unselected rectangular area of ​​a predetermined size from image layer B as a selected area and derives the transmittance of this selected area for back-incident light. The newly selected area may or may not partially overlap with the previously selected area. Processor 110 repeats the above process until the transmittance of all rectangular areas of a predetermined size included in image layer B for back-incident light has been derived. Processor 110 determines the maximum transmittance among the derived transmittances and sets this as the transmittance δ of image layer B.

[0088] The processor 110 derives the transmittance R by multiplying the transmittances α, β, γ, and δ.

[0089] Furthermore, processor 110 determines whether image layer A or image layer B is light-colored based on the type and concentration of the coating used in forming each of image layers A and B. More specifically, processor 110 obtains printed image data for image layer A in the same manner as it obtains printed image data for image layer B. Based on the printed image data for image layer A, processor 110 determines the type of coating used in forming image layer A. Based on the printed image data for image layer A, processor 110 determines the concentration of each of the identified types of coating throughout image layer A. In this embodiment, storage medium 130 pre-stores information on the correspondence between the concentration within the image of each type of coating used in forming the image and whether the image is light-colored. Based on the type of coating used in forming image layer A, the concentration of each type of coating, and this correspondence information, processor 110 determines whether image layer A is light-colored. Similarly, processor 110 determines whether image layer B is light-colored.

[0090] After completing the process of step S200 , the processor 110 advances the process to step S205 .

[0091] In step S205, the processor 110, through the function of the determination unit 111b, determines whether the transmittance R is within the predetermined range corresponding to the designated transmittance value obtained in step S100. If the processor 110 determines that the transmittance R is within the predetermined range corresponding to the designated transmittance value, the process proceeds to step S225. Alternatively, if the processor 110 determines that the transmittance R is outside the predetermined range corresponding to the designated transmittance value, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0092] In step S210, the processor 110 adjusts the image resolution of the base layer indicated by the temporary structure through the function of the decision unit 111b. The processing of step S210 will be described for cases where the transmittance R is greater than the specified transmittance value and when the transmittance R is less than the specified transmittance value.

[0093] The following describes a case where the transmittance R exceeds the specified transmittance value. Processor 110 increases the image resolution of each layer of the temporary structure's base layer. The increase can be set to any value. Furthermore, if the image resolution of each layer of the temporary structure's base layer reaches the upper limit, processor 110 does not adjust the image resolution of the temporary structure.

[0094] The following describes a case where the transmittance R is less than a specified transmittance value. Processor 110 reduces the image resolution of each layer of the temporary structure's base layer. The degree of reduction can be set to any value. Furthermore, if the image resolution of each layer of the temporary structure's base layer is at the lower limit, processor 110 does not adjust the image resolution of the temporary structure.

[0095] After completing the process of step S210 , the processor 110 proceeds to step S215 .

[0096] In step S215, the processor 110 uses the function of the decision unit 111b to adjust the concentration of each layer of the base layer indicated by the temporary structure. The processing of step S215 will be described for cases where the transmittance R is greater than the specified transmittance value and when the transmittance R is less than the specified transmittance value.

[0097] The case where the transmittance R is greater than the specified transmittance value will be described. The processor 110 increases the density of the black layer shown in the temporary structure by a predetermined increment. The processor 110 increases the density of the white layers A and B shown in the temporary structure by a predetermined increment that is greater than the increase in the density of the black layer. Furthermore, if image layer A is light-colored, the processor 110 increases the density of the white layer A shown in the temporary structure, which serves as the base of image layer A, by a predetermined increment. Furthermore, if image layer B is light-colored, the processor 110 increases the density of the white layer B shown in the temporary structure, which serves as the base of image layer B, by a predetermined increment.

[0098] The case where the transmittance R is less than the specified transmittance value will be described. The processor 110 reduces the density of the black layer shown in the temporary structure by a predetermined amount. The processor 110 reduces the density of the white layers A and B shown in the temporary structure by a predetermined amount.

[0099] After completing the process of step S215 , the processor 110 proceeds to step S220 .

[0100] In step S220, processor 110, through the function of decision unit 111b, re-derives transmittances α to γ ​​based on the temporary configuration adjusted in previous steps S210 and S215. Processor 110 then multiplies the derived transmittances α to γ ​​by transmittance δ, and re-derives the value as transmittance R. After completing step S220, processor 110 proceeds to step S205.

[0101] In step S225, the processor 110 determines the temporary structure as the layer structure of the base layer through the function of the determination unit 111b. More specifically, the processor 110 updates the layer structure of the base layer indicated by the printing condition 130b using the content of the temporary structure. After the processing of step S225 is completed, the processor 110 ends. Figure 10 and proceeds to step S110.

[0102] In step S110, the processor 110 generates print data for printing the print layer by the printing device 200 based on the image data 130a and the print conditions 130b through the function of the print control unit 111c. After completing step S110, the processor 110 advances the process to step S115.

[0103] In step S115, processor 110 transmits the print data generated in S110 to printing device 200 and instructs printing of the print layer on the print medium. In response to the instruction, processor 210 of printing device 200 uses the function of print execution unit 211a to print the print layer on the print medium via print head 240.

[0104] (2) Second Implementation Method:

[0105] For each paint, the printing device 200 of the first embodiment sprays a fixed amount of paint onto each pixel of the target object. In this embodiment, the printing device 200 can adjust the amount of paint sprayed onto the target pixel. Hereinafter, the amount of paint sprayed onto a pixel by the printing device 200 is referred to as the paint drop amount. In this embodiment, the printing device 200 sprays paint onto a pixel in any of three levels of paint drop amounts. These three levels of paint drop amounts are designated, in ascending order, as "small," "medium," and "large." That is, for a given paint, a pixel can be in one of four states: a state in which a "small" drop amount of paint is applied, a state in which a "medium" drop amount of paint is applied, a state in which a "large" drop amount of paint is applied, or a state in which no paint is applied. In this embodiment, for image layers A and B, each pixel contained in the layer is coated with paint drop amounts of any of "small," "medium," and "large." Furthermore, for each layer of the base layer, the same amount of paint droplets is applied to all pixels included in the layer.

[0106] In this embodiment, the concentration of each paint is defined by the paint drop size. Therefore, in this embodiment, the concentration of paint applied with a certain paint drop size represents the ratio of the number of pixels coated with the paint with that paint drop size to the number of all pixels in the target area.

[0107] The printing conditions 130 b of this embodiment not only show the same information as in the first embodiment, but also show the amount of coating droplets for each layer of the base layer.

[0108] use Figure 11 , the characteristic information 130c of this embodiment will be described. The characteristic information 130c of this embodiment represents the transmittance of various light beams incident on a layer formed by applying a single type of paint to a specific area with the same paint droplet volume and under various conditions (image resolution, concentration). In this embodiment, the characteristic information 130c is pre-stored in the storage medium 130.

[0109] like Figure 11 As shown, characteristic information 130c in this embodiment is table information showing the correspondence between paint type, paint drop amount, image resolution (dpi), concentration (%), incident light, and transmittance. Characteristic information 130c is obtained by applying various types of paint in advance at various image resolutions, concentrations, and paint drop amounts, subjecting the coated area to various light sources, and measuring transmittance.

[0110] Next, the functions and processes of the information processing apparatus 100 of this embodiment that differ from those of the first embodiment will be described.

[0111] In this embodiment, the functions of the determination unit 111b and the print control unit 111c differ from those in the first embodiment. The determination unit 111b of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the paint droplet amount is taken into account when calculating the transmittance of each printed layer. Furthermore, the print control unit 111c of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the paint droplet amount is determined for each pixel on the print medium to which the paint is applied, and this is used as print data for each layer included in the printed layer.

[0112] use Figure 9 、 Figure 10 , the processing of the information processing device of this embodiment is explained.

[0113] Step S100 is the same as that of the first embodiment. After the processing of step S100 is completed, the processor 110 advances the processing to step S105.

[0114] In step S105, the processor 110 performs a layer structure determination process for determining the layer structure of the base layer through the function of the determination unit 111b. Figure 10 , the details of the layer structure determination process are explained.

[0115] In step S200, processor 110, through the function of determination unit 111b, obtains the initial values ​​of the base layer structure indicated by printing conditions 130b as temporary values ​​of the layer structure, or temporary structure. Based on image data 130a and printing conditions 130b, processor 110 obtains print image data for printing image layer B indicated by image data 130a at the image layer resolution indicated by printing conditions 130b. In this embodiment, the print image data indicates what type of paint should be applied at what pixel, at what image resolution, and with what amount of paint droplets in the print area on the print medium.

[0116] The processor 110 obtains the image resolution and white material concentration in the temporary structure's white layer A based on the temporary structure. The processor 110 then obtains the paint droplet amount, image resolution, and concentration corresponding to the white material and the white layer A indicated by the printing conditions 130b, based on the characteristic information 130c, and sets the transmittance corresponding to the back-incident light as transmittance α. Furthermore, the processor 110 obtains the image resolution and K material concentration in the temporary structure's black layer based on the temporary structure. Furthermore, the processor 110 obtains the paint droplet amount, image resolution, and concentration corresponding to the K material and the black layer indicated by the printing conditions 130b, based on the characteristic information 130c, and sets the transmittance corresponding to the back-incident light as transmittance β. Furthermore, the processor 110 obtains the image resolution and white material concentration in the temporary structure's white layer B based on the temporary structure. Then, the processor 110 obtains the white material, the amount of paint drop corresponding to the white layer B indicated by the printing conditions 130b, the obtained image resolution, the obtained density, and the transmittance corresponding to the back-side incident light based on the characteristic information 130c, and sets it as transmittance γ.

[0117] In addition, the processor 110 selects a rectangular selection area of ​​a predetermined size from the image layer B printed on the printing area. Figure 12The process of calculating the transmittance of the C image in the selected area in this embodiment will be described. Based on the printed image data of image layer B, processor 110 derives the ratio of the number of dots coated with the C color material using the same paint droplet amount relative to the total number of dots in the selected area as the density of the C image for each paint droplet amount in the selected area. More specifically, based on characteristic information 130c, processor 110 obtains the transmittance corresponding to the C color material, the "small" paint droplet amount, the image resolution of image layer B, the density of the C image in the selected area with a "small" paint droplet amount (an image formed by the C color material applied with a "small" paint droplet amount), and back-incident light, and sets this as the transmittance of the C image in the selected area with a "small" paint droplet amount for back-incident light. Furthermore, based on the characteristic information 130c, the processor 110 obtains the transmittance corresponding to the C color material, the "medium" paint drop volume, the image resolution of the image layer B, the density of the C image with the "medium" paint drop volume in the selected area, and the back-incident light, and sets this as the transmittance of the C image with the "medium" paint drop volume in the selected area for back-incident light. Furthermore, based on the characteristic information 130c, the processor 110 obtains the transmittance corresponding to the C color material, the "large" paint drop volume, the image resolution of the image layer B, the density of the C image with the "large" paint drop volume in the selected area, and the back-incident light, and sets this as the transmittance of the C image with the "large" paint drop volume in the selected area for back-incident light. The processor 110 then multiplies the obtained transmittances of the C images with the "small," "medium," and "large" paint drop volumes in the selected area to derive the transmittance of the C image with the "large" paint drop volume in the selected area for back-incident light.

[0118] Similar to the C image of the selected area, the processor 110 also derives the transmittance for the back-incident light for each of the M image, the Y image, and the K image.

[0119] Then, the processor 110 derives the transmittance of the selected area with respect to the back-side incident light by multiplying the transmittances of the C image, M image, Y image, and K image of the selected area with respect to the back-side incident light.

[0120] Processor 110 again selects an unselected rectangular area of ​​a predetermined size from image layer B as a selected area, and derives the transmittance of the selected area for back-incident light. Processor 110 repeats the above process until the transmittance of all rectangular areas of a predetermined size included in image layer B for back-incident light has been derived. Processor 110 determines the maximum transmittance among the derived transmittances and sets this as the transmittance δ of image layer B.

[0121] The processor 110 derives the transmittance R by multiplying the transmittances α, β, γ, and δ.

[0122] Furthermore, processor 110 determines whether image layer A or image layer B is light-colored based on the type and concentration of the paint used in forming each of image layers A and B. More specifically, processor 110 obtains printed image data for image layer A in the same manner as it obtains printed image data for image layer B. Based on the printed image data for image layer A, processor 110 determines the type of paint used in forming image layer A. Based on the printed image data for image layer A, processor 110 determines the concentration of each of the identified types of paint in image layer A at each paint drop size. In this embodiment, the storage medium 130 pre-stores information on the correspondence between the concentration of each type of paint within the image at each paint drop size used in forming the image and whether the image is light-colored. Based on the type of paint used in forming image layer A, the concentration of each type of paint at each paint drop size, and this correspondence information, processor 110 determines whether image layer A is light-colored. Similarly, the processor 110 also determines whether the image layer B is light in color.

[0123] After completing the process of step S200 , the processor 110 proceeds to step S205 .

[0124] The processes from step S205 to step S215 are the same as those in the first embodiment. After the process of step S215 is completed, the processor 110 advances the process to step S220.

[0125] In step S220, processor 110, through the function of decision unit 111b, re-derives transmittances α to γ ​​based on the temporary configuration adjusted in previous steps S210 and S215. Processor 110 then multiplies the derived transmittances α to γ ​​by transmittance δ, and derives the resulting value as transmittance R. After completing step S220, processor 110 proceeds to step S205.

[0126] The processing of step S225 is the same as that of the first embodiment. After the processing of step S225 is completed, the processor 110 ends Figure 10 and proceeds to step S110.

[0127] In step S110, processor 110, through the functions of print control unit 111c, generates print data for use in printing the printing layer by printing device 200 based on image data 130a and print conditions 130b. At this point, processor 110 determines the amount of paint droplets to be applied to each pixel of each layer of the printing layer and includes information on the determined amount of paint droplets in the print data. After completing step S110, processor 110 proceeds to step S115.

[0128] The process of step S115 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0129] As described above, with the configuration of this embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 can determine the transmittance of the base layer even when the amount of paint ejected to each pixel by the printing apparatus 200 is not constant.

[0130] (3) Other implementation methods:

[0131] The above embodiment is an example for implementing the present invention, and various other embodiments can be adopted. For example, although in each of the above embodiments, the information processing device 100 and the printing device 200 are composed of different devices, they can also be composed of the same device. For example, the various functions of the information processing device 100 can also be installed on the printing device 200. In addition, the information processing device 100 can also be composed of multiple devices. In addition, Figure 10 The processing order of the flowchart shown may also be different. For example, the processing order of steps S210 and S215 may also be replaced.

[0132] In each of the above embodiments, the processor 110 obtains a value specified by the user as the specified transmittance value. However, the processor 110 may also obtain another value as the specified transmittance value. For example, the processor 110 may obtain a specified transmittance value used in a previous printing operation as the specified transmittance value.

[0133] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the printing device 200 performs printing using a C-color material, an M-color material, a Y-color material, a K-color material, and a white material. However, the printing device 200 may perform printing without using some of the C-color material, the M-color material, the Y-color material, the K-color material, and the white material, and may also perform printing using other coating materials such as coating materials for achieving surface effects (e.g., clear ink, varnish, etc.).

[0134] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the printed layer is composed of an image layer A, a base layer, and an image layer B. However, the printed layer may have other structures. For example, the printed layer may not include either image layer A or image layer B, but may instead consist of the other image layer and a base layer. Furthermore, the printed layer may include other layers. For example, the printed layer may include a layer formed of a transparent ink on at least one of the front side of image layer A and the back side of image layer B.

[0135] In addition, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the base layer is composed of two white layers (white layers A and B) and a black layer arranged between the two white layers. However, the base layer may also have other structures. For example, the base layer may also be composed of any one of a white layer and a black layer. For example, in the case where black is desired as the background of the image layers A and B, the base layer may not include a white layer. In addition, in the case where it is assumed that the intensity of light incident on the printing medium is such that the white layer alone can fully block the light, the base layer may not include a black layer. In addition, the base layer may also include layers other than the black layer and the white layer. For example, the base layer may also include a layer formed of a transparent ink. In addition, from the perspective of aesthetics, when it is necessary to set the background of the image layer to a color different from white and black (for example, red, blue, etc.), the base layer may also include a layer formed of a color material of that color.

[0136] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, processor 110 determines the layer structure of the base layer so that the transmittance of the layer formed by combining image layer B and base layer with respect to back-incident light falls within a range corresponding to a specified transmittance value. However, processor 110 may also determine the layer structure of the base layer so that the transmittance of other layers, including the base layer, with respect to back-incident light falls within a range corresponding to a specified transmittance value. For example, processor 110 may determine the layer structure of the base layer by obtaining a specified transmittance value for back-incident light for the entire printed layer as the specified transmittance value and determining the layer structure of the base layer so that the transmittance of the entire printed layer with respect to back-incident light falls within a range corresponding to the specified transmittance value. In such a case, processor 110 may simply multiply the transmittance of each layer of the base layer with respect to back-incident light, the transmittance of image layer B with respect to back-incident light, and the transmittance of image layer A with respect to back-incident light to determine the transmittance of the entire printed layer with respect to back-incident light.

[0137] Alternatively, the processor 110 may obtain a specified value of the transmittance of the base layer with respect to back-incident light and determine the layer structure of the base layer so that the transmittance of the base layer with respect to back-incident light is within a range corresponding to the specified value.

[0138] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the processor 110 determines the layer structure of the base layer so that the transmittance of the layers including the base layer for back-side incident light falls within a range corresponding to a specified value. However, the information processing device 100 may also determine the layer structure of the base layer so that the transmittance of the layers including the base layer for front-side incident light falls within a range corresponding to a specified value. For example, the processor 110 may obtain a specified value for the transmittance of the layer comprising the image layer A and the base layer, and determine the layer structure of the base layer so that the transmittance of the layer comprising the image layer A and the base layer for front-side incident light falls within a range corresponding to the specified value. Alternatively, the processor 110 may obtain a specified value for the transmittance of the entire printed layer for front-side incident light as the specified transmittance value, and determine the layer structure of the base layer so that the transmittance of the entire printed layer for front-side incident light falls within a range corresponding to the specified transmittance value. In addition, the processor 110 can also obtain a specified value of the transmittance of the base layer for the incident light on the front side as a specified transmittance value, and determine the layer structure of the base layer in a manner so that the transmittance of the base layer for the incident light on the front side is within a range corresponding to the specified transmittance value.

[0139] Alternatively, the processor 110 may obtain both a specified value for the transmittance of a first layer (e.g., the base layer + image layer B, the entire printed layer, etc.) including the base layer for back-side incident light and a specified value for the transmittance of a second layer (e.g., the base layer + image layer A, the entire printed layer, etc.) including the base layer, and determine the layer structure of the base layer as follows. Specifically, the processor 110 may determine the layer structure of the base layer such that the transmittance of the first layer for back-side incident light falls within a range corresponding to the specified value for the transmittance of the first layer for back-side incident light, and the transmittance of the second layer for front-side incident light falls within a range corresponding to the specified value for the transmittance of the second layer for front-side incident light.

[0140] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the processor 110 calculates the transmittance of the layer formed by combining the base layer of the temporary structure and the image layer B, and when the calculated transmittance is outside the range corresponding to the specified transmittance value, the temporary structure is adjusted in the following manner. That is, the information processing device 100 adjusts the image resolution of each layer of the base layer of the temporary structure and the concentration of each layer respectively. However, the adjusted temporary structure is determined as the layer structure of the base layer. However, the processor 110 may also adjust the temporary structure of the base layer by other methods. For example, the processor 110 may also adjust either the image resolution of each layer of the base layer of the temporary structure or the concentration of each layer, without adjusting the other. In addition, the processor 110 may also adjust the concentration of each layer of the base layer of the temporary structure by increasing a portion and decreasing a portion.

[0141] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the processor 110 derives the transmittance of the selected area with the highest transmittance among the selected areas selected from the image layer B as the transmittance δ of the image layer B. However, the processor 110 may also derive other transmittances as the transmittance δ of the image layer B. For example, the processor 110 may derive a statistical value (e.g., an average value) of the transmittances of multiple selected areas selected from the image layer B as the transmittance δ of the image layer B. Furthermore, the processor 110 may derive the transmittance of the selected area with the lowest transmittance among the selected areas selected from the image layer B as the transmittance δ of the image layer B.

[0142] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the processor 110 determines whether an image layer is light-colored based on the concentration of each coating material used to form the image layer within the entire image layer for each image layer A and image layer B. However, the processor 110 may also determine whether an image layer is light-colored based on the concentration of each coating material in a partial region within the image layer. Alternatively, the processor 110 may determine whether an image layer is light-colored based on an indicator different from the concentration of each coating material used to form the image layer within the image layer for each image layer A and image layer B. For example, the processor 110 may determine whether an image layer is light-colored based on the brightness of the image layer for each image layer A and image layer B. For example, the processor 110 may determine whether an image layer is light-colored based on the brightness of the image layer for each image layer A and image layer B when the brightness of a region within the image layer (e.g., an arbitrary partial region, the entire region, etc.) is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0143] Furthermore, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the black layer is formed of a K-color material. However, in addition to the K-color material, the black layer may also be formed of a C-color material, an M-color material, and a Y-color material of the same concentration. In such a case, the processor 110 only needs to calculate the transmittance of the black layer for a predetermined light in the following manner. In this case, the black layer is divided into a C image, an M image, a Y image, and a K image formed by the C-color material, the M-color material, the Y-color material, and the K-color material, respectively. Therefore, the processor 110 only needs to derive the transmittance of the C image, the M image, the Y image, and the K image in the black layer for a predetermined light and multiply the derived transmittances to calculate the transmittance of the black layer for a predetermined light.

[0144] Furthermore, in each of the aforementioned embodiments, the processor 110 obtains the transmittance corresponding to the image resolution and coating concentration of each layer based on pre-prepared characteristic information 130c, thereby determining the transmittance of each layer for a given light. However, the processor 110 may also determine the transmittance of each layer using other methods. For example, the processor 110 may determine the transmittance of each layer for a given light using a pre-machined relationship model between the image resolution of each layer, the coating concentration of each layer, and the transmittance of each layer for a given light.

[0145] In addition, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the concentration is the ratio of the number of pixels coated with paint to the number of all pixels in the target area. However, the concentration may also be other indicators. For example, the concentration may also be the ratio of the area of ​​the region coated with paint to the area of ​​the target area. In this case, for example, if correspondence information between the amount of paint applied to a pixel and the area occupied by this amount of paint on the printing medium is prepared in advance, the processor 110 may also be set as follows. That is, the processor 110 determines the pixels of the target paint to be applied and the amount of paint to be applied to each pixel based on the pixels of the target area. Then, the processor 110 determines the area occupied by the paint in each determined pixel based on the correspondence information between the amount of paint and the area prepared in advance, and sets the total of the determined areas as the area occupied by the target paint in the target area. The processor 110 may also calculate the ratio of this area to the entire target area as the concentration of the paint in the target area.

[0146] In the second embodiment, the processor 110 adjusts the temporary structure by adjusting the image resolution and density of each layer of the base layer, as in the first embodiment. However, the processor 110 may also adjust the amount of paint droplets in each layer of the base layer as a means of adjusting the temporary structure.

[0147] In addition, the present invention can also be applied as a program or method executed by a computer. In addition, there are cases where the system, program, or method as described above is implemented as a separate device, or there are cases where it is implemented using components possessed by multiple devices, including various methods. In addition, it can be appropriately changed in a manner such as one part is software and one part is hardware. Moreover, the invention is also established even as a recording medium for a program that controls the system. Of course, the recording medium for the program can be either a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor memory, and any recording medium developed in the future can be considered in exactly the same way.

[0148] The above-described embodiments are not intended to limit the invention. The embodiments include a plurality of inventions having different effects, so a single problem or effect read from the embodiments is not necessarily a problem or effect for all inventions included in the embodiments.

[0149] Explanation of symbols

[0150] 100…information processing device; 110…control unit; 111…printing control program; 111a…acquisition unit; 111b…determination unit; 111c…printing control unit; 120…communication unit; 130…storage medium; 130a…image data; 130b…printing conditions; 130c…characteristic information; 140…UI unit; 200…printing device; 210…control unit; 211…printing execution program; 211a…printing execution unit; 220…communication unit; 230…storage medium; 240…printing head; 241…ejection unit; 242…irradiation unit.

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: an acquiring unit configured to acquire a specified value of transmittance of one or more layers, including a base layer, included in a plurality of stacked layers printed on a print medium having a front surface and a back surface, the plurality of layers including an image layer and the base layer serving as a base for the image layer, the image layer including one or both of a first image layer printed so as to be visually recognized from the front surface of the print medium and a second image layer printed so as to be visually recognized from the back surface of the print medium; A determination unit determines a layer structure as a structure of the base layer based on the designated value acquired by the acquisition unit.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein The acquisition unit acquires the designated values ​​of transmittance of the one or more layers with respect to predetermined light assumed to be incident on the plurality of layers. The determination unit determines the layer structure based on the designated value acquired by the acquisition unit and the transmittance of each layer formed of the coating material used to form each of the one or more layers with respect to the predetermined light.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The coating material used in forming each of the plurality of layers is ejected from a printing head used for printing the plurality of layers. The layer structure indicates the image resolution of each layer of the base layer.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein The coating material used for forming each of the plurality of layers is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet rays.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The base layer is used as one or more of a light-shielding layer for shielding light and an auxiliary layer for assisting color development of the image layer. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein: The base layer includes one or more of a white layer which is a white layer and a black layer which is a black layer.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: The base layer includes the white layer and the black layer, The determination unit determines the layer structure of the white layer serving as a base of the image layer based on the color of the image layer.

8. An information processing method, which is performed by an information processing device, The information processing method includes: an obtaining step of obtaining a specified value of transmittance of one or more layers including a base layer included in a plurality of stacked layers printed on a print medium having a front surface and a back surface, the plurality of layers including an image layer and the base layer serving as a base for the image layer, the image layer including one or both of a first image layer printed so as to be visually recognized from the front surface of the print medium and a second image layer printed so as to be visually recognized from the back surface of the print medium; A determining step of determining a layer structure as a structure of the base layer based on the designated value acquired in the acquiring step.

9. A recording medium having a program recorded thereon, the program causing a computer to execute the following steps: an obtaining step of obtaining a specified value of transmittance of one or more layers including a base layer included in a plurality of stacked layers printed on a print medium having a front surface and a back surface, the plurality of layers including an image layer and the base layer serving as a base for the image layer, the image layer including one or both of a first image layer printed so as to be visually recognized from the front surface of the print medium and a second image layer printed so as to be visually recognized from the back surface of the print medium; A determining step of determining a layer structure as a structure of the base layer based on the designated value acquired in the acquiring step.

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