Printing system, production method of a copy, and recording medium

Abstract

This invention provides a printing system, a method for producing a copy, and a recording medium. The printing system of this invention includes: a scanner that scans a pattern on the surface of a three-dimensional object; a selection unit that selects a three-dimensional printing medium corresponding to the three-dimensional object based on the scan data; and a printing unit that forms a pattern based on the scan data on the surface of the selected printing medium, thereby reproducing the three-dimensional object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printing system and a method for producing reproductions. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a technique for printing on the surface of a three-dimensional object using a multi-joint robot was known (e.g., Patent Document 1).

[0003] There is a desire for a technology that improves user convenience when replicating three-dimensional objects with patterns on their surfaces.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-106474 Summary of the Invention

[0005] A printing system for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: a scanner that scans a pattern on the surface of a three-dimensional object; a selection unit that selects a three-dimensional printing medium corresponding to the three-dimensional object based on the scan data; a generation unit that generates printing data based on the scan data; and a printing unit that forms a pattern based on the printing data on the surface of the selected printing medium, thereby reproducing the three-dimensional object.

[0006] A method for producing a replica to solve the above-mentioned problem includes: scanning a pattern on the surface of a three-dimensional object; selecting a three-dimensional printing medium corresponding to the three-dimensional object based on the scanning data; generating printing data based on the scanning data; and forming a pattern based on the printing data on the surface of the selected printing medium, thereby producing a replica of the three-dimensional object. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the printing system.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the server.

[0009] Figure 3 A graph representing an example of inventory data.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of the terminal.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the scanner.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a printer.

[0013] Figure 7 A sequence diagram for the copying process. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order.

[0015] (1) Structure of the printing system:

[0016] (1-1) Server structure:

[0017] (1-2) Terminal structure:

[0018] (1-3) Structure of the scanner:

[0019] (1-4) The structure of a printer:

[0020] (2) Copying process:

[0021] (3) Other implementation methods:

[0022] (1) Structure of the printing system:

[0023] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an example of a printing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The printing system 1 includes: a server 10, a terminal 20, a printer 30, and a scanner 40. The number of devices illustrated is an example, and the number is not limited. For example, the number of terminals 20, marked as multiple, is not limited to [number missing]. Figure 1 The number of devices illustrated, labeled as one (server 10), one (scanner 40), and one (printer 30), can also be multiple. These devices are capable of communicating with each other via a network. The network can be of various types, including a local area network (LAN), or a network such as the Internet, allowing devices located in physically separate places to communicate with each other.

[0024] In this embodiment, as an example, terminal 20, printer 30, and scanner 40 are installed in a shop such as a photo studio or grocery store. Terminal 20 includes a terminal used by the shop's employees (employee terminal 22) and a terminal with printer drivers installed on each printer 30 (printing control terminal 23). Alternatively, these devices can, of course, be implemented using the same apparatus. In this shop, a service is provided to create replicas of media (such as mugs or smartphone cases) with patterns already formed on them. Specifically, the patterned three-dimensional object is scanned using scanner 40, and a printing medium with a high degree of consistency in shape (color) with the three-dimensional object is selected from the shop's inventory data. The pattern on the surface of the three-dimensional object is then formed on the selected printing medium. The patterned three-dimensional object can, for example, be an item brought into the shop by a customer. Furthermore, in this application, "reproduction" is not limited to creating an exact replica, but also includes creating similar items.

[0025] In this embodiment, the printer 30 is a sublimation transfer printer, and a press for sublimation transfer of the image printed on the sublimation transfer paper by the printer 30 is also provided in the store (e.g., a mug press for transferring images onto the surface of cylindrical objects such as mugs, a press for transferring images onto smartphone covers, etc.).

[0026] The structure of each device in the printing system 1 used to implement the above-described copying service will now be described.

[0027] (1-1) Server structure:

[0028] Figure 2 The diagram below shows the structure of server 10. Server 10 includes a processor 10a, a communication unit 10b, and non-volatile memory 10c. Processor 10a includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), or RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. (not shown), and is capable of executing various programs recorded in non-volatile memory 10c and controlling various parts of server 10 or various devices connected to the network. Furthermore, processor 10a can be composed of a single chip or multiple chips, or it can be configured as a SoC (System-on-Chip) together with various functional modules that enable printer operation. Alternatively, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) can be used instead of a CPU, or a structure can be constructed in which the CPU and ASIC work together. In the case where each device in this embodiment has a processor, the processor, like processor 10a, can be implemented in various ways.

[0029] The communication unit 10b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The server 10 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 10b. Additionally, the communication unit 10b may also include an interface for communicating with various removable storage devices installed on the server 10.

[0030] Various types of information are stored in the non-volatile memory 10c of server 10. For example, inventory data 10c3 is recorded. Inventory data 10c3 represents the inventory quantity of each type of printed media processed in the store. Figure 3 Here is a diagram representing an example of inventory data 10c3. In this embodiment, as... Figure 3As shown, the printed media are identified by their product numbers, and for each printed media, the dimensions or colors of each part of the printed media and the quantity in stock in the store are recorded.

[0031] Furthermore, the non-volatile memory 10c stores scan data 10c2 representing the reading results of the scanner 40. The scan data 10c2 includes data representing the shape (dimensions of each part) of the scanned three-dimensional object's outline and data representing the pattern of the object's surface. The data representing the surface pattern also includes background areas where no pattern has been formed. Further, the non-volatile memory 10c stores printing data 10c1 generated based on the scan data 10c2. In this embodiment, the printing data 10c1 is an image of the surface pattern of the three-dimensional object arranged on a single plane, and is an image of the object printed on sublimation transfer paper.

[0032] In this embodiment, the processor 10a functions as a selection unit 10a1, which selects a three-dimensional printing medium corresponding to a three-dimensional object based on scan data 10c2. Furthermore, the processor 10a functions as a generation unit 10a2, which generates printing data 10c1 based on the scan data 10c2. Additionally, the processor 10a functions as a printing unit 10a3, which forms a pattern based on the printing data on the surface of the selected printing medium and reproduces the three-dimensional object. Details will be described later.

[0033] (1-2) Terminal structure:

[0034] Figure 4 The diagram below shows the structure of terminal 20. Terminal 20 includes a processor 20a, a communication unit 20b, a non-volatile memory 20c, a display 20d, and an input unit 20e. The processor 20a includes a CPU, ROM, or RAM (not shown), and is capable of executing various programs recorded in the non-volatile memory 20c and controlling the various parts of terminal 20.

[0035] The communication unit 20b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The terminal 20 can communicate with other devices via the communication unit 20b. Furthermore, the communication unit 20b includes an interface for communicating with various removable storage devices installed on the terminal 20.

[0036] The display 20d is a display device that displays any image. The input unit 20e is a device for users to perform input operations, such as a keyboard or mouse, a touch panel, etc. In short, the user (customer or salesperson) can operate the input unit 20e while visually confirming the image or text displayed on the display 20d, thereby inputting the user's intention.

[0037] The sales clerk scans the 3D object using scanner 40. The scanned data is sent from scanner 40 to server 10 and recorded in non-volatile memory 10c. The sales clerk can operate the sales terminal 22 to select the scanned data 10c2 stored on server 10 via a website provided by server 10, and instruct the selection of a 3D printing medium corresponding to the scanned object. Server 10 provides suggestions to the sales clerk by displaying the product number of the selected printing medium based on scanned data 10c2 via the website. This suggestion allows the sales clerk to identify the product number of the printing medium used to reproduce the 3D object. The sales clerk specifies the number of copies to be printed based on scanned data 10c2 stored on server 10 via the website and instructs printing to proceed. Server 10 generates print data 10c1 based on scanned data 10c2 and sends a print instruction to print control terminal 23. The print instruction includes printer identification information 30, number of copies, print data (image of the object to be printed), print settings, etc.

[0038] When the printing control terminal 23 receives a printing instruction from the server 10 via the communication unit 20b, it executes the printer driver, thereby converting the image of the printing data into the printing format of the designated printer 30 based on the specified printing settings, and outputting the converted data along with the number of copies to the printer 30.

[0039] (1-3) Structure of the scanner:

[0040] Figure 5 The diagram below shows the structure of the scanner 40. The scanner 40 includes a processor 40a, a communication unit 40b, a non-volatile memory 40c, a reading unit 40d, and a UI (User Interface) unit 40e. The processor 40a includes a CPU, ROM, or RAM (not shown), and is capable of executing various programs recorded in the non-volatile memory 40c, and controlling the various parts of the scanner 40.

[0041] The communication unit 40b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The scanner 40 can communicate with other devices via this communication unit 40b. Additionally, the communication unit 40b may also include an interface for communicating with various removable memories mounted on the scanner 40.

[0042] The reading unit 40d is a part that reads the shape of the outline of a three-dimensional object and the pattern of its surface, and can be of various types, such as fixed or portable. In this embodiment, the reading unit 40d includes, for example, a stage on which the three-dimensional object to be scanned is placed and rotated, an actuator or mechanical component for rotating the stage, an illumination unit for irradiating light (e.g., laser, LED, etc.) onto the three-dimensional object placed on the stage, and a sensor for reading the reflected light. The processor 30a generates data representing the 3D shape of the three-dimensional object and scan data including data representing the pattern of the surface based on the data generated by the reading unit 40d.

[0043] The UI unit 40e includes a touch panel display, various keys or switches, etc. The touch panel display has a display panel that displays various information, such as the status of the scanner 40, and a touch detection panel overlapping the display panel, and detects touch operations. The processor 40a can obtain the employee's operation content through the UI unit 40e. Furthermore, the processor 40a can display various information on the UI unit 40e's display and notify the employee.

[0044] In this embodiment, the scanner 40 is installed in a shop such as a photo studio or a general store, and scans three-dimensional objects such as mugs or smartphone cases according to the operation of the shop assistant. The processor 40a of the scanner 40 sends the scan data as the scan result to the server 10 via the communication unit 40b. The server 10 stores the scan data 10c2.

[0045] (1-4) The structure of a printer:

[0046] Figure 6 The diagram below shows the structure of printer 30. Printer 30 includes a processor 30a, a communication unit 30b, a non-volatile memory 30c, a printing unit 30d, and a user interface unit 30e. The processor 30a includes a CPU, ROM, or RAM (not shown), and is capable of executing various programs recorded in the non-volatile memory 30c and controlling the various parts of printer 30.

[0047] The communication unit 30b includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The printer 30 can communicate with other devices via this communication unit 30b. Additionally, the communication unit 30b may also include an interface for communicating with various removable storage devices installed in the printer 30.

[0048] The printing unit 30d is a part that directly or indirectly prints onto the surface of a three-dimensional printing medium, and various methods can be used. In this embodiment, a sublimation transfer method is hypothetical. That is, the printing unit 30d sprays ink for sublimation transfer onto sublimation transfer paper to form an image. The shop assistant uses a press (not shown) to press the sublimation transfer paper with the image formed onto the surface of a three-dimensional printing medium such as a mug or smartphone case, and transfers the image onto the surface of the three-dimensional printing medium. The printing unit 30d includes actuators or various devices, sensors, drive circuits, mechanical parts, etc., for performing printing on various media. Sensors include sensors in the printer 30 that detect various detectable objects that can change. The detectable objects are not limited; for example, sensors that detect the remaining amount of the medium, or sensors that detect the remaining amount of ink of each color used in printing, etc., can be listed.

[0049] The UI unit 30e includes a touch panel display, various keys or switches, etc. The touch panel display has a display panel that shows various information, such as the status of printer 30 or the remaining ink level, and a touch detection panel superimposed on the display panel, and detects touch operations. The processor 30a can obtain the employee's operation content through the UI unit 30e. Furthermore, the processor 30a can display various information on the UI unit 30e's display and notify the employee.

[0050] In this embodiment, the printer 30 is installed in a shop such as a photo studio or grocery store, and performs printing based on customer orders and printing instructions from the shop assistant. The processor 30a of the printer 30 acquires data converted into printed format via the communication unit 30b, and controls the printing unit 30d based on this data to perform printing. When printing is finished, the processor 30a outputs information indicating that printing has ended via the communication unit 30b. When the server 10 acquires this information via the communication unit 10b, the processor 10a of the server 10 updates the progress information of the completed printing data 10c1 to "completed". Furthermore, the server 10 also updates the inventory quantity of the printed media by subtracting the number of completed prints from the inventory quantity.

[0051] (2) Copying process:

[0052] Figure 7 The following is a sequence diagram of the copying process. First, according to the scanning instructions from the salesperson, the scanner 40 scans the three-dimensional object (step S100). That is, when the salesperson places the three-dimensional object on the table of the scanner 40 and instructs to start scanning, the processor 40a of the scanner 40 controls the reading unit 40d to scan the three-dimensional object and generate scan data 10c2. The processor 40a sends the scan data 10c2 from the scanner 40 to the server 10 via the communication unit 40b.

[0053] When server 10 receives scan data 10c2 from scanner 40, it records it in non-volatile memory 10c. Processor 10a, through the function of selection unit 10a1, obtains the scan data 10c2 newly recorded in non-volatile memory 10c (step S105) and analyzes the scan data 10c2 (step S110). Specifically, processor 10a, based on data representing the shape of the three-dimensional object, classifies the three-dimensional object into categories (refer to...). Figure 3 The processor 10a performs identification. It compares the dimensions of each part of the three-dimensional object represented by the scan data 10c2 with the dimensions of each part of each printed medium in the inventory data 10c3. Furthermore, based on data representing the pattern on the surface of the three-dimensional object, it obtains the background color of the surface of the three-dimensional object. Depending on the type of the three-dimensional object, areas where no image is formed are predetermined, and the processor 10a uses the color of these areas as the background color of the three-dimensional object. For example, in the case of a mug, the inside or bottom of the mug is predetermined as the scanning area for obtaining the background color; in the case of a smartphone case, the surface in contact with the smartphone body is predetermined as the scanning area for obtaining the background color. The processor 10a obtains the color of these areas as the background color and compares it with the colors of each medium in the inventory data 10c3. Then, the processor 10a specifically assigns the product number of the printed medium with the highest consistency in shape and color.

[0054] Furthermore, for processor 10a, in the context of a three-dimensional object and a printing medium, the smaller the difference in dimensions between the parts, the higher the consistency of the shape. By selecting a printing medium with higher shape consistency, the accuracy of reproducing the three-dimensional object from a shape perspective can be improved, and the time and effort required for shop assistants to select printing media with higher shape consistency from the printing media being processed can be reduced. Additionally, for processor 10a, in the context of a three-dimensional object and a printing medium, the smaller the difference in background color (color distance) between the two, the higher the color consistency. By selecting a printing medium with higher color consistency, the accuracy of reproducing the three-dimensional object from a color perspective can be improved, and the time and effort required for shop assistants to select printing media with higher background color consistency from the printing media being processed can be reduced.

[0055] When a salesperson operates the salesperson terminal 22 and selects the scan data 10c2 displayed on the website that indicates the selection of printing media (step S115), the processor 10a of the server 10, through the function of the selection unit 10a1, determines whether there is stock of the printing media with the highest consistency in shape and color with the selected scan data 10c2 (step S120). That is, the processor 10a refers to the inventory data 10c3 to determine whether there is stock of the printing media with the product number specifically specified in step S110. The processor 10a can determine that there is stock if the inventory quantity is 1 or more, or if there is stock of the order quantity of the replica. By selecting a three-dimensional printing media corresponding to the three-dimensional object from the stocked printing media, the possibility of quickly providing the customer with a replica of the three-dimensional object can be improved.

[0056] In step S120, if it is determined that there is stock, the processor 10a uses the function of the selection unit 10a1 to display the GUI (Graphical User Interface) that suggests using the printing medium with the highest consistency (step S125). That is, the processor 10a sends display data guiding the product number of the printing medium with the highest consistency to the sales staff terminal 22 via the communication unit 10b, and displays it on the display of the sales staff terminal 22.

[0057] In step S120, if no stock is determined, the processor 10a uses the function of the selection unit 10a1 to display a GUI suggesting the use of a stocked printing medium with high shape consistency or high color consistency (step S130). If a stocked printing medium has a shape consistency high enough to meet a predetermined benchmark, the processor 10a sends display data to the sales terminal 22 guiding the selection of the product number of the printing medium with the highest consistency. Here, the predetermined benchmark related to shape consistency is, for example, that the dimensional difference between parts is below a predetermined value. The predetermined value is a value pre-defined according to the type of printing medium. For example, the predetermined value for a smartphone case may be less than the predetermined value for a mug, and is a value representing an assumed degree of measurement error. In the absence of a printable medium with a shape consistency high enough to meet a predetermined benchmark and which is in stock, processor 10a specifically designates the printable medium with the highest color and shape consistency among the stocked printable media and sends display data guiding the display of the printable medium's product number to the sales staff terminal 22. That is, if processor 10a does not have a printable medium with both the highest shape and the highest background color consistency with the three-dimensional object in stock, it prioritizes the printable medium with the highest shape consistency with the three-dimensional object among the stocked printable media, compared to the printable medium with the highest background color consistency with the three-dimensional object.

[0058] If the clerk agrees to use the printing medium with the product number suggested in step S125 or step S130, the clerk operates the clerk terminal 22 to designate the printer 30 and issue a printing instruction. As a result, the processor 20a of the clerk terminal 22 sends the printing instruction to the server 10 (step S135). Alternatively, if the clerk does not want to use the printing medium with the product number suggested in step S125 or step S130 and wants to perform printing on other printing media, the clerk will designate the printer 30 and issue a printing instruction after operating the clerk terminal 22 to change the printing medium to the desired printing medium.

[0059] When a printing instruction is received from the sales clerk terminal 22, the processor 10a of the server 10 generates printing data through the function of the generation unit 10a2 and sends the printing instruction (step S140). That is, upon receiving the printing instruction from the sales clerk terminal 22, the processor 10a generates printing data based on the scanned data 10c2. More specifically, the processor 10a converts the data representing the pattern of the surface in the scanned data 10c2 into an image on the same plane, performs resolution conversion by printing at the size of the printing target area of ​​the surface of the selected printing medium, and performs color conversion to make the result printed on the background color of the printing medium consistent with the color of the pattern of the surface in the scanned data 10c2, thereby generating the printing data. Alternatively, it can be configured so that the sales clerk or customer can fine-tune the printing data via the sales clerk terminal 22. After generating the printing data, the processor 10a sends the printing instruction from the selected printer 30 to the printing control terminal 23. The server 10 transfers the printer identification information or printing data (image of the printing object), number of copies, and printing settings of the output destination printer to the printing control terminal 23.

[0060] The printing control terminal 23 receives a printing instruction from the server 10 and sends the printing instruction to the designated printer 30 (step S145). That is, the printing control terminal 23, through the printer driver, converts the printing data (image of the printing object) into data suitable for printing in the designated printer 30 based on the printing settings, and sends it to the printer 30. The printer 30 performs printing based on the data sent from the printing control terminal 23 (step S150). The printer 30 sends printing progress information to the server 10 via the printing control terminal 23. When printing is finished, the printer 30 sends progress information indicating printing completion to the server 10 via the printing control terminal 23. The processor 10a of the server 10 updates the progress information of the printing data 10c1 and the inventory data 10c3.

[0061] In this embodiment, server 10 causes printer 30 for sublimation transfer to print on sublimation transfer paper. The clerk places a printing medium with a product number suggested to and agreed upon by server 10 on a press (not shown) corresponding to the printing medium, and by pressing the printed sublimation transfer paper onto the surface of the printing medium, a pattern based on the printing data is formed on the surface of the printing medium.

[0062] As described above, according to this embodiment, user convenience can be improved when reproducing three-dimensional objects with patterns on their surfaces. That is, it reduces the time and effort required for shop assistants to select printing media with high consistency in shape or color. As a result, the possibility of wasting printing media due to printing errors is increased.

[0063] (3) Other implementation methods:

[0064] The above embodiments are examples for implementing the present invention; various other embodiments are also possible. For example, the type of printer shown in the above embodiments is merely one example; printers for forming images on the surface of three-dimensional printing media can also be used. For forming images on the surface of three-dimensional printing media, in addition to sublimation transfer, printers that print directly onto three-dimensional objects using robotic arms or the like can also be used. In the case of directly printing images onto the surface of three-dimensional printing media, a guide section can be provided to guide the selected medium to a position where the printer can print. Furthermore, different printers can be used for each type of printing medium.

[0065] Alternatively, the printer 30 and server 10 can be configured to exchange data without using the printing control terminal 23, omitting the printing control terminal 23. Alternatively, the scanner 40 and server 10 can exchange data via a terminal such as a PC. It is also possible to imagine a structure where the terminal or printer is not located in the store where customers visit. Alternatively, the terminal can be located in the store, the printer in the printing supplier's printing facility, and copies are delivered from the printing facility to the client. Furthermore, the terminal may not be located in the store, or it may be configured so that users can place orders, edit printing data, or give final printing instructions from various locations using a portable terminal.

[0066] The selection unit only needs to be able to automatically select a printing medium corresponding to the three-dimensional object based on scan data using a processor. It can also be configured to recommend a printing medium with the highest consistency in shape or background color. Alternatively, the processor can automatically select multiple types of printing media sequentially, starting with those with high consistency in shape or background color, or the user can choose from them. Whether recommending the medium with the highest consistency or multiple media, the selection can be made from printing media with a shape consistency high enough to meet a predetermined standard, or printing media with a background color consistency high enough to meet a predetermined standard. The predetermined standard related to background color consistency is, for example, when the distance between the background color of the three-dimensional object and the background color of the printing medium is below a predetermined value. It can also be configured to temporarily select and recommend the printing medium with the highest consistency, then receive a change instruction from the user and reselect the changed printing medium. By adopting this method, the user's (e.g., a shop assistant or customer's) wishes can be reflected and a reproduction produced. The following function can also be configured: instead of selecting the printing medium based on its consistency with the shape or color of the original three-dimensional object read from the scanned data, the selection is based on its consistency with the shape or color of the three-dimensional object after desired processing has been applied to it, and printing is performed with the desired shape or color. Desired processing refers to, for example, fading restoration processing or variable magnification processing. By pre-inputting the desired processing, reproduction with the desired processing can be easily performed. Furthermore, factors other than shape, background color, or stock quantity can be considered, and the processor can automatically select the corresponding three-dimensional printing medium based on the scanned data. Specifically, material or price can also be considered for selection.

[0067] While examples of printing media with inventory data including stock quantity and size or color have been given, the method of pre-storing this information is not limited. It is also possible to pre-store each data point on other storage media or other computers and collect data from them separately to select the printing media. Alternatively, instead of pre-storing the size or color directly, one can pre-store the scan data of the printing media obtained by scanning a 3D object. In this case, after generating the scan data under the same conditions as the scan data generated from scanning a 3D object, the consistency of shape or background color can be compared by comparing the scan data of the printing media and the scan data of the 3D object.

[0068] It can also be configured to select a three-dimensional printing medium corresponding to the three-dimensional object from the stock of printing media, or to select the medium with the highest consistency from the printing media being processed, regardless of whether it is in stock, and accept the order. It can also be configured to order the medium if the medium with the highest consistency is not in stock, and then carry out printing or transfer after receiving the medium. It can also be configured to allow the shop assistant to select any medium according to the customer's requirements.

[0069] The generation unit only needs to be able to generate printing data based on the scanned data. For example, even if the three-dimensional object being scanned has a first shape and a first background color, if there is no stock of printing media with the first shape and the first background color, a printing media with a second background color can be selected. Furthermore, if a pattern is formed directly on the surface of the three-dimensional object with a first background color, the generation unit can be configured to generate an image with the pattern arranged on a first background color as printing data. By adopting this method, even printing media with a background color different from the three-dimensional object can reproduce the pattern utilizing the background color of the three-dimensional object. Alternatively, the printing data can be configured to not include the background color of the three-dimensional object, and only include the pattern. It can also be configured such that the user can select either option.

[0070] This invention is valid even as an invention of a method for producing a replica of a three-dimensional object. That is, it is valid even as an invention of a method for producing a replica, which includes: scanning a pattern on the surface of a three-dimensional object; selecting a three-dimensional printing medium corresponding to the three-dimensional object based on the scan data; generating printing data based on the scan data; and forming a pattern based on the printing data on the surface of the selected printing medium, thereby producing a replica of the three-dimensional object.

[0071] Furthermore, the present invention can be applied even as a program or method executed by a computer. Moreover, the aforementioned systems, programs, and methods can be implemented either as a single device or using components of multiple devices, encompassing various methods. Furthermore, appropriate modifications can be made, such as making it partly software and partly hardware. Furthermore, the invention is also valid as a recording medium for a program that controls a system. Of course, the recording medium for this program can be a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor memory, and can be considered in the same way for any recording medium developed in the future.

[0072] Symbol Explanation

[0073] 1… Printing system; 10… Server; 10a… Processor; 10a1… Selection unit; 10a2… Generation unit; 10a3… Printing unit; 10b… Communication unit; 10c… Non-volatile memory; 10c1… Printing data; 10c2… Scanning data; 10c3… Inventory data; 20… Terminal; 20a… Processor; 20b… Communication unit; 20c… ​​Non-volatile memory; 20d… Display; 20e… Input unit; 22… Staff terminal; 23… Printing control terminal; 30… Printer; 30a… Processor; 30b… Communication unit; 30c… Non-volatile memory; 30d… Printing unit; 30e… UI unit; 40… Scanner; 40a… Processor; 40b… Communication unit; 40c… Non-volatile memory; 40d… ​​Reading unit; 40e… UI unit.

Claims

1. A printing system comprising: A scanner that scans the pattern on the surface of a three-dimensional object and the shape of the three-dimensional object, and obtains scan data including the pattern data of the surface of the three-dimensional object and the shape data of the three-dimensional object; The selection unit identifies the category of the three-dimensional object based on the shape data of the scanned data, and selects a three-dimensional printing medium corresponding to the three-dimensional object based on the category. The generation unit generates printing data based on the pattern data of the scanned data; The printing unit forms a pattern based on the scanned data on the surface of the selected printing medium and reproduces the three-dimensional object. The selection unit refers to inventory data and selects a three-dimensional printing medium corresponding to the three-dimensional object from the inventory of printing media.

2. The printing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The selection unit selects the printing medium with the shape that has the highest consistency with the shape of the three-dimensional object based on the scan data and the inventory data.

3. The printing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The selection unit specifically designates the background color of the three-dimensional object based on the category identified by the scan data, and selects the printing medium with the background color of the three-dimensional object in the scan data that has the highest consistency with the background color of the three-dimensional object in the inventory data.

4. The printing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, If the selection unit has a stock of printing media, but there is no printing medium with the shape that best matches the shape of the three-dimensional object and the background color that best matches the background color of the three-dimensional object, it will prioritize the printing medium with the best shape match of the three-dimensional object from the stock of printing media, rather than the printing medium with the best background color match of the three-dimensional object.

5. The printing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, After selecting a three-dimensional printing medium corresponding to the three-dimensional object based on the scan data, the selection unit receives a change instruction for the printing medium from the user and reselects the changed printing medium.

6. A method for producing a replica, comprising: The surface pattern and shape of the three-dimensional object are scanned to obtain scan data including the surface pattern data and the shape data of the three-dimensional object. Based on the shape data of the scanned data, the category of the three-dimensional object is identified, and a three-dimensional printing medium corresponding to the three-dimensional object based on the category is selected. Printing data is generated based on the pattern data from the scanned data. A pattern based on the scanned data is formed on the surface of the selected printing medium, thereby producing a replica of the three-dimensional object. Referring to the inventory data, select the three-dimensional printing medium corresponding to the three-dimensional object from the available printing media.

7. A recording medium having a program recorded thereon, the program causing a computer to perform the following processes: The scanner scans the surface pattern and shape of the three-dimensional object, and obtains scan data including the surface pattern data and shape data of the three-dimensional object. Based on the shape data of the scanned data, the category of the three-dimensional object is identified, and a three-dimensional printing medium corresponding to the three-dimensional object based on the category is selected. Printing data is generated based on the pattern data from the scanned data. The image forming apparatus performs pattern formation based on the scanned data on the surface of the selected printing medium. Referring to the inventory data, select the three-dimensional printing medium corresponding to the three-dimensional object from the available printing media.

Images