Image processing apparatus and image processing method

Abstract

An image processing apparatus and an image processing method are provided that can reliably transfer foil onto a recording medium without compromising appearance. The problem is solved by an image processing apparatus comprising a generation unit and a synthesis unit, and an image processing method comprising a first step, a second step, and a third step. The generation unit generates foil transfer data for an image representing an image to be printed on the recording medium, showing an ejection area of ​​adhesive ink in a predetermined color. The synthesis unit combines the foil transfer data with the image data to generate composite image data. The image processing apparatus ejects adhesive ink into the predetermined color area of ​​the composite image data during printing on the recording medium. The foil transfer data is generated in the first step, the composite image data is generated in the second step, and the adhesive ink is ejected into the predetermined color area of ​​the composite image data in the third step to transfer the foil onto the recording medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method. Background Technology

[0002] The printing apparatus includes a foil transfer printing device in which an inkjet printer is used to print an image onto a recording medium and a foil is transferred onto the recording medium to decorate the recording medium.

[0003] In foil transfer printing apparatuses, the structure for transferring the foil to the recording medium is generally not connected to the printer. Therefore, a separate device is needed to transfer the foil to the recording medium using rollers or a press after the image is printed.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method of transferring hot stamping foil onto a substrate using a UV-curable adhesive ejected from an inkjet printer and pressing it with a roller. However, the method described in Patent Document 1 uses a UV-curable adhesive, thus requiring a UV light source.

[0005] Therefore, a device has also been developed that ejects a solvent-generated adhesive (hereinafter referred to as "adhesive ink") from an inkjet head to transfer foil onto a recording medium, instead of a UV-curable adhesive.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6899372 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0010] In printing devices using adhesive ink, adhesive ink is sprayed onto the area where the foil is to be transferred after the colored ink has been ejected onto the recording medium and dried.

[0011] However, when adhesive ink is sprayed onto colored ink in an overlapping manner, the foil is transferred onto the colored ink in a stacked manner, which can sometimes impair the appearance. In addition, depending on the type of colored ink, sometimes the adhesive ink does not adhere to the colored ink, making it impossible to transfer the foil onto the colored ink.

[0012] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing method that can transfer foil onto a recording medium more reliably without compromising appearance.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] One aspect of the image processing apparatus of the present invention is an image processing apparatus for foil transfer printing on a recording medium using an ejection unit that ejects ink for printing an image on a recording medium and adhesive ink for foil transfer onto the recording medium. The image processing apparatus comprises: a generation unit that generates foil transfer data representing image data to be printed on the recording medium, the foil transfer data showing the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink in a predetermined color; and a synthesis unit that synthesizes the foil transfer data and the image data to generate synthesized image data, wherein, during printing on the recording medium, the adhesive ink is ejected into the predetermined color area of ​​the synthesized image data.

[0015] According to this structure, image data representing an image to be printed on a recording medium is combined with foil transfer data representing the ejection area of ​​adhesive ink to be transferred onto the recording medium. Thus, the adhesive ink is directly ejected onto the recording medium, and therefore the foil is directly transferred onto the recording medium. Consequently, this structure enables foil transfer onto the recording medium more reliably without compromising appearance.

[0016] In the image processing apparatus described above, the foil transfer data may also be presented as a monochrome of a specified color, the adhesive ink may be set as a spot color, and the compositing unit may convert the monochrome in the foil transfer data into the spot color. According to this structure, the user can generate foil transfer data as ordinary image data without using special software.

[0017] In the image processing apparatus described above, the foil transfer data may also present the interior of the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink in a predetermined pattern. According to this structure, the foil is transferred to the recording medium in a predetermined pattern, thus suppressing foil cracking after transfer to the recording medium.

[0018] In the image processing apparatus described above, the prescribed pattern may be a halftone dot, and at least one of the diameter of the halftone dot and the density of the halftone dot can be arbitrarily set. According to this structure, the transfer state of the foil can be adjusted according to the image to be printed on the recording medium and the recording medium.

[0019] In the image processing apparatus described above, the color of the ink can also be set for the gaps where the predetermined pattern is not formed in the foil transfer data. According to this structure, the recording medium can be colored to fill the gaps of the foil transferred with the predetermined pattern, further enhancing its decorative properties.

[0020] In the image processing apparatus described above, the foil transfer data can also be generated by extracting the outline of a portion of the image data and rendering the inner side of the outline in the specified color. According to this structure, the user can easily generate foil transfer data.

[0021] The image processing apparatus described above can also be configured to further include a mask processing component that masks the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink in the composite image data. When printing on the recording medium, the ejection component does not eject ink into the masked ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink. According to this configuration, colored ink and adhesive ink are ejected onto the recording medium without overlap, thus accelerating the printing speed.

[0022] One aspect of the present invention is an image processing method for foil transfer printing on a recording medium using an ejection component that ejects ink for printing an image onto a recording medium and adhesive ink for transferring foil onto the recording medium. The image processing method includes: a first step of generating foil transfer data for image data representing an image to be printed on the recording medium, the foil transfer data showing the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink in a predetermined color; a second step of combining the foil transfer data with the image data to generate composite image data; and a third step of ejecting the adhesive ink into the predetermined color area of ​​the composite image data to transfer the foil onto the recording medium.

[0023] The effects of the invention

[0024] The purpose of this invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and image processing method that can transfer foil onto a recording medium more reliably without compromising appearance. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the printing system according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of foil transfer printing according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the recording medium from which colored ink and adhesive ink have been ejected according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a summary diagram of the network data in the first implementation method.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a summary diagram of the network data in the first implementation method.

[0030] Figure 6This is a functional block diagram related to foil transfer printing in the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the print data generation process of the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the foil transfer printing process of the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the situation where the nozzles of the inkjet head are virtually divided.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the mask processing in the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of foil transfer printing according to the second embodiment.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a functional block diagram related to foil transfer printing in the second embodiment.

[0037] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the print data generation process of the second embodiment.

[0038] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating textures in other embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0039] (First Implementation)

[0040] The printing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the printing system 10 according to this embodiment. The printing system 10 includes an information processing device 12 and a printing device 14.

[0042] The information processing device 12 is a user-operated computer, comprising, for example, a monitor, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), and a computer-readable storage medium. In this embodiment, the information processing device 12 functions as an image processing apparatus that generates image data representing an image to be printed on the recording medium 16 and performs various processing on the image data. Furthermore, the information processing device 12 sends the processed image data to the printing device 14.

[0043] The printing apparatus 14 of this embodiment includes an inkjet printer 18 and a foil transfer device 20, enabling foil transfer printing on the recording medium 16.

[0044] The inkjet printer 18 has an inkjet head 22, a table 24 and a first heater 26.

[0045] The inkjet head 22 ejects process color inks (hereinafter referred to as "color inks") such as yellow, magenta, cyan, and black based on image data to print on the recording medium 16 placed on the platform 24. Furthermore, the inkjet head 22 of this embodiment is configured to eject adhesive ink for transferring (adhering) the foil 34 to the recording medium 16. The recording medium 16 is ejected from the media delivery section 17 and conveyed to the platform 24 by means of the transport roller 19A and the pad roller 19B. The media delivery section 17 holds the recording medium 16 wound into a roll. The media delivery section 17 does not have a drive source to rotate the recording medium 16; the recording medium 16 rotates passively in response to the transport of the recording medium 16 by the transport roller 19A. Additionally, the pad roller 19B is arranged facing the transport roller 19A and applies force towards the transport roller 19A.

[0046] The inkjet head 22 is mounted on the carriage 23 and moves in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction (sub-scanning direction) relative to the recording medium 16 (main scanning direction) while ejecting color ink and tack ink based on image data. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the color ink and tack ink are solvent-based inks, and the tack ink is set to a spot color. Alternatively, the color ink and tack ink may not be solvent-based inks, but rather UV (Ultra Violet) inks.

[0047] The recording medium 16, such as paper, cloth, or resin film, is continuously conveyed from the inkjet printer 18 to the foil transfer device 20 via the conveyor roller 19A, etc.

[0048] The first heater 26 is positioned downstream of the inkjet head 22 in the transport direction of the recording medium 16, and heats the recording medium 16 to a first temperature (above 60°C) to dry the color ink and tack ink. The recording medium 16, dried by the first heater 26, is then transported to the foil transfer apparatus 20 as is. Furthermore, the solvent in the color ink and tack ink evaporates due to the heating by the first heater 26, thereby drying the color ink and tack ink. By drying the color ink and tack ink using the first heater 26, the color ink and tack ink are fixed to their attachment points on the recording medium 16.

[0049] The foil transfer apparatus 20 includes a second heater 30 and a foil transfer section 32.

[0050] The second heater 30 is positioned downstream of the first heater 26 in the transport direction of the recording medium 16. The second heater 30 heats the recording medium 16 at a second temperature (approximately 50°C or higher but less than 60°C) that is lower than the heating temperature of the first heater 26, i.e., the first temperature, in order to soften the adhesive ink ejected onto the recording medium 16.

[0051] The adhesive ink softens and thickens due to heating by the second heater 30, while the colored ink does not soften. Thus, in this embodiment, the colored ink and the adhesive ink have different tackiness (softening properties, drying properties) with respect to temperature. For example, the colored ink and the adhesive ink are configured to have different softening properties by containing resins with different glass transition temperatures. Alternatively, the colored ink and the adhesive ink may also have different drying properties by containing solvents with different drying properties.

[0052] The foil transfer section 32 is positioned downstream of the second heater 30 in the transport direction of the recording medium 16, transferring the foil 34 onto the recording medium 16. In this embodiment, the foil transfer section 32 consists of a pair of rollers 32A and 32B. The foil 34 is formed as a sheet on a substrate and is fed from the foil delivery section 37, then transported to the foil transfer section 32 via the transport roller 36A. Furthermore, the color of the foil 34 transferred onto the recording medium 16 is not limited. The foil delivery section 37 holds the foil 34 wound into a roll and rotates responsively to the action of the foil 34 being wound by the foil take-up section 38 after being transferred onto the recording medium 16.

[0053] The foil 34 and recording medium 16, conveyed to the foil transfer section 32, are clamped and pressurized by a pair of rollers 32A and 32B. The recording medium 16, conveyed to the foil transfer section 32, loses the tackiness of the colored ink, while the tackiness of the adhesive ink remains. Thus, in the area where the tackiness ink has been sprayed, the foil 34 is peeled off from the substrate and transferred onto the recording medium 16. The foil 34 remaining on the substrate after being transferred to the recording medium 16 by the foil transfer section 32 is guided in a predetermined direction by the guide roller 36B and wound up by the foil winding section 38.

[0054] In this embodiment, a second heater 30 is provided between the first heater 26 and the foil transfer section 32. However, it is also possible to simultaneously perform heating for softening adhesive ink and applying pressure for foil transfer by incorporating the heaters into the rollers 32A and 32B of the foil transfer section 32.

[0055] The recording medium 16, to which the foil 34 has been transferred, is fed to the media take-up unit 39 via guide rollers 28 for guiding the recording medium 16 in a predetermined direction, and is then taken up by the media take-up unit 39. Alternatively, the recording medium 16 may not be taken up by the media take-up unit 39, but may be cut and discharged from the printing device 14 at the end of printing. Furthermore, the recording medium 16, after completing the foil transfer printing, may undergo lamination or other processing after being discharged from the printing device 14.

[0056] In addition, the printing device 14 includes a printing control device 40 for controlling the printing device 14. The printing control device 40 consists of a CPU, RAM, ROM, and a computer-readable storage medium.

[0057] In this embodiment, the printing control device 40 controls the inkjet head 22 based on image data processed from the information processing device 12, so that the image is printed on the recording medium 16. In addition, the printing control device 40 performs rotation control of the transport roller 19A, foil winding section 38, medium winding section 39, etc., and temperature control of the first heater 26 and the second heater 30.

[0058] In conventional foil transfer printing, when adhesive ink is sprayed onto colored ink in an overlapping manner, the foil 34 is transferred onto the colored ink in a stacked manner, which sometimes impairs the appearance. In addition, depending on the type of colored ink, there are cases where, even if adhesive ink is sprayed onto colored ink, the adhesive ink does not adhere to the colored ink, thus making it impossible to transfer the foil 34 onto the colored ink.

[0059] On the other hand, as referenced Figure 2 , 3 As will be explained below, the printing apparatus 14 of this embodiment enables the adhesive ink to adhere more reliably to the recording medium 16.

[0060] In this embodiment, the information processing apparatus 12 generates image data 50 representing an image to be printed on the recording medium 16, and foil transfer data 52 showing the ejection area of ​​adhesive ink in a predetermined color. Furthermore, the information processing apparatus 12 combines the foil transfer data 52 with the image data 50 to generate composite image data 54. In other words, combining means replacing the area of ​​the image data 50 corresponding to the ejection area of ​​adhesive ink shown in the foil transfer data 52 with the foil transfer data 52.

[0061] Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, the foil transfer data 52 is presented as a monochrome of a specified color (e.g., black), and the adhesive ink is treated as a spot color. Therefore, the printing system 10 converts the monochrome in the foil transfer data 52 into a spot color and sets it as foil transfer data 52', and then combines the foil transfer data 52' with the image data 50. In this way, by performing the process of generating the foil transfer data 52 in monochrome and converting the monochrome into a spot color, as will be described in detail later, the user can generate the foil transfer data 52, which is normally image data, without using special software.

[0062] exist Figure 2 In this example, the image data 50 and the foil transfer data 52 have the same dimensions (horizontal and horizontal). Therefore, the image data 50 and the foil transfer data 52 can be composited without special alignment. Furthermore, and not limited to this, the foil transfer data 52 can also be smaller than the image data 50. In this case, an area for compositing the foil transfer data 52 is pre-defined in the image data 50.

[0063] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the recording medium 16 from which colored ink 56 and adhesive ink 58 have been ejected based on the composite image data 54. In this embodiment, the image data 50 is composited with the foil transfer data 52, therefore... Figure 3 As in (A), not only is the colored ink 56 directly ejected onto the surface of the recording medium 16, but the adhesive ink 58 is also directly ejected onto the surface of the recording medium 16. Thus, as Figure 3 As in (B), the foil 34 is transferred only onto the adhesive ink 58. That is, in this embodiment, the foil 34 is directly transferred onto the recording medium 16, so the printing apparatus 14 of this embodiment can transfer the foil 34 more reliably without compromising appearance.

[0064] Here, the foil 34 transferred to the recording medium 16 sometimes suffers from defects such as cracking. The reason for this defect is that adhesive ink 58 is sprayed onto the entire surface of a certain area and the foil 34 is transferred onto the entire surface of that area.

[0065] Therefore, in the printing apparatus 14 of this embodiment, adhesive ink 58 is ejected in a predetermined pattern, thereby transferring the foil 34 onto the recording medium 16 in a predetermined pattern. As an example, the predetermined pattern in this embodiment is halftone dots 60. That is, as... Figure 4 As shown, foil transfer data 52 is generated as image data within the ejection area of ​​adhesive ink 58, presented as halftone dots 60. Furthermore, the print control device 40 controls the inkjet head 22 to eject adhesive ink 58 towards the positions of the halftone dots 60.

[0066] Furthermore, halftone dots 60 are used as the prescribed pattern in this embodiment, but this is just one example, and other patterns may also be used. In the following description, the pattern including halftone dots 60 will be referred to as a texture.

[0067] Figure 4 As an example of foil transfer data 52 set as halftone dots, as shown in (A) to (D), at least one of the size and density of the halftone dots 60 can be arbitrarily set. The density of the halftone dots 60 is the filling rate of the ejected area of ​​the adhesive ink 58 relative to the whole. Thus, the transfer state of the foil 34 can be adjusted according to the image to be printed on the recording medium 16 and the recording medium 16.

[0068] exist Figure 4 In examples (A) and (B), the number of dots 60 per unit area is the same, but the size of the dots 60 varies, and the density of dots 60 increases as the size of the dots 60 increases. Figure 4 In example (C), the size of the dots 60 is the same, but the density of the dots 60 increases due to the increase in the number of dots 60. Additionally, in Figure 4 In examples (A) to (C), the arrangement of dots 60 is 45°. On the other hand, in Figure 4 In example (D), the 60 dots are arranged at 90°. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the example, the shape of dot 60 is circular, but it is not limited to this. The shape of dot 60 can also be rectangular, star-shaped, or other shapes.

[0069] Alternatively, it can be like Figure 5 As shown in foil transfer data 52, the size and density of the halftone dots 60 are gradually changed within the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink 58. Figure 5 In example (A), the size of dot 60 gradually increases from the ends of the ejection area, becoming largest in the central part of the ejection area. Figure 5 In example (B), the enlargement and reduction of dot 60 are repeated alternately.

[0070] In this way, the printing apparatus 14 of this embodiment sprays adhesive ink 58 in a dot pattern, so that the foil 34 is transferred onto the recording medium 16 in a dot pattern. As a result, the recording medium 16 is transferred by a collection of multiple small foils 34, so it is possible to suppress the foil 34 from cracking after being transferred onto the recording medium 16.

[0071] Figure 6 This is a functional block diagram related to foil transfer printing in the printing system 10 of this embodiment.

[0072] The information processing device 12 includes a storage unit 70, a foil transfer data generation unit 72, a print data generation unit 74, and a communication unit 76.

[0073] The storage unit 70 stores various data and programs, such as image data 50 to be printed on the recording medium 16.

[0074] The foil transfer data generation unit 72 generates foil transfer data 52 corresponding to the image data 50, showing the ejected area of ​​the adhesive ink 58 in a predetermined color. In this embodiment, the foil transfer data generation unit 72 is operated by a user-defined image editing software.

[0075] The print data generation unit 74 generates print data for printing. In this embodiment, the print data generation unit 74 is operated by dedicated software. The print data generation unit 74 performs RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing on the composite image data 54, which combines the image data 50 and the foil transfer data 52. The RIP processing generates a raster image that specifies the ejection position of the ink of the color corresponding to the image data. The RIP processing generates the raster image that specifies the ejection position of the ink of the color of the grayscale image by performing halftone processing on the grayscale image corresponding to each color of the C, M, Y, K, etc. color inks 56 and the adhesive ink 58.

[0076] The communication unit 76 transmits and receives data with the communication unit 88 of the print control device 40 and other information processing devices. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication unit 76 transmits the composite image data 54 to the print control device 40.

[0077] The foil transfer data generation unit 72 of this embodiment includes an image extraction unit 78, a texture setting unit 80, and a texture conversion unit 82.

[0078] The image extraction unit 78 extracts the outline of a portion of the image contained in the image data 50 as foil transfer data 52. This extraction, for example, involves cutting out an image region (hereinafter referred to as the "foil transfer region") designated as foil transfer data 52 from the image data 50. The dimensions of the foil transfer data 52 are the same as those of the image data 50, as described above, and the position of the extracted foil transfer region is also set to be the same as its position in the original image data 50. Furthermore, the image extraction unit 78 converts the outline, which was cut out as raster data, into vector data.

[0079] The texture setting unit 80 sets the size and density of the halftone dots 60, which are defined as a pattern, based on user input. The color of the halftone dots 60 is set to a predetermined color, such as black. The halftone dots 60 are set, for example, using a gradient function included in general image editing software.

[0080] The texture conversion unit 82 converts the inner side of the outline of the image extracted as foil transfer data 52, so that it becomes the halftone dots 60 set by the texture setting unit 80.

[0081] In this way, the foil transfer data generation unit 72 of this embodiment extracts the outline of a portion of the image contained in the image data 50 and presents the inner side of the outline with halftone dots 60, thereby generating foil transfer data 52.

[0082] The print data generation unit 74 of this embodiment includes a data synthesis unit 84 and a RIP processing unit 86.

[0083] The data compositing unit 84 combines the foil transfer data 52 with the image data 50 to generate composite image data 54.

[0084] The RIP processing unit 86 performs RIP processing on the image data. Additionally, in this embodiment, the RIP processing unit 86 performs masking processing on the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink 58 in the composite image data 54.

[0085] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of printing data generation executed by the information processing device 12 in this embodiment. Furthermore, the generation of foil transfer data (steps 102-108) included in the printing data generation process is performed by the user using image editing software.

[0086] First, in step 100, the image data 50 to be printed on the recording medium 16 is displayed on a monitor.

[0087] In the next step 102, the image extraction unit 78 extracts the foil transfer area that becomes foil transfer data 52. Specifically, the foil transfer area is extracted by the user cutting out the outline of the foil transfer area that becomes foil transfer data 52 from the image data 50 displayed on the monitor. Furthermore, the image extraction unit 78 converts the outline cut out by the user from raster data into vector data.

[0088] In the next step 104, the user selects whether to perform texture processing on the cut-out foil transfer area. Here, if no texture processing is performed, proceed to step 110.

[0089] In the next step 106, if texture processing was selected in the previous step 104, the user selects the size and density of the halftone dots 60, thereby the texture setting unit 80 sets the halftone dots.

[0090] In the next step 108, the texture conversion unit 82 converts the outline of the foil transfer data 52 into halftone dots 60.

[0091] In the next step 110, the data synthesis unit 84 converts the foil transfer data 52, which is presented in a specified color (e.g., black), into a spot color and sets it as foil transfer data 52'.

[0092] In the next step 112, the data synthesis unit 84 synthesizes the image data 50 with the foil transfer data 52' to generate the synthesized image data 54.

[0093] In the next step 114, print data is generated by performing RIP processing on the composite image data 54 synthesized by the data synthesis unit 84 in step 112.

[0094] Here, it is necessary to prevent the adhesive ink 58 and the colored ink 56 from overlapping and falling onto the recording medium 16 during the printing process.

[0095] Therefore, for example, the following implementation methods exist: Figure 9 As shown in the schematic diagram of the inkjet head 22, the nozzles for ejecting color ink 56 (C, M, Y, K, W) and the nozzles for ejecting adhesive ink 58 (Ps) are virtually split in two in the sub-scanning direction to print on the recording medium 16. Thus, the color ink 56 and the adhesive ink 58 are ejected from nozzles at different positions in the sub-scanning direction, thereby preventing the adhesive ink 58 and the color ink 56 from overlapping and falling onto the recording medium 16.

[0096] However, in this method, only half of the nozzles in the secondary scanning direction can be used, so the number of times the inkjet head 22 moves (passes) in the main scanning direction becomes twice that of the case where all nozzles are used.

[0097] Therefore, the RIP processing in step 114 includes masking of the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink 58 in the composite image data 54.

[0098] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of mask processing. In Figure 10 In the example shown, the composite image data 54 consists of multiple layers L1 to L4, each layer being formed according to a job. Layer L1 corresponds to the job of ejecting adhesive ink 58, representing the ejection area of ​​adhesive ink 58. Layers L2 to L4 correspond to the jobs of ejecting different colored inks 56, representing the ejection area for each different colored ink 56.

[0099] In layers L2 to L4, the areas except for the ejection areas of the color ink 56 corresponding to each layer are masked. In layer L2, the areas except for the vertical lines are masked; in layer L3, the areas except for the horizontal lines are masked; and in layer L4, the areas except for the diagonal lines are masked. By masking each of layers L2 to L4 in this way, the image formed by each of layers L2 to L4 does not overlap with the images formed by other layers and the ejected adhesive ink 58. Furthermore, it is possible to eject the color ink 56 and adhesive ink 58 from the inkjet head 22 using all nozzles instead of virtually splitting the nozzle in two.

[0100] In addition, Figure 10 In this example, the layers constituting the composite image data 54 are divided according to each of the colored inks 56 that are different from the adhesive ink 58. However, this is not the only possibility; for example, the composite image data 54 could also be divided into two layers: a layer of adhesive ink 58 and a layer of colored ink 56. In this case, in the layer of colored ink 56, only the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink 58 is masked.

[0101] In the next step 116, the communication unit 76 sends the print data to the print control device 40, ending the print data generation process.

[0102] Next, the functions of the printing control device 40 will be explained. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the printing control unit 40 includes a communication unit 88, an ink ejection control unit 90, a heater control unit 92, and a roller drive control unit 94.

[0103] The communication unit 88 transmits and receives data with the information processing device 12, and receives print data from the information processing device 12. That is, the communication unit 88 in this embodiment functions as an acquisition unit for acquiring print data generated through RIP processing.

[0104] The ink ejection control unit 90 controls the inkjet head 22 based on the printing data, so that colored ink and adhesive ink 58 are ejected onto the recording medium 16.

[0105] The heater control unit 92 performs temperature control on the first heater 26 and the second heater 30.

[0106] The roller drive control unit 94 performs rotation control of various conveyor rollers.

[0107] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the foil transfer printing process performed by the printing device 14 in this embodiment.

[0108] First, in step 200, the communication unit 88 receives the print data sent from the information processing device 12.

[0109] In the next step 202, the inkjet head 22 ejects color ink 56 and adhesive ink 58 onto the recording medium 16 based on the printing data received by the communication unit 88 of the printing device 14, thereby printing the recording medium 16. Furthermore, as described above, when printing on the recording medium 16, the inkjet head 22 does not eject color ink 56 onto the ejection area of ​​the masked adhesive ink 58.

[0110] In this way, the recording medium 16 is printed based on the print data generated by RIP processing of the masked composite image data 54, thereby enabling the use of all nozzles to eject color ink 56 and viscous ink 58. Consequently, the color ink 56 and viscous ink 58 are ejected onto the recording medium 16 without overlap, and the printing speed is faster compared to the case where the inkjet head 22 is split in two.

[0111] In the next step 204, the recording medium 16 is fed to the first heater 26, which dries the color ink 56 and adhesive ink 58 that have been ejected onto the recording medium 16.

[0112] In the next step 206, the recording medium 16 is delivered to the second heater 30, causing the adhesive ink 58 ejected onto the recording medium 16 to become adhesive.

[0113] In the next step 208, the adhesive ink 58 creates an adhesive recording medium 16, which is then conveyed to the foil transfer unit 32, thereby transferring the foil 34 onto the recording medium 16. The recording medium 16 with the foil 34 transferred is then ejected from the printing device 14.

[0114] (Second Implementation)

[0115] The second embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0116] like Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the information processing apparatus 12 prints a pre-set color (hereinafter referred to as "background color") into the gaps 62 where halftone dots 60 are not formed in the foil transfer data 52. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, there is no background color setting, so colored ink 56 is not ejected into the gaps 62 between halftone dots 60, thus maintaining the surface color of the recording medium 16 unchanged.

[0117] Figure 12 This is a functional block diagram related to foil transfer printing in the printing system 10 of this embodiment. Furthermore, regarding... Figure 12 In and Figure 6 Same component labeling and Figure 6 The same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0118] The foil transfer data generation unit 72 of this embodiment includes a background color setting unit 96 and a background color data generation unit 98.

[0119] The background color setting unit 96 sets the background color based on user input. Furthermore, the background color can be any color that the user can set. For example, if the foil 34 is gold, the user can set gold as the background color, but other colors can also be set. Additionally, the background color can be multiple colors, or a gradient can be set.

[0120] Background color data generation unit 98 generates background color data based on the set background color. As an example, the background color data is the data that presents the outline of the image in foil transfer data 52 (the ejection area of ​​adhesive ink 58) in the set background color.

[0121] The data synthesis unit 84 of the information processing apparatus 12 in this embodiment synthesizes the foil transfer data 52 with the background color data. That is, Figure 11 The foil transfer data 52 shown is obtained by synthesizing background color data. Furthermore, the data synthesis unit 84 synthesizes the foil transfer data 52 with the synthesized background color data and the image data 50 to generate synthesized image data 54.

[0122] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the print data generation process performed by the information processing device 12 in this embodiment. Furthermore, regarding... Figure 13 In and Figure 7 Same step labeling and Figure 7 The same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings, and their descriptions are omitted in part or in whole.

[0123] In this embodiment, after converting the outline of the foil transfer area into halftone dots 60 in step 108, the printing data generation process proceeds to step 300.

[0124] In step 300, the background color setting unit 96 sets the background color within the foil transfer area based on the user's input.

[0125] In the next step 302, the data synthesis unit 84 converts the foil transfer data 52, which is presented in a specified color, into a spot color and sets it as foil transfer data 52'.

[0126] In the next step 304, the data compositing unit 84 combines the foil transfer data 52' with the background color data. Furthermore, the compositing referred to here means setting the color of the gaps 62 between the dots 60 in the foil transfer data 52' based on the background color data.

[0127] In the next step 306, the data compositing unit 84 combines the image data 50 with the foil transfer data 52' to generate composite image data 54. Alternatively, steps 304 and 306 can be performed as a single step. In other words, the foil transfer data 52, background color data, and image data 50 can be combined simultaneously.

[0128] In the next step 308, print data is generated by performing RIP processing on the composite image data 54 synthesized in steps 304 and 306. Here, the RIP processing performed in step 308 can be the same as the RIP processing in step 114. The generated print data is then sent to the print control device 40 in the next step 116.

[0129] The printing apparatus 14 sprays colored ink 56 and adhesive ink 58 onto the recording medium 16 to perform printing based on the printing data generated by the information processing apparatus 12. Therefore, the printing apparatus 14 of this embodiment can color the recording medium 16 in a way that fills the gaps 62 of the foil 34 that is transferred in a dotted pattern, thereby further improving the decorative effect.

[0130] The present invention has been described above using the embodiments described above, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. Various changes or modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention, and the manner obtained by such changes or modifications is also included in the scope of protection of the present invention. In addition, the above embodiments can also be appropriately combined.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the method of converting the outline interior of the image represented by the foil transfer data 52 into halftone dots 60 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure it so as not to convert the outline interior into halftone dots 60. In this case, the entire outline interior is set to a predetermined color of black, and in the synthesis of image data 50 and foil transfer data 52, the predetermined color is converted into a spot color. As a result, adhesive ink 58 is sprayed onto the entire outline interior of the image represented by the foil transfer data 52.

[0132] In the above embodiments, the following method was described: a masking process was performed so that the adhesive ink 58 and the colored ink 56 would not overlap on the recording medium 16; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it could also be done by means of... Figure 9 As shown, the nozzle for ejecting adhesive ink 58 and the nozzle for ejecting color ink 56 are virtually divided into two, and different nozzles are used in the sub-scanning direction, so that the adhesive ink 58 and the color ink 56 fall onto the recording medium 16 without overlapping.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the method of spraying adhesive ink 58 in a dot pattern (matrix pattern) as a pattern for texture processing has been described. However, this embodiment is not limited to a dot pattern, and other patterns may also be used. Figure 14 As illustrated in (A) to (D), adhesive ink 58 is sprayed out to enable the use of foil transfer to represent various patterns such as line gradients and grid lines.

[0134] For example, it can also be like Figure 14 As shown in (A), when the width of the transfer area of ​​foil 34 is narrow, a gradient effect is applied using a pattern formed by lines of different thicknesses to replace the halftone dots 60. Alternatively, as shown in [the diagram]... Figure 14 As shown in (B), orthogonal lines can be used as patterns, or... Figure 14 As shown in (C), diagonally intersecting lines can be used as a pattern. Alternatively, it can be as follows: Figure 14 As shown in (D), diagonal lines are used as patterns. Furthermore, the spacing between the lines forming the pattern can be varied.

[0135] (Effects of the implementation method)

[0136] (1) The information processing apparatus 12 of this embodiment is a printing control device 40 for performing foil transfer printing on the recording medium 16 using an inkjet head 22 that ejects color ink 56 for printing an image on the recording medium 16 and adhesive ink 58 for transferring foil 34 to the recording medium 16. The printing control device 40 includes: a foil transfer data generation unit 72 that generates foil transfer data 52 for an image data 50 representing an image to be printed on the recording medium 16, the foil transfer data 52 presenting the ejection area of ​​adhesive ink 58 in a predetermined color; and a data synthesis unit 84 that synthesizes the foil transfer data 52 and the image data 50 to generate synthesized image data 54, wherein, when printing on the recording medium 16, adhesive ink 58 is ejected into the area of ​​the predetermined color in the synthesized image data 54.

[0137] According to this embodiment, image data 50 representing an image to be printed on the recording medium 16 is combined with foil transfer data 52 showing the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink 58 that transfers the foil 34 onto the recording medium 16. Thus, the adhesive ink 58 is directly ejected onto the recording medium 16, and therefore the foil 34 is directly transferred onto the recording medium 16. Therefore, this embodiment can transfer the foil 34 onto the recording medium 16 more reliably without compromising appearance.

[0138] (2) In the information processing apparatus 12 of this embodiment, the foil transfer data 52 is presented as a monochrome of a predetermined color, the adhesive ink 58 is set as a spot color, and the data synthesis unit 84 converts the monochrome in the foil transfer data 52 into a spot color. According to this embodiment, the user can generate foil transfer data 52 as ordinary image data without using special software.

[0139] (3) In this embodiment, the foil transfer data 52 presents the interior of the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink 58 as halftone dots 60 with a predetermined pattern. According to this embodiment, the foil 34 is transferred to the recording medium 16 in a halftone pattern, thus suppressing the possibility of the foil 34 cracking after being transferred to the recording medium 16.

[0140] (4) In this embodiment, at least one of the diameter of the halftone dot 60 and the density of the halftone dot 60 can be arbitrarily set. According to this embodiment, the transfer state of the foil 34 can be adjusted according to the image to be printed on the recording medium 16 and the recording medium 16.

[0141] (5) In the foil transfer data 52 of this embodiment, the gaps 62 where no halftone dots 60 are formed are set with a color for ejecting colored ink 56. According to this embodiment, the recording medium 16 can be colored in a way that fills the gaps 62 of the foil 34 that is transferred in a halftone pattern, which can further improve the decorative effect.

[0142] (6) The foil transfer data 52 of this embodiment is generated by extracting the outline of a portion of the image contained in the image data 50 and presenting the inner side of the outline with halftone dots 60. According to this embodiment, the user can easily generate the foil transfer data 52.

[0143] (7) The information processing apparatus 12 of this embodiment further includes a RIP processing unit 86, which performs RIP processing, including masking, on the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink 58 in the composite image data 54. When printing on the recording medium 16, the inkjet head 22 does not eject colored ink 56 onto the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink 58 that has undergone RIP processing. According to this embodiment, the colored ink 56 and the adhesive ink 58 are ejected onto the recording medium 16 without overlap, and the printing speed can be accelerated.

[0144] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0145] 10: Printing system; 12: Information processing device (image processing device); 16: Recording medium; 22: Inkjet head (ejection component); 34: Foil; 40: Printing control device; 50: Image data; 52: Foil transfer data; 54: Composite image data; 56: Color ink; 58: Adhesive ink; 60: Dot; 72: Foil transfer data generation unit (generation component); 84: Data compositing unit (compositing component); 86: RIP processing unit (mask processing component).

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus for performing foil transfer printing on a recording medium using an ejection member that ejects ink for printing an image onto a recording medium and adhesive ink for transferring foil onto the recording medium, the image processing apparatus comprising: A generating component that generates foil transfer data representing image data to be printed on the recording medium, the foil transfer data showing the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink in a specified color; and The compositing component combines the foil transfer data with the image data to generate composite image data. in, When printing on the recording medium, the adhesive ink is ejected onto the area of ​​the specified color in the composite image data. The foil transfer data is presented in a single color of a specified color. The adhesive ink is set as a spot color. The synthesis component converts the monochrome in the foil transfer data into the spot color.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The foil transfer data presents the interior of the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink in a prescribed pattern.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The specified pattern is a halftone dot. At least one of the diameter of the dots and the density of the dots can be arbitrarily set.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, In the foil transfer data, the gaps where the specified pattern is not formed are set to the color of the ink to be sprayed.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, In the foil transfer data, the gaps where the specified pattern is not formed are set to the color of the ink to be sprayed.

6. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The foil transfer data is generated by extracting the outline of a portion of the image contained in the image data and rendering the inside of the outline in the specified color.

7. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, It also includes a mask processing component, which performs mask processing on the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink in the synthesized image data. When printing on the recording medium, the ejection component does not eject ink into the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink that has been masked.

8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, It also includes a mask processing component, which performs mask processing on the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink in the synthesized image data. When printing on the recording medium, the ejection component does not eject ink into the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink that has been masked.

9. An image processing method for performing foil transfer printing on a recording medium using an ejection unit that ejects ink for printing an image onto a recording medium and adhesive ink for transferring foil onto the recording medium, the image processing method comprising: In the first step, the generating component generates foil transfer data for an image representing an image to be printed on the recording medium, the foil transfer data showing the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink in a specified color; In the second step, the compositing component combines the foil transfer data with the image data to generate composite image data; as well as The third step involves spraying the adhesive ink onto the area of ​​the specified color in the synthesized image data to transfer the foil onto the recording medium. The foil transfer data is presented in a single color of a specified color. The adhesive ink is set as a spot color. The synthesis component converts the monochrome in the foil transfer data into the spot color.

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