Simulation method

Abstract

To simulate a change of a pattern of a decorative sheet in accordance with an angle at which a decorative molded product is observed.SOLUTION: A simulation method simulates a change of a pattern of a decorative sheet after molding with respect to a decorative sheet before molding, in manufacturing a decorative molded product including the molded decorative sheet. The simulation method includes the step of: generating or acquiring first pattern data; generating or acquiring molded product data; generating stretch data based on the molded product data; measuring or acquiring color change data; and generating second pattern data. The first pattern data represents the pattern of the decorative sheet before molding. The molded product data corresponds to a three-dimensional shape of the decorative molded product. The stretch data represents stretch in each position of the decorative sheet after molding with respect to the decorative sheet before molding. The color change data represents data on changes in color for each stretch of the decorative sheet and changes in color for each angle at which the decorative sheet is observed. The second pattern data is generated by applying the color change data to each position of the first pattern data based on the stretch data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for simulating a change in a pattern on a decorative sheet after molding compared to the decorative sheet before molding. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, decorative molded products in which a decorative sheet is layered on the surface of a resin molded product have been used as interior and exterior parts for automobiles, interior and exterior materials for building materials, and housings for home appliances. The decorative sheet imparts a pattern to the decorative molded product. The decorative sheet improves the design of the decorative molded product.

[0003] In the manufacturing process of the decorated molded product, the decorative sheet is molded into a three-dimensional shape according to the surface shape of the decorated molded product. By being molded, the decorative sheet stretches into a shape according to the surface shape of the decorated molded product.

[0004] When the decorative sheet stretches, the pattern on the decorative sheet changes. Patent Document 1 describes a method for simulating the pattern on the decorative sheet after molding according to the stretch at each position of the decorative sheet caused by molding. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-170731 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The pattern of the decorative sheet also changes depending on the angle at which the decorated molded product is observed. An object of the present disclosure is to simulate the change in the pattern of the decorative sheet depending on the angle at which the decorated molded product is observed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present disclosure provides a method for simulating a change in a pattern of a decorative sheet after molding relative to a pattern of the decorative sheet before molding when producing a decorative molded product including the molded decorative sheet, comprising: generating or acquiring first pattern data representing a pattern of the decorative sheet before molding; generating or acquiring molded product data corresponding to a three-dimensional shape of the decorated molded product; generating elongation data representing an elongation of each position of the decorative sheet after molding relative to the decorative sheet before molding based on the molded product data; measuring or acquiring color change data representing data on color change with respect to elongation of the decorative sheet and color change with respect to an angle at which the decorative sheet is observed; and generating second pattern data by applying the color change data to each position of the first pattern data based on the elongation data. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to simulate changes in the pattern of a decorative sheet depending on the angle at which the decorated molded product is observed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of a decorated molded product according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing the decorated molded product of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing the decorated molded product of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing the decorated molded product of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a simulation device for performing the simulation of one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a simulation method according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an image of an example of the three-dimensional shape of the decorated molded product to be produced. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an image showing the elongation of the decorative sheet at each position when the decorated molded product of FIG. 7 is produced. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the irradiation angle of light when generating the shadow data. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an image of an example of the shadow of the decorated molded product of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the light-receiving angle when measuring color change data. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an image of an example of the second picture data. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the direction of light irradiation when generating the second pattern data and the three-dimensional shape of the decorated molded product. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an image of another example of the second picture data. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] In the drawings attached to this specification, the scale and the aspect ratios have been appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual objects for the convenience of illustration and understanding. Configurations shown in some drawings may be omitted in other drawings.

[0011] In this specification, terms specifying shapes or geometric conditions and their degrees, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," and "same," as well as values ​​of lengths and angles, are not limited to their strict meanings, but are interpreted to include a range within which similar functions can be expected.

[0012] In this specification, the normal direction of a sheet-like member refers to the normal direction to the sheet surface of the target sheet-like member. The "sheet surface" refers to a surface that coincides with the target sheet-like member when the target sheet-like member is viewed overall and globally.

[0013] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to the following [1] to

[14] . [1] A method for simulating a change in a pattern of a decorative sheet after molding relative to a pattern of the decorative sheet before molding when producing a decorative molded product including the molded decorative sheet, comprising: generating or acquiring first pattern data representing a pattern of the decorative sheet before molding; generating or acquiring molded product data corresponding to a three-dimensional shape of the decorated molded product; generating elongation data representing an elongation of each position of the decorative sheet after molding relative to the decorative sheet before molding based on the molded product data; measuring or acquiring color change data representing data on color change with respect to elongation of the decorative sheet and color change with respect to an angle at which the decorative sheet is observed; and generating second pattern data by applying the color change data to each position of the first pattern data based on the elongation data. [2] generating shading data of the decorated molded product based on the molded product data, The simulation method according to [1], wherein in the step of generating the second pattern data, the shading data is further applied. [3] The simulation method according to [1] or [2], wherein in the step of generating the second pattern data, the color change data is applied by generating data on the color change due to elongation of the decorative sheet that was not measured or obtained in the step of measuring or obtaining the color change data, from data on the color change due to elongation of the decorative sheet that was measured or obtained. [4] The simulation method according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein in the step of generating the second pattern data, the color change data is applied based on the relationship between the position at which the decorated molded product is observed and the three-dimensional shape. [5] The simulation method described in [4], in the step of generating the second pattern data, the color change data is applied by generating data on color change at an angle at which the decorative sheet is observed, which was not measured or obtained in the step of measuring or obtaining the color change data, from data on color change at an angle at which the decorative sheet is observed, which was measured or obtained. [6] The simulation method according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the color change data includes data on the color change in each direction in which the decorative sheet stretches relative to the direction in which the material forming the pattern of the decorative sheet stretches. [7] The simulation method according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein in the step of generating the second pattern data, the color change data is applied based on the relationship between the direction of irradiating light onto the decorated molded product and the three-dimensional shape. [8] The simulation method according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the color change data includes data on the color change for each direction in which light is irradiated onto the decorated molded product relative to the direction in which the material forming the pattern of the decorative sheet stretches. [9] A comparison step of comparing the first picture data with the second picture data is further included, The simulation method according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein in the comparison step, a position of the second picture data that has a color difference from the first picture data at the same position is emphasized.

[10] The simulation method according to [9], wherein in the comparison process, a position of the second pattern data that has a color difference from the first pattern data at the same position is emphasized by brightening the brightness.

[11] The simulation method according to [9], wherein in the comparison process, a position of the second pattern data that has a color difference from the first pattern data at the same position is emphasized by darkening the brightness.

[12] The simulation method according to any one of [9] to

[11] , wherein in the comparison process, a position of the second pattern data that has a color difference from the first pattern data at the same position is emphasized by increasing saturation.

[13] The method further includes the step of evaluating the second image data, The simulation method according to any one of [1] to

[12] , wherein in the evaluation process, a warning is issued if the color difference between data representing adjacent positions in the second image data exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[14] The method further includes the step of evaluating the second image data, The simulation method according to any one of [1] to

[13] , wherein in the evaluation process, a warning is issued if the color steepness between data in the second picture data exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[15] A method for simulating a change in a pattern of a decorative sheet after molding relative to a pattern of the decorative sheet before molding when producing a decorative molded product including the molded decorative sheet, comprising: measuring or acquiring color change data representing data on color change with respect to elongation of the decorative sheet and color change with respect to an angle at which the decorative sheet is observed; and applying the color change data to a pattern on the decorative sheet after molding in accordance with the elongation of each position of the decorative sheet after molding relative to the decorative sheet before molding, which is based on the three-dimensional shape of the decorated molded product.

[0014] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The embodiment relates to a method for simulating a change in a pattern of a decorative sheet 3 after molding compared to a decorative sheet 3 before molding when producing a decorated molded product 1 including a molded decorative sheet 3. First, the configuration and manufacturing method of the decorated molded product will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view that shows a schematic configuration of a decorated molded product 1. The decorated molded product 1 may be used as an interior or exterior part of a moving object, an interior or exterior material of a building material, or a housing for a home appliance. The moving object may be an automobile, a railroad car, a dolly, a ship, an airplane, a helicopter, a drone, or a robot. As shown in FIG. 1, the decorated molded product 1 includes a molded portion 2 and a decorative sheet 3. The decorative sheet 3 is overlaid on the molded portion 2.

[0016] The molded portion 2 is produced by injection molding a resin material, as described below. The resin material forming the molded portion 2 may be any one of polycarbonate resin, acrylic resin such as polymethyl methacrylate, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer. The molded portion 2 may be transparent or opaque. The molded portion 2 may be colored.

[0017] The decorative sheet 3 covers at least a portion of the molded part 2. The decorative sheet 3 displays a pattern. The decorative sheet 3 displays a pattern, thereby improving the design of the decorated molded product 1. In the illustrated example, the decorative sheet 3 includes a base sheet 4, a pattern layer 5, and a surface protective layer 6, in this order.

[0018] The base sheet 4 supports the pattern layer 5 and the surface protective layer 6. The material of the base sheet 4 may be any one of acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, vinyl chloride, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers, polycarbonate, polyethylene naphthalate, polystyrene, cyclic polyolefins, and polypropylene, or may be a laminate of a plurality of these. For example, the material of the base sheet 4 may be a laminate of acrylic resin and ABS. The base sheet 4 may be transparent or opaque. The base sheet 4 may be colored.

[0019] The pattern layer 5 is a main layer that forms the pattern displayed by the decorative sheet 3. The pattern formed by the pattern layer 5 may be, for example, a color, a pattern, a figure, a design, a picture, a photograph, a character, a mark, a pictogram, a letter, or a number. The pattern formed by the pattern layer 5 may be a texture of a material such as wood, cloth, leather, stone, or metal. The pattern formed by the pattern layer 5 may be a metallic, pearl, or solid paint. The pattern layer 5 may be formed by printing or by transfer. The pattern layer 5 contains a material for forming a pattern. The pattern layer 5 may contain a dye, a pigment, or metal particles. The metal particles may be aluminum flakes. The material for forming the pattern may have a longitudinal direction. In other words, the material for forming the pattern may extend in one direction. In the decorative sheet 3, the direction in which the material for forming the pattern extends can be controlled by the direction in which the pattern layer 5 is printed.

[0020] The surface protective layer 6 forms the outermost surface of the decorated molded product 1. The surface protective layer 6 protects the pattern layer 5. The surface protective layer 6 has scratch resistance and the like. The material of the surface protective layer 6 may be a thermoplastic resin, a thermosetting resin, or an ionizing radiation curable resin.

[0021] The decorative sheet 3 may include other components, for example, functional layers such as an ultraviolet absorbing layer, an anti-reflection layer, a light diffusing layer, an adhesive layer, a backer layer, and a light blocking pattern.

[0022] When the layers included in the decorative sheet 3 other than the picture layer 5 are colored, the decorative sheet 3 displays a picture including the colors of the layers other than the picture layer 5. The decorative sheet 3 displays a picture formed by all the layers included in the decorative sheet 3. The picture of the decorative sheet 3 does not mean only the picture formed by the picture layer 5, but the picture formed by the entire decorative sheet 3.

[0023] An example of a manufacturing method for the decorated molded product 1 in Fig. 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4. The process for manufacturing the decorated molded product 1 includes the steps of preparing a mold 10 having a female mold 11 and a male mold 12, preforming the decorative sheet 3 along the cavity surface 13 of the female mold 11, fixing the male mold 12 to the female mold 11, and filling a resin material into a cavity C formed between the female mold 11 and the male mold 12.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 2, a molding die 10 is prepared. The molding die 10 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the decorated molded product 1 to be produced. The molding die 10 has a female die 11 and a male die 12. The female die 11 and the male die 12 each have cavity surfaces 13, 14 that define a space that will become a molding cavity C. The female die 11 is provided with a suction hole 15 for discharging air from within the cavity C.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the decorative sheet 3 is placed facing the cavity surface 13 of the female mold 11. As shown in FIG. 3, the decorative sheet 3 is fixed to the female mold 11 using a sheet clamp 16 or the like. The sheet clamp 16 is formed in a frame shape in a plan view. The decorative sheet 3 is heated and softened by a heater 17, while air between the decorative sheet 3 and the cavity surface 13 of the female mold 11 is exhausted through the suction holes 15. The softened decorative sheet 3 stretches and assumes a shape that generally follows the cavity surface 13. Through the above steps, the decorative sheet 3 is preformed.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4, the cavity surface 14 of the male mold 12 is opposed to the cavity surface 13 of the female mold 11, and the male mold 12 is fixed in close contact with the female mold 11. The cavity C formed between the cavity surface 13 of the female mold 11 and the cavity surface 14 of the male mold 12 is filled with the resin material R that has been heated and melted by the male mold 12. The decorative sheet 3 is pressed against the cavity surface 13 of the female mold 11 by filling the cavity C with the heated resin material R from the male mold 12. The decorative sheet 3 is formed into a shape corresponding to the cavity surface 13. The decorative sheet 3 is molded. The resin material R in the cavity C is cooled and solidified, and the resin material R becomes the molded part 2. The male mold 12 is separated from the female mold 11 to remove the molded product, and unnecessary parts of the decorative sheet 3 are trimmed as necessary. Through the above steps, the decorated molded product 1 is produced. Such a method for manufacturing the decorated molded article 1 is also called the Thermoject method.

[0027] The manufacturing method of the decorated molded product 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned method. For example, the decorative sheet 3 may be preformed using a preform before being applied to the mold 10. In this case, the decorated molded product 1 may be manufactured by the following method. The heated decorative sheet 3 is stretched along the preform to be preformed into a shape that generally corresponds to the cavity surface 13 of the female die 11 of the mold 10. The preformed decorative sheet 3 is removed from the preform and placed in the cavity C of the mold 10 along the cavity surface 13 of the female die 11 as shown in FIG. 4. The cavity C is filled with a molten resin material R. After the resin in the cavity C is cooled and solidified, the male die 12 is separated from the female die 11 to remove the molded product. After or before the molded product is molded with the mold 10, unnecessary portions of the decorative sheet 3 are trimmed as necessary. The decorated molded product 1 is manufactured by the above-mentioned steps. Such a manufacturing method of the decorated molded product 1 is also called an insert method.

[0028] The decorated molded product 1 may be manufactured by a method other than the above-mentioned Thermoject method and insert method. For example, the decorated molded product 1 may be manufactured by a TOM method or an in-mold method.

[0029] When the decorative sheet is molded, a part of the decorative sheet stretches depending on the shape of the decorative molded product. When a part of the decorative sheet stretches significantly, the pattern of the decorative sheet may change so as to be noticeably distorted. As a result, a pattern different from the intended pattern may be imparted to the decorative molded product. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the decorative molded product 1 includes a first surface 1a, a second surface 1b having an inclination angle θ of 45° or more with respect to the first surface 1a, and a connection portion 1c where the first surface 1a and the second surface 1b are connected. The decorative sheet 3 is applied from the first surface 1a to the second surface 1b. In this case, the decorative sheet 3 is likely to stretch significantly at the connection portion 1c. The connection portion 1c is included, for example, in a corner or a corner portion of the decorative molded product 1. When the decorative molded product 1 includes a portion where the decorative sheet 3 stretches significantly, it is difficult to predict the change in the pattern of the decorative sheet 3. The decorative sheet 3 may stretch in multiple directions at the connection portion 1c. In that case, it becomes even more difficult to predict changes in the pattern of the decorative sheet 3. The connection portion 1c is likely to attract the observer's attention, and the pattern of the decorative sheet 3 at the connection portion 1c has a large impact on the design of the entire decorated molded product 1.

[0030] In the case where the pattern of the decorative sheet changes due to the decorative sheet being significantly stretched, it is believed that the change in the pattern of the decorated molded product can be suppressed by designing the pattern of the decorative sheet to take into account the stretching of the decorative sheet. The pattern imparted to the decorated molded product can be made closer to the intended pattern. Manufacturing the decorated molded product until the pattern imparted to the decorated molded product is sufficiently close to the intended pattern, evaluating the pattern of the decorated molded product, and correcting the pattern of the decorative sheet leads to an increase in the time and cost required to complete the decorated molded product.

[0031] When the pattern applied to the decorative molded product is a painted pattern such as a metallic, pearl, or solid pattern, the pattern of the decorative sheet changes significantly depending on the angle at which the decorative molded product is observed. The pattern of the decorative sheet, particularly the observed color, can change not only depending on the stretch of each position of the decorative sheet but also depending on the angle at which the position is observed in the decorative molded product. Manufacturing the decorative molded product until the pattern applied to the decorative molded product is sufficiently close to the intended pattern, taking into account the angle at which each position is observed in the decorative molded product, evaluating the pattern of the decorative molded product, and correcting the pattern of the decorative sheet leads to a further increase in the time and cost required to complete the decorative molded product.

[0032] In this embodiment, a method is proposed for simulating the change in the pattern of the decorative sheet 3 after molding relative to the decorative sheet 3 before molding when producing a decorative molded product 1 including the decorative sheet 3, without manufacturing the decorative molded product 1. The simulation method of this embodiment is described below. The simulation method of this embodiment simulates the change in the pattern of the decorative sheet 3 after molding relative to the decorative sheet 3 before molding when producing a decorative molded product 1 including the molded decorative sheet 3.

[0033] The simulation may be performed by a simulation device 20 as shown in FIG. 5. The simulation device 20 shown in FIG. 5 includes a data storage unit 21, a calculation unit 22, a data processing unit 23, and a display unit 25. The data storage unit 21 stores data generated by the calculation unit 22 and data acquired from the outside. The calculation unit 22 calculates input data and outputs other data. The data processing unit 23 processes the input data to form a two-dimensional shape or a three-dimensional shape. The data storage unit 21, the calculation unit 22, and the data processing unit 23 may be included in one computer. The display unit 25 displays the two-dimensional shape or the three-dimensional shape as an image. The image displayed on the display unit 25 may be translated, rotated, enlarged, and / or reduced by operating an input means (not shown) such as a keyboard or a mouse.

[0034] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the simulation method of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the simulation method of this embodiment includes a step S1 of generating or acquiring first pattern data, a step S2 of generating or acquiring molded product data, a step S3 of generating elongation data, a step S5 of measuring or acquiring color change data, and a step S6 of generating second pattern data. The simulation method of this embodiment may further include at least one of a step S4 of generating shading data, a comparison step S7 of comparing the first pattern data with the second pattern data, and an evaluation step S8 of evaluating the second pattern data.

[0035] The step S1 of generating or acquiring the first pattern data will be described. The first pattern data represents the pattern of the decorative sheet 3 before molding. The first pattern data is two-dimensional pattern data. The first pattern data includes color data at each position. In the first pattern data, one position corresponds to one pixel. The color data is represented by L * a * b * L in color space * The value of a * The value of b * The first image data may have a value of L * The value of a * The value of b * The first pattern data is two-dimensional data including the values ​​of the first and second patterns. The first pattern data may be generated by computing two-dimensional or three-dimensional image data in the computing unit 22, or may be acquired as two-dimensional image data. The first pattern data may be generated by the person performing the simulation, or may be acquired from a person other than the person performing the simulation, for example, a supplier of the decorative sheet 3. The generated or acquired first pattern data is stored in the data storage unit 21.

[0036] The step S2 of generating or acquiring molded product data will be described. The molded product data corresponds to the three-dimensional shape of the decorated molded product 1 to be produced. The molded product data may be the shape of the decorated molded product 1 itself to be produced, or the shape of the cavity surfaces 13, 14 of the mold 10 used to produce the decorated molded product 1. The molded product data may be three-dimensional CAD data. The molded product data may be generated by calculating CAD data for designing the decorated molded product 1, a model or image data representing the external shape of the decorated molded product 1 in the calculation unit 22, or may be acquired as three-dimensional image data. The molded product data may be generated by a person who performs a simulation of the change in the pattern of the decorative sheet 3, or may be acquired from a person other than the person who performs the simulation, for example, a customer who requests the production of the decorated molded product 1. The generated or acquired molded product data is stored in the data storage unit 21. FIG. 7 shows an image 30 of a three-dimensional shape represented by the molded product data. The image 30 is created by processing the molded product data stored in the data storage unit 21 in the data processing unit 23. The image 30 can be displayed on the display unit 25. The image 30 makes it easy to grasp the three-dimensional shape of the molded product based on the molded product data.

[0037] Step S3 of generating elongation data will be described. The decorative sheet 3 elongates as it is molded. The elongation data represents the elongation of the decorative sheet 3 after molding relative to the decorative sheet 3 before molding. The elongation data includes data on the elongation rate and the elongation direction at each position of the decorative sheet 3. The elongation data is generated by the calculation unit 22 based on the molded product data. Specifically, the elongation data is generated by calculating the elongation at each position when the decorative sheet 3 is molded from the molded product data, i.e., the three-dimensional shape of the decorated molded product 1. For example, the greater the curvature of a position in the molded product data (a position where the so-called drawing is deeper), the greater the calculated elongation data. The generated elongation data is stored in the data storage unit 21.

[0038] FIG. 8 shows an image 31 representing the elongation of each position of the decorative sheet 3 when the decorative molded product 1 having the three-dimensional shape shown in FIG. 7 is produced. The image 31 is produced by processing the elongation data stored in the data storage unit 21 by the data processing unit 23. The image 30 can be displayed on the display unit 25. The image 31 shown in FIG. 8 shows the elongation of the generated decorative sheet 3 at each position with a color according to the magnitude of the elongation. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the image 31 includes a chart 32 showing the correspondence between the magnitude of elongation and color. In the chart 32 shown in FIG. 8, a state in which the decorative sheet 3 is not elongated, in other words a state in which the elongation rate is 0%, is set to "1", and a state in which the decorative sheet 3 is elongated by 20% from a state in which there is no elongation, in other words a state in which the elongation rate is 20%, is set to "1.2". The method of expressing the magnitude of elongation is not limited to this expression method and may be any method. The image 31 makes it easy to grasp the correspondence between each position of the molded decorative sheet 3 and the elongation of each position of the generated decorative sheet 3.

[0039] Step S4 of generating shading data will now be described. When light is irradiated onto the decorated molded product 1, shading is produced. The shading also changes the pattern, particularly the color, of the decorative sheet 3, thereby changing the design of the decorated molded product 1. The shading data represents the shading of the decorated molded product based on the molded product data. The shading data includes data relating to the density of the shading at each position on the decorative sheet 3 after molding. Specifically, the shading data represents the L at each position on the decorative sheet 3. * a * b * L in color space *The shadow data includes data on the value of . The shadow data is generated by performing a calculation in the calculation unit 22 based on the molded product data. The shadow data may be generated from three-dimensional CAD data of the molded product data. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the decorated molded product 1 and the light irradiation direction when the shadow data is generated. As shown in FIG. 9, the shadow data is data on the shadow generated when parallel light L is irradiated from a direction of an angle θ1 with respect to the normal direction nd of the sheet surface of the decorated molded product. FIG. 10 shows an example of a shadow image 33 of the decorated molded product 1 shown in FIG. 7. In the shadow data for generating the shadow image 33 shown in FIG. 10, the angle θ1 is 45°, but the angle θ1 may be any angle. The image 33 is created by processing the shadow data stored in the data storage unit 21 with the data processing unit 23. The image 33 can be displayed on the display unit 25. The image 33 makes it easy to grasp the shadow of the decorated molded product 1.

[0040] The step S5 of measuring or acquiring color change data will be described. When the decorative sheet 3 stretches, the pattern of the decorative sheet 3, particularly the color at each position, changes. The color of the decorative sheet 3 also changes depending on the angle at which the decorative sheet 3 is observed. The color change data represents data on the elongation of the decorative sheet 3 and the color change for each observation angle. The color change data represents data on the elongation rate of the decorative sheet 3 and the L * a * b * L in color space * The value of a * The value of b * The color change data may be measured by preparing a decorative sheet 3 having a pattern similar to that of the decorative sheet 3 included in the decorated molded product 1, or may be obtained from a party other than the party performing the simulation, for example, a supplier of the decorative sheet 3. The measured or obtained color change data is stored in the data storage unit 21. An example of the color change data is shown in Table 1 below.

[0041] [Table 1]

[0042] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the color measurement light receiving angle shown in Table 1 and the irradiation direction of the light L on the decorative sheet 3. In the example shown in Table 1, parallel light is irradiated from a direction of an angle θ1 with respect to the normal direction nd of the sheet surface of the decorative sheet 3. In the example shown in Table 1, the angle θ1 is 45°, but the angle θ1 may be any angle. The color change data is calculated by calculating the elongation rate of the decorative sheet 3 and the L for each angle at which the decorative sheet 3 is observed. * a * b * L in color space * The value of a * The value of b * The data of the value of may be included for each angle θ1. In Table 1, the stretch ratio represents the stretch ratio in one direction of the decorative sheet 3. In Table 1, a state where there is no stretch is 0%, and a state where the sheet is stretched twice as long as the state where there is no stretch is 100%. The colorimetry light receiving angle means the angle θ2 shown in FIG. 10. The angle θ2 is an angle with respect to the direction in which the parallel light irradiated to the decorative sheet 3 is specularly reflected, and the direction in which the parallel light is irradiated from the direction in which the parallel light irradiated to the decorative sheet 3 is specularly reflected is defined as the positive direction. In Table 1, the angles θ2 are 15°, 25°, 45°, 75°, and 110°. The decorative sheet 3 is observed from the angle θ2. The light receiving device 40 is arranged in the direction of the angle θ2 with respect to the direction in which the parallel light irradiated to the decorative sheet 3 is specularly reflected. L at each colorimetry light receiving angle * The value of a * The value of b * The value of is the L measured at each colorimetric light receiving angle. * a * b * L in color space * The value of a * The value of b * As is clear from Table 1, the higher the elongation ratio, in other words, the more the decorative sheet 3 is stretched, the greater the L * The value of becomes larger, and a * The value of b * The larger the colorimetric light receiving angle, the smaller the value of L * The value of a * The value of b * The value of becomes smaller.

[0043] L * a * b * L in color space * The value of a * The value of b * The value of can be measured as follows using a spectrophotometer (Konica Minolta "CM-700d") with a measurement diameter of Φ8 mm and a viewing angle of 10 degrees. * A black plate with a value of 29.9 is placed on the surface opposite to the surface on which the black plate is placed. Light from a D65 light source is irradiated on the surface opposite to the surface on which the black plate is placed. The L value of the material is calculated from the total reflection light on the material to be measured. * The value of a * The value of and b * The value of is measured.

[0044] When the decorative sheet 3 displays a painted pattern such as a metallic, pearl, or solid pattern, the decorative sheet 3 may contain metal particles as a material for forming the pattern. The metal particles extend in one direction. The pattern of the decorative sheet 3, particularly the color, may change depending on the angle between the direction in which the material forming the pattern extends and the direction in which the decorative sheet 3 extends, or the angle between the direction in which the material forming the pattern extends and the direction in which light is irradiated onto the decorated molded product 1. The color change data is calculated based on the elongation rate of the decorative sheet 3 and the L * a * b * L in color space * The value of a * The value of b * The data on the value of L for each angle between the direction in which the material forming the pattern of the decorative sheet 3 stretches and the direction in which the decorative sheet 3 stretches may be included. Alternatively, the color change data may include the data on the elongation rate of the decorative sheet 3 and the L * a * b * L in color space * The value of a * The value of b *may include data on the value of for each angle between the direction in which the material forming the pattern of the decorative sheet 3 extends and the direction in which light is irradiated onto the decorative molded product 1. Such color change data may be measured by preparing a decorative sheet 3 having a pattern similar to that of the decorative sheet 3 included in the decorative molded product 1 and changing the direction in which the decorative sheet 3 extends or the direction in which light is irradiated onto the decorative sheet 3, or may be obtained from a party other than the person performing the simulation, for example, a supplier of the decorative sheet 3.

[0045] The step S6 of generating the second pattern data will be described. The second pattern data is generated by a calculation in the calculation unit 22 so as to apply color change data to the first pattern data based on the elongation data. Specifically, the elongation rate at each position of the decorative sheet 3 is identified from the elongation data. Color change data corresponding to the elongation rate is applied to each position of the first pattern data. Second pattern data is generated to which a color change due to the elongation at each position of the decorative sheet 3 after molding relative to the decorative sheet 3 before molding is applied. The generated second pattern data is stored in the data storage unit 21. As described above, in the step S6 of generating the second pattern data, the color change data is applied to the pattern of the decorative sheet 3 after molding according to the elongation at each position of the decorative sheet 3 after molding relative to the decorative sheet 3 before molding based on the three-dimensional shape of the decorative molded product 1.

[0046] The second pattern data represents a pattern of the molded decorative sheet 3. By producing the decorated molded product 1 by molding the decorative sheet 3 that displays the pattern of the first pattern data, it is expected that the decorated molded product 1 including the decorative sheet 3 that displays a pattern similar to the second pattern data can be obtained.

[0047] FIG. 12 shows an image 34 representing the generated second pattern data. The image 34 is created by processing the second pattern data stored in the data storage unit 21 by the data processing unit 23. The image 34 can be displayed on the display unit 25. The image 34 makes it easy to understand the result of simulating the change in the pattern of the decorative sheet 3 after molding compared to the decorative sheet 3 before molding when producing the decorative molded product 1 including the decorative sheet 3 without manufacturing the decorative molded product 1. If the image 34 is appropriate as the pattern to be given to the decorative molded product 1, the decorative molded product 1 to which the pattern represented by the second pattern data is given can be produced by the decorative sheet 3 displaying the pattern represented by the first pattern data. If the image 34 is appropriate as the pattern to be given to the decorative molded product 1, the first pattern data is modified and a simulation is performed again to see whether the image 34 representing the second pattern data is appropriate as the pattern to be given to the decorative molded product 1.

[0048] When color change data corresponding to an elongation rate at a certain position is not measured or obtained, color change data corresponding to an elongation rate close to the elongation rate may be applied to the position. For example, when the elongation rate at a certain position is 110% but color change data of an elongation rate of 110% is not measured or obtained, color change data of an elongation rate of 100% may be applied to the position. Alternatively, when color change data corresponding to an elongation rate at a certain position is not measured or obtained, color change data of the elongation rate at the certain position may be generated from color change data of the measured or obtained elongation rate and applied to the position. For example, when the elongation rate at a certain position is 110% but color change data of an elongation rate of 110% is not measured or obtained, color change data of an elongation rate of 110% may be generated from color change data of other elongations and applied.

[0049] FIG. 13 shows how the decorative molded product 1 is irradiated with parallel light L and observed by an observer. As shown in FIG. 13, the decorative molded product 1 includes a portion inclined with respect to the sheet surface. In the portion inclined with respect to the sheet surface, the angle observed by the observer and the angle at which the parallel light L is irradiated vary depending on the inclination angle. Even if the decorative molded product 1 is observed from the same direction in general, the direction at which the decorative molded product 1 is observed at each position may differ depending on the inclination angle with respect to the sheet surface of the decorative molded product 1, in other words, the three-dimensional shape of the decorative molded product 1. Even if the decorative molded product 1 is irradiated with parallel light L from the same direction in general, the direction at which the light is irradiated to the decorative molded product 1 at each position may differ depending on the inclination angle with respect to the sheet surface of the decorative molded product 1, in other words, the three-dimensional shape of the decorative molded product 1.

[0050] From the above, in the step S6 of generating the second pattern data, the color change data may be applied based on the relationship between the position at which the decorated molded article 1 is observed and the three-dimensional shape. As a specific example, when the decorated molded article 1 is observed at an angle of 25° at a certain position, the color change data when observed at an angle of 25° is applied to that position. At another position where the decorated molded article 1 is observed from a different angle, the color change data for that angle may be applied.

[0051] When color change data corresponding to an angle observed at a certain position is not measured or obtained, color change data corresponding to an angle close to the angle observed at that position may be applied. For example, when the decorated molded product 1 is observed from an angle of 35° at a certain position, but color change data at an observation angle of 35° is not measured or obtained, color change data at an observation angle of 25° or color change data at an observation angle of 45° may be applied at that position. Alternatively, when color change data corresponding to an angle observed at a certain position is not measured or obtained, color change data at that angle may be generated from color change data for each observation angle measured or obtained and applied at that position. For example, when the decorated molded product 1 is observed from an angle of 35° at a certain position, but color change data at an observation angle of 35° is not measured or obtained, color change data at an angle of 35° may be generated from color change data at other angles and applied.

[0052] Table 2 shows an example of color change data generated from the example of color change data shown in Table 1, which corresponds to elongation rates and observed angles that were not measured or obtained.

[0053] [Table 2]

[0054] In the example shown in Table 2, the color measurement receiving angle representing the observed angle is generated every 10° for every 25% elongation. If color change data corresponding to the observed angle at a certain position is not measured or obtained, color change data corresponding to an angle close to the observed angle measured or generated as shown in Table 2 may be applied at that position.

[0055] In step S6 of generating the second pattern data, the color change data may be applied based on the relationship between the direction in which light is irradiated onto the decorated molded product 1 and the three-dimensional shape. As a specific example, when light is irradiated onto the decorated molded product 1 at a certain position from an angle of 25°, the color change data when light is irradiated at an angle of 25° is applied to that position. When light is irradiated onto the decorated molded product 1 at another position from a different angle, the color change data for that angle may be applied.

[0056] When color change data corresponding to the angle at which light is irradiated onto the decorative molded product 1 at a certain position has not been measured or obtained, color change data corresponding to an angle close to the angle at which light is irradiated onto the decorative molded product 1 at that position may be applied. For example, when light is irradiated onto the decorative molded product 1 at a certain position from an angle of 35°, but color change data at an angle of 35° at which light is irradiated onto the decorative molded product 1 has not been measured or obtained, color change data when light is irradiated from an angle of 25° or color change data when light is irradiated from an angle of 45° may be applied to that position. Alternatively, when color change data corresponding to the angle at which light is irradiated onto the decorative molded product 1 at a certain position has not been measured or obtained, color change data at the angle at which light is irradiated onto the decorative molded product 1 at that position may be generated from data on color change for each angle of light irradiation measured or obtained and applied. For example, if light is irradiated onto the decorative molded product 1 at a certain position on the decorative molded product 1 from an angle of 35°, but color change data for an angle of 35° at which light is irradiated has not been measured or obtained, color change data for an angle of 35° may be generated from color change data at other angles and applied.

[0057] By applying the color change data based on the relationship between the position at which the decorated molded product 1 is observed and its three-dimensional shape, and the relationship between the direction in which light is irradiated onto the decorated molded product 1 and its three-dimensional shape, it is possible to more accurately simulate the changes in the pattern of the decorative sheet, particularly the color changes, that occur depending on the angle at which the decorated molded product 1 is observed and the direction in which light is irradiated onto the decorated molded product 1.

[0058] As described above, when the material forming the pattern of the decorative sheet 3 stretches in one direction, the direction in which the material forming the pattern stretches may differ for each material forming the pattern at each position, even when the decorated molded product 1 is observed from the same direction. Even when light is irradiated from the same direction to the decorated molded product 1, the direction in which the material forming the pattern stretches may differ for each material forming the pattern at each position. The pattern of the decorative sheet 3, particularly the color, may also change depending on the angle between the direction in which the material forming the pattern stretches and the direction in which the decorative sheet 3 stretches, or the angle between the direction in which the material forming the pattern stretches and the direction in which light is irradiated to the decorated molded product 1.

[0059] When the material forming the pattern of the decorative sheet 3 stretches in one direction, in the step S6 of generating the second pattern data, the color change data may be applied based on the relationship of the angle between the stretching direction of the material forming the pattern and the stretching direction of the decorative sheet 3 at each position of the first pattern data. At each position of the first pattern data, the stretching direction of the material forming the pattern and the stretching direction of the decorative sheet 3 may be different.

[0060] When color change data corresponding to the angle between the stretch direction of the material forming the pattern and the stretch direction of the decorative sheet 3 at a certain position has not been measured or obtained, color change data corresponding to the angle closest to the angle may be applied to the position. For example, consider a case where the angle between the stretch direction of the material forming the pattern and the stretch direction of the decorative sheet 3 at a certain position is 35°, but color change data for an angle of 35° between the stretch direction of the material forming the pattern and the stretch direction of the decorative sheet 3 has not been measured or obtained. In this case, color change data for an angle of 25° between the stretch direction of the material forming the pattern and the stretch direction of the decorative sheet 3 or color change data for an angle of 45° may be applied to the position. Alternatively, consider a case where color change data corresponding to the angle between the stretch direction of the material forming the pattern and the stretch direction of the decorative sheet 3 at a certain position has not been measured or obtained. In this case, color change data for the angle may be generated from color change data for the angle between the stretch direction of the material forming the pattern and the stretch direction of the decorative sheet 3 measured or obtained and applied to the position. For example, consider a case where the angle between the stretching direction of the material forming the pattern and the stretching direction of the decorative sheet 3 at a certain position is 35°, but no color change data is measured or obtained for the angle between the stretching direction of the material forming the pattern and the stretching direction of the decorative sheet 3. In this case, color change data for an angle of 35° may be calculated from color change data at other angles and applied to that position.

[0061] By applying the color change data based on the relationship between the angle between the stretch direction of the material forming the pattern and the stretch direction of the decorative sheet 3 at each position of the first pattern data, it is possible to more accurately simulate the change in the pattern of the decorative sheet, particularly the color change, according to the angle at which the decorated molded product 1 is observed.

[0062] When the material forming the pattern of the decorative sheet 3 stretches in one direction, in step S6 of generating the second pattern data, the color change data may be applied based on the relationship of the angle between the direction in which the material forming the pattern stretches and the direction in which light is irradiated to the decorative sheet 3 at each position of the first pattern data. At each position of the first pattern data, the direction in which the material forming the pattern stretches and the direction in which light is irradiated to the decorative sheet 3 may be different.

[0063] When color change data corresponding to the angle between the stretching direction of the material forming the pattern and the direction in which light is irradiated onto the decorative sheet 3 at a certain position has not been measured or obtained, color change data closest to that angle may be applied to that position. For example, consider a case where the angle between the stretching direction of the material forming the pattern and the direction in which light is irradiated onto the decorative sheet 3 at a certain position is 35°, but color change data for an angle of 35° between the stretching direction of the material forming the pattern and the direction in which light is irradiated onto the decorative sheet 3 may not be measured or obtained. In this case, color change data for an angle of 25° between the stretching direction of the material forming the pattern and the direction in which light is irradiated onto the decorative sheet 3 or color change data for an angle of 45° may be applied to that position. Alternatively, consider a case where color change data corresponding to the angle between the stretching direction of the material forming the pattern and the direction in which light is irradiated onto the decorative sheet 3 at a certain position has not been measured or obtained. In this case, the color change data for that angle may be generated and applied at that position from the measured or acquired data on color change at the angle between the stretching direction of the material forming the pattern and the direction in which light is irradiated to the decorative sheet 3. For example, consider a case where the angle between the stretching direction of the material forming the pattern and the direction in which light is irradiated to the decorative sheet 3 at a certain position is 35°, but no color change data for an angle of 35° between the stretching direction of the material forming the pattern and the direction in which light is irradiated to the decorative sheet 3 has been measured or acquired. In this case, the color change data for an angle of 35° may be calculated from color change data at other angles and applied to that position.

[0064] By applying the color change data based on the relationship between the angle between the direction in which the material forming the pattern stretches at each position of the first pattern data and the direction in which light is irradiated onto the decorative sheet 3, it is possible to more accurately simulate the change in the pattern of the decorative sheet, particularly the color change, depending on the direction in which light is irradiated onto the decorated molded product 1.

[0065] In step S6 of generating the second pattern data, the shading data generated in step S4 of generating the shading data may be further applied. Specifically, in addition to the color change data based on the elongation data, data on the shading density at each position of the decorated molded product 1 is applied to each position of the first pattern data. By forming the decorative sheet 3 that displays the pattern of the first pattern data generated by applying the shading data to produce the decorated molded product 1, it is expected that a decorated molded product 1 including a decorative sheet 3 that displays a pattern closer to the second pattern data can be obtained. The change in the pattern of the decorative sheet, particularly the color change, depending on the direction of light irradiation to the decorated molded product 1 can be simulated with higher accuracy.

[0066] Fig. 14 shows an image 35 representing the second pattern data generated by applying the shading data. The image 35 makes it easy to understand the results of a simulation of the change in the pattern, particularly the color change, of the decorative sheet 3 after molding compared to the decorative sheet 3 before molding when producing a decorated molded product 1 including the decorative sheet 3 without manufacturing the decorated molded product 1, taking into account the shading of the decorated molded product 1. The image 35 shown in Fig. 14 has a color obtained by adding the shading image 33 shown in Fig. 10 to the image 34 shown in Fig. 12.

[0067] The comparison step S7 for comparing the first picture data with the second picture data will now be described. In the comparison step S7, the color at each position of the second picture data is compared with the color at each position of the first picture data. The positions of the second picture data that have a color difference from the first picture data at the same position are emphasized. For example, in an image representing the second picture data, the positions that have a color difference from the first picture data may be emphasized by brightening the brightness, by darkening the brightness, or by increasing the saturation. The brightness L of the first picture data at the same position is emphasized. * 1 , the lightness of the second image data is L * 2 , k is the emphasis constant, and the brightness after emphasis is L * 1 +k(L * 2 -L * 1 ) The saturation of the first image data at the same position is c * 1 , the saturation of the second image data is c * 2 , k is the emphasis constant, the saturation after emphasis is c * 1 +k(c * 2 -c * 1 ) Saturation c * , L * a * b * a in color system * and b * Calculated from [(a * ) 2 +(b * ) 2 ] 1 / 2 This means that the positions of the second pattern data, which have a color difference from the first pattern data at the same position, are prominently observed in the image representing the second pattern data by being emphasized. It is possible to easily find positions where the color of the decorative sheet 3 after molding changes from that of the decorative sheet 3 before molding.

[0068] The evaluation step S8 for evaluating the second pattern data will now be described. In the evaluation step S8, if there is a position in the second pattern data where the color changes suddenly, a warning to that effect is issued. Specifically, a warning is issued when the color difference between data representing adjacent positions in the second pattern data exceeds a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, a warning is issued when the color steepness between data in the second pattern data exceeds a predetermined threshold. The color steepness between data means the maximum color difference between data representing two positions out of the data representing n positions representing successive portions of the decorative sheet 3, divided by n. The color difference between data representing two positions means the L of the colors representing the two positions. * a * b * It means the distance in the color space in the color specification system. If there is a position where the color changes suddenly, even a slight shift of the decorative sheet 3 displaying the pattern can significantly change the pattern on the decorated molded product 1. By warning that there is a position where the color changes suddenly, it is possible to call attention to prevent the decorative sheet 3 from shifting when producing the decorated molded product 1.

[0069] The simulation method of the present embodiment simulates a change in the pattern of the decorative sheet 3 after molding relative to the decorative sheet 3 before molding when producing a decorative molded product 1 including the molded decorative sheet 3. The simulation method includes a step of generating or acquiring first pattern data, a step of generating or acquiring molded product data, a step of generating elongation data based on the molded product data, a step of measuring or acquiring color change data, and a step of generating second pattern data. The first pattern data represents the pattern of the decorative sheet before molding. The molded product data corresponds to a three-dimensional shape of the decorative molded product. The elongation data represents the elongation of each position of the decorative sheet after molding relative to the decorative sheet before molding. The color change data represents data of color change for each observation angle according to the elongation of the decorative sheet. The second pattern data is generated by applying color change data based on the elongation data to each position of the first pattern data. According to the simulation method of the present embodiment, data of the elongation of the decorative sheet and the color change for each observation angle of the decorative molded product 1 are applied to the second pattern data. By producing a decorated molded product 1 using a decorative sheet 3 that displays a pattern represented by the first pattern data, it is possible to produce a decorated molded product 1 that has a pattern represented by the second pattern data when observed from a specific angle. It is possible to simulate changes in the pattern of the decorative sheet depending on the angle at which the decorated molded product is observed.

[0070] Although one embodiment has been described, the above-mentioned specific example does not limit the embodiment. The above-mentioned embodiment can be embodied in various other specific examples, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, additions, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1 Decorative molding 2 Molding section 3. Decorative Sheet 4. Base sheet 5. Picture layer 6 Surface protective layer 10 mold 11 Female mold 12 male type 30 3D Shape Images 31 Images showing the stretch at each position 33 Shading images 34 Image showing the second image data 35 Image showing the second image data

Claims

1. A method for simulating a change in a pattern of a decorative sheet after molding relative to a pattern of the decorative sheet before molding when producing a decorative molded product including the molded decorative sheet, comprising: generating or acquiring first pattern data representing a pattern of the decorative sheet before molding; generating or acquiring molded product data corresponding to a three-dimensional shape of the decorated molded product; generating elongation data representing an elongation of each position of the decorative sheet after molding relative to the decorative sheet before molding based on the molded product data; measuring or acquiring color change data representing data on color change with respect to elongation of the decorative sheet and color change with respect to an angle at which the decorative sheet is observed; and generating second pattern data by applying the color change data to each position of the first pattern data based on the elongation data.

2. generating shading data of the decorated molded product based on the molded product data, 2. The simulation method according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating the second pattern data further includes applying the shading data.

3. The simulation method according to claim 1, wherein in the step of generating the second pattern data, the color change data is applied by generating data on the color change due to the elongation of the decorative sheet that was not measured or obtained in the step of measuring or obtaining the color change data from data on the color change due to the elongation of the decorative sheet that was measured or obtained.

4. 2. The simulation method according to claim 1, wherein in the step of generating the second pattern data, the color change data is applied based on a relationship between a position at which the decorated molded product is observed and the three-dimensional shape.

5. The simulation method according to claim 4, wherein in the step of generating the second pattern data, the color change data is applied by generating data on the color change at an angle at which the decorative sheet is observed that was not measured or obtained in the step of measuring or obtaining the color change data from data on the color change at an angle at which the decorative sheet is observed that was measured or obtained.

6. The simulation method according to claim 1 , wherein the color change data includes data on color change for each direction in which the decorative sheet stretches relative to a direction in which a material forming a pattern on the decorative sheet stretches.

7. 2. The simulation method according to claim 1, wherein in the step of generating the second pattern data, the color change data is applied based on a relationship between a direction in which light is irradiated onto the decorated molded product and the three-dimensional shape.

8. 2. The simulation method according to claim 1, wherein the color change data includes data on color change for each direction in which light is irradiated onto the decorated molded product relative to a direction in which a material forming a pattern on the decorative sheet stretches.

9. A comparison step of comparing the first picture data with the second picture data is further included, 2. The simulation method according to claim 1, wherein in said comparing step, a position of said second picture data having a color difference from said first picture data at the same position is emphasized.

10. 10. The simulation method according to claim 9, wherein in said comparing step, a position of said second picture data having a color difference from said first picture data at the same position is emphasized by increasing the brightness.

11. 10. The simulation method according to claim 9, wherein in said comparing step, a position of said second picture data having a color difference from said first picture data at the same position is emphasized by darkening its brightness.

12. 10. The simulation method according to claim 9, wherein in said comparing step, a position of said second picture data having a color difference from said first picture data at the same position is emphasized by increasing saturation.

13. The method further includes the step of evaluating the second image data, 2. The simulation method according to claim 1, wherein in said evaluation step, a warning is issued if a color difference between data representing adjacent positions in said second picture data exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

14. The method further includes the step of evaluating the second image data, 2. The simulation method according to claim 1, wherein in said evaluating step, a warning is issued if a degree of color steepness between data in said second picture data exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

15. A method for simulating a change in a pattern of a decorative sheet after molding relative to a pattern of the decorative sheet before molding when producing a decorative molded product including the molded decorative sheet, comprising: measuring or acquiring color change data representing data on color change with respect to elongation of the decorative sheet and color change with respect to an angle at which the decorative sheet is observed; A simulation method comprising a step of applying the color change data to a pattern on the decorative sheet after molding in accordance with the elongation of each position of the decorative sheet after molding relative to the decorative sheet before molding, which is based on the three-dimensional shape of the decorated molded product.

Images