Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To generate a roughness map for reproducing a desired gloss and grip feeling. [Solution] An information processing device that generates data for forming unevenness on a medium surface, comprising: a first acquisition means that acquires tactile information; a second acquisition means that acquires gloss information; a first calculation means that calculates pitch information regarding the spacing between convex portions based on the tactile information acquired by the first acquisition means; a second calculation means that calculates height information regarding the height of the convex portions based on the pitch information calculated by the first calculation means and the gloss information acquired by the second acquisition means; and a generation means that generates an unevenness map based on the pitch information calculated by the first calculation means and the height information calculated by the second calculation means.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for generating a roughness map. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various design features have been required for the exterior surfaces of resin molded products used in industrial products such as cameras and printers. For example, there are high-quality mirror-like textures obtained by smoothing the surface of the molded product, and matte textures obtained by imparting minute, imperceptible irregularities to the surface. Furthermore, depending on the part, functionality is also required in addition to design. For example, with a camera focus ring, the user adjusts the ring by directly touching the surface. For this reason, it is necessary to make the ring surface as non-slip as possible, and to achieve the desired tactile feel (grip). Patent Document 1 discloses a structure for reproducing the luster and tactile feel of wood in a resin molded product. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-226756 [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Controlling the tactile sensation of plastic molded products using microtextures," Journal of JSPP, Vol. 31, Feb. 2019 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, since Patent Document 1 does not allow simultaneous control of glossiness and grip, it may not be possible to reproduce the desired glossiness and grip.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to generate a roughness map for forming roughness that reproduces a desired gloss and grip feeling. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is an information processing device that generates data for forming unevenness on a medium surface, and is characterized by having: a first acquisition means that acquires tactile information; a second acquisition means that acquires gloss information; a first calculation means that calculates pitch information regarding the spacing between convex portions based on the tactile information acquired by the first acquisition means; a second calculation means that calculates height information regarding the height of the convex portions based on the pitch information calculated by the first calculation means and the gloss information acquired by the second acquisition means; and a generation means that generates an unevenness map based on the pitch information calculated by the first calculation means and the height information calculated by the second calculation means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to generate an unevenness map for forming unevenness that reproduces a desired glossiness and grip feeling. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the pitch and height of the uneven structure and the gloss level. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between pitch and dynamic friction coefficient. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an information processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing a process performed by the information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example of a GUI according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of data representing the correspondence relationship between pitch and dynamic friction coefficient. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of data representing the correspondence between glossiness and depth. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of shape data and a processing depth map. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example of a GUI according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between pitch and dynamic friction coefficient. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a process performed by an information processing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a GUI according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a processing depth map. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a demolding process. [Figure 16] 11 is a flowchart showing a process performed by an information processing device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of a GUI according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the angle formed between the normal direction and the demolding direction. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of data representing the correspondence between angles and release limits; [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an information processing device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart showing a process performed by an information processing device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a GUI according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of data representing the correspondence relationship between pitch and dynamic friction coefficient. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a measurement sample. [Figure 25] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between a mold and a resin molded product. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present invention, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0011] [Embodiment 1] In this embodiment, a method for generating data relating to die machining for manufacturing a resin molded product having a desired gloss and grip will be described. First, using Figures 1 and 2, we will explain the relationship between the uneven structure of a resin surface molded using a mold with fine irregularities on its surface and glossiness. Generally, for the same type of resin, the greater the surface roughness of the object, the greater the proportion of light scattered on the surface, resulting in a lower glossiness. Conversely, if the surface roughness is smaller, the object becomes smoother, resulting in a higher proportion of light specularly reflected on the surface, resulting in a higher glossiness. Therefore, it is possible to control glossiness by controlling the surface roughness. In other words, it is possible to control glossiness by changing the spacing (hereinafter also referred to as pitch) and height between the convex portions of the uneven structure formed on the resin surface.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a resin molded product 101 having a concave-convex structure on its surface. In FIG. 1(a), a concave-convex structure 102 is formed on the surface of the resin molded product 101. The concave-convex structure 102 is formed so that the pitch is p1 and the maximum height of the convex portions from the bottom of the surface (hereinafter simply referred to as the height) is d1. In FIG. 1(b), a concave-convex structure 103 different from that in FIG. 1(a) is formed on the surface of the resin molded product 101. The concave-convex structure 103 is formed so that the pitch is p2 (>p1) and the height is d1. In FIG. 1(c), a concave-convex structure 104 different from those in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) is formed on the surface of the resin molded product 101. The concave-convex structure 104 is formed so that the pitch is p1 and the height is d2 (>d1).

[0013] For example, as can be seen from the relationship between Figures 1(a) and 1(b), for a given height, the larger the pitch, the smaller the surface roughness, resulting in increased gloss. Also, as can be seen from the relationship between Figures 1(a) and 1(c), for a given pitch, the larger the height, the greater the surface roughness, resulting in decreased gloss. Therefore, to control gloss with fine surface irregularities, the pitch and height of the irregular structure can be controlled. Resin molded products with such irregular structures can be produced using a mold processed with a laser processing machine or other processing machine and an injection molding machine. The irregularities processed on the mold surface become inverted when injection molded. For example, a recess with a depth d1 processed on the mold as shown in Figure 25(a) becomes a protrusion with a height d1 when injection molded, as shown in Figure 25(b). Using this relationship, the irregular structure 102 shown in Figure 1(a) can be formed by injection molding a structure with recesses processed on the mold surface with a depth d1 and a pitch p1.

[0014] Next, we will explain the grip feeling. The inventors created multiple 10 cm square flat molds with unevenness machined on the entire surface, varying the pitch. Each mold was then injection-molded using polycarbonate material colored black with a colorant, and the dynamic friction coefficient of the samples was measured to confirm changes in grip feeling. Figure 2 is a graph plotting the measured values ​​of the dynamic friction coefficient against the pitch. As shown in Figure 2, it was found that the dynamic friction coefficient changes depending on the pitch. On the other hand, it has been revealed that changing the height does not change the grip feeling (see Non-Patent Document 1). In other words, to control the grip feeling with fine unevenness on the surface, it is sufficient to control only the pitch.

[0015] From the above, it can be seen that the pitch and height of the uneven structure are related to the control of glossiness, while only the pitch of the uneven structure is related to the control of grip. Therefore, in this embodiment, a pitch value is first calculated based on the dynamic friction coefficient that represents the gripiness of the object to be reproduced. Next, a height value (or an inverted depth value) is calculated based on the glossiness of the object to be reproduced under the pitch value, thereby generating an unevenness map that reproduces the glossiness while maintaining the gripiness.

[0016] <Hardware configuration of information processing device> FIG. 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the information processing device generates a machining pattern for machining a mold based on various input data. The information processing device 300 includes a CPU 301, a RAM 302, a ROM 303, a SATA (Serial ATA) I / F (Interface) 304, a VC (Video Card) 305, and a general-purpose I / F 306. These components are interconnected via a system bus 307. The CPU 301 controls the entire information processing device 300. The CPU 301 uses the RAM 302 as a work memory to execute an operating system (OS) and various programs stored in the ROM 303, an external storage device 311 connected via the SATA I / F 304, or the like. The OS and various programs may be stored in an internal storage device. The processing of the flowcharts described below is executed by the CPU 301 after program code stored in the ROM 303, the external storage device 311, or the like is loaded into the RAM 302.

[0017] The SATA I / F 304 is connected to an external storage device 311 via a serial bus 308. The external storage device 311 is an HDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive), and stores various data required for processing the flowcharts described below. The VC 305 is connected to a display 312 via a serial bus 309. The display 312 is an example of a display device. The general-purpose I / F 306 is connected to an input device 313, such as a mouse or a keyboard, via a serial bus 310. The CPU 301 displays a GUI (graphical user interface) provided by a program on the display 312 and accepts input information representing user instructions obtained via the input device 313. The information processing device 300 is realized, for example, by a desktop PC (personal computer). Alternatively, it may be realized by a notebook PC or tablet PC integrated with the display 312. The external storage device 311 may also be realized by a medium (recording medium) and an external storage drive for accessing the medium. Media that can be used include FD (flexible disk), CD-ROM, DVD, USB memory, MO, flash memory, etc.

[0018] <Functional configuration of the information processing device according to the first embodiment> 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 300. The information processing device 300 has functions as a UI control unit 41, a tactile information acquisition unit 42, a gloss information acquisition unit 43, an output information acquisition unit 44, a data generation unit 45, and an output unit 46, as a result of the CPU 301 executing a program stored in the ROM 303 or the like.

[0019] The UI control unit 41 displays a GUI on the display 312 and receives input information representing user instructions via the input device 313. The received input information is sent to the tactile information acquisition unit 42, the gloss information acquisition unit 43, and the output information acquisition unit 44. The tactile information acquisition unit 42 acquires information related to the tactile sensation based on the input information. The tactile information acquisition unit 42 is an example of a first acquisition means. In this embodiment, the tactile information used is the kinetic friction coefficient, which is a physical quantity related to the grip feeling that indicates the degree of slipperiness when rubbing an object with a finger. Note that the grip feeling is not limited to the kinetic friction coefficient, and the static friction coefficient may also be used, or both the kinetic friction coefficient and the static friction coefficient may be used. The acquired kinetic friction coefficient is sent to the data generation unit 45.

[0020] The gloss information acquisition unit 43 acquires information related to glossiness based on the input information. The gloss information acquisition unit 43 is an example of a second acquisition means. In this embodiment, a value based on the specular glossiness at a reflection angle of 60° (60-degree specular glossiness) of JIS Z 8741 is acquired, but the glossiness is not limited to this. For example, it may be 20-degree specular glossiness or 45-degree specular glossiness, or it may be information such as a haze value that indicates the sharpness of the reflection of an illuminated image. The acquired glossiness is sent to the data generation unit 45.

[0021] The output information acquisition unit 44 acquires shape data from the ROM 303, the external storage device 311, etc. based on input information. In addition to the shape data, it also acquires information on the resin material used and molding conditions. The output information acquisition unit 44 is an example of a third acquisition means. The shape data in this embodiment is polygon data that represents the surface shape of the mold before the above-mentioned uneven structure is processed, using a collection of multiple planes. In other words, the shape data represents the shape of the surface where the mold and resin come into contact before texture is added. The shape data also consists of a list of the three-dimensional xyz coordinates of the vertices that make up the multiple planes and the corresponding two-dimensional uv coordinates (so-called texture coordinates). The acquired shape data, resin material, and molding conditions are sent to the data generation unit 45.

[0022] The data generation unit 45 generates a processing pattern including irregularities to be processed into the mold surface based on the dynamic friction coefficient, glossiness, shape data, resin material, and molding conditions sent from the tactile information acquisition unit 42, gloss information acquisition unit 43, and output information acquisition unit 44. The generated processing pattern is sent to the output unit 46. In this embodiment, the surface of a molded product obtained by injection molding a mold whose surface has been processed using the processing pattern becomes the medium surface to which irregularities are to be imparted. The output unit 46 outputs the processing pattern to the external storage device 311. The output destination is not limited to the external storage device 311, but may be an external device on a network connected via communication.

[0023] The data generating unit 45 includes a pitch calculating unit 451 , a depth calculating unit 452 , and a pattern generating unit 453 . The pitch calculation unit 451 calculates a pitch value indicating the distance between convex portions formed on the surface of a resin molded product by concave portions machined into the mold surface, based on information on the dynamic friction coefficient, resin material, and molding conditions. The pitch calculation unit 451 is an example of a first calculation means for calculating pitch information. The calculated pitch value is sent to the depth calculation unit 452. The depth calculation unit 452 calculates a depth value indicating the depth of the recesses to be machined into the mold surface based on the glossiness, pitch value, resin material, and molding condition information. The depth value is equal to the height value of the recesses to be formed on the surface of the resin molded product. The depth calculation unit 452 is an example of a second calculation means for calculating height information. The calculated depth value and pitch value are sent to the pattern generation unit 453. The pattern generation unit 453 generates a processing pattern for processing the mold surface based on the shape data, pitch value, and depth value. The generated processing pattern is sent to the output unit 46.

[0024] <Processing Executed by the Information Processing Device According to the First Embodiment> 5 shows a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the information processing device 300 according to this embodiment. In the following description, each process (step) is denoted by adding an S to the beginning, and the process (step) is omitted.

[0025] In S51, the UI control unit 41 displays a GUI on the display 312 for accepting input information for generating a machining depth map for mold machining. FIG. 6 shows an example of a GUI display according to this embodiment. The GUI 601 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display 312 and accepts user input instructions. The GUI 601 includes a shape display area 602 for displaying a rendered image of the appearance of the molded product or mold, a shape setting field 603, a glossiness setting field 604, and a tactile information setting field 605. The shape setting field 603 is a field for inputting the path of a file containing mold shape data. The glossiness setting field 604 is a field for inputting the desired glossiness. The tactile information setting field 605 is a field for inputting the desired tactile information. The GUI 601 also includes a material setting list 606, a molding condition setting list 607, and an execute button 608. The material setting list 606 is a pull-down list for selecting a resin material to be used for molding. The molding condition setting list 607 is a pull-down list for selecting molding conditions. When the execute button 608 is pressed, the tactile information acquisition unit 42, gloss information acquisition unit 43, and output information acquisition unit 44 each acquire data such as the dynamic friction coefficient, glossiness, and shape data based on the input information.

[0026] In S52, the pitch calculation unit 451 calculates a pitch value p1 corresponding to the acquired kinetic friction coefficient based on an LUT (lookup table) that holds the correspondence between the pitch and the kinetic friction coefficient. The LUT that holds the correspondence between the pitch and the kinetic friction coefficient is stored in the ROM 303 or the like. Fig. 7 shows an example of an LUT that holds the correspondence between the pitch and the kinetic friction coefficient. As described above, the kinetic friction coefficient can be controlled only by the pitch value, so the pitch calculation unit 451 calculates a pitch value that corresponds to the kinetic friction coefficient input by the user.

[0027] Here, we will explain how to create data that maintains the correspondence between pitch and kinetic friction coefficient. First, for example, multiple concave and convex shapes with different pitch values ​​(e.g., 10 types: 10 μm, 20 μm, . . . , 100 μm) at a constant depth (e.g., 20 μm) are machined on the entire surface of a mold. Next, each machined sample is injection molded to create a resin molded product with an inverted shape of the machined concave and convex structures. In this way, resin molded products with a constant height of the concave and convex structure but different pitch values ​​can be obtained. Then, the kinetic friction coefficient of each resin molded product is measured using a commercially available friction coefficient measuring device, and the correspondence between pitch and kinetic friction coefficient can be determined. Furthermore, data representing the correspondence between pitch and kinetic friction coefficient is created for each resin material and molding condition used in injection molding, and the created data is stored as an LUT in ROM 303 or the like. Note that if there is no corresponding value matching the kinetic friction coefficient entered by the user, a known interpolation method can be used to determine the pitch value corresponding to the entered kinetic friction coefficient. In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the pitch value is calculated using table-format data as shown in FIG. 7, but an approximation formula that approximates the correspondence relationship between the pitch and the dynamic friction coefficient using a function may be stored, and the pitch value may be calculated using the approximation formula.

[0028] In S53, the depth calculation unit 452 calculates a depth value d1 corresponding to the acquired glossiness based on an LUT that stores the correspondence between glossiness and depth. The LUT that stores the correspondence between glossiness and depth is stored in the ROM 303 or the like. FIG. 8 shows an example of an LUT that stores the correspondence between glossiness and depth. Specifically, the depth calculation unit 452 first acquires the correspondence between glossiness and depth that corresponds to the pitch value p1 calculated in S52. Next, the depth calculation unit 452 calculates a depth value d1 corresponding to the glossiness input by the user based on the correspondence. As described above, the dynamic friction coefficient does not change even if the depth value is changed, so the depth value corresponding to the glossiness input by the user is calculated while keeping the pitch value p1 fixed. In this embodiment, a depth value that satisfies both the glossiness and the dynamic friction coefficient is calculated in this manner.

[0029] Here, a method for creating data that maintains the correspondence between gloss and depth values ​​will be described. For example, for the pitch value used to create the data that maintains the correspondence between pitch and dynamic friction coefficient, multiple irregularities with different depth values ​​(e.g., 10 μm, 20 μm, . . . , 100 μm) are machined on the entire surface of a mold. Next, the processed samples are injection molded to obtain each resin molded product, and the gloss is measured using a commercially available gloss meter. In this manner, the correspondence between gloss and depth values ​​for each pitch value can be determined. Furthermore, data that maintains the correspondence between gloss and depth values ​​for each resin material and molding conditions used in injection molding is created, and the resulting data table is stored in ROM 303 or the like. Note that if a value matching the gloss value entered by the user does not exist in the correspondence, a known interpolation method can be used to determine the depth value corresponding to the entered gloss. In addition, in this embodiment, the depth value is calculated using table-format data as shown in FIG. 8. However, an approximation formula that approximates the correspondence between gloss and depth using a function may be stored for each pitch value, and the depth value may be calculated using the approximation formula corresponding to the corresponding pitch value.

[0030] In S54, the pattern generation unit 453 generates machining pattern data to be used on the mold surface based on the shape data acquired in S51, the pitch value p1 calculated in S52, and the depth value d1 calculated in S53. Based on the xyz and uv coordinates of the vertices of the polygons indicated by the shape data, the pitch value p1, and the depth value d1, the pattern generation unit 453 generates a machining depth map 901, as shown in FIG. 9(c), in which the machining depth is recorded for each position coordinate. Details will be explained below using FIG. 9. FIG. 9(a) shows an example of the mold surface shape S (i.e., the shape of the surface that comes into contact with the resin during molding) represented by polygons in the xyz coordinate space. FIG. 9(b) shows an example of a development of the mold surface developed on the uv coordinate plane. In addition, △P1P2P3 in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) represent corresponding planes (hereinafter referred to as element planes) that make up the surface shape S.

[0031] The machining depth map 901 in this embodiment is an image in which pixel positions are expressed in uv coordinates, and the pixel value at a pixel position (u, v) in the machining depth map 901 represents the machining depth for the position (x, y, z) on the mold surface corresponding to the pixel position (u, v). As described above, the machining depth map 901 is data corresponding to the inverted shape of the height of minute irregularities formed on the surface of a resin molded product. Therefore, the pixel value c indicating the machining depth d1 for △P1P2P3 in the xyz coordinate space d1 The pixels having the pitch p1 and the resolution DPI of the machining depth map 901 are arranged at equal intervals on the machining depth map 901. The interval x1 at which the pixels are arranged is calculated by the following formula (1) using the pitch value p1 and the resolution DPI of the machining depth map 901. x1=p1×DPI / 25.4 ··· Formula (1) In S55, the output unit 46 outputs the processing pattern data generated in S54 to the external storage device 311. This completes the series of processes in this flowchart.

[0032] According to the first embodiment as described above, it is possible to provide an unevenness map that allows the user to simultaneously reproduce the grip feeling and glossiness that they desire.

[0033] The processing pattern data (machining depth map) created in this embodiment is then converted into control parameters for a mold processing machine, and the mold is processed. For example, in a laser processing machine, the processing depth map is converted into values ​​of laser irradiation time and pulse energy corresponding to the processing depth, and processing is performed using the control parameters corresponding to the position of the processing depth map. Alternatively, the processing depth map is input into CAM, and the input data is converted into a processing program such as NC data by the CAM, and then sent to a CNC cutting machine to perform processing. Here, CAM stands for Computer Aided Manufacturing. Also, CNC stands for Computerized Numerical Control. The processed mold is then injection-molded using a commercially available injection molding machine through processes such as injection, pressure-holding, cooling, and demolding, to form a resin molded product that combines grip and gloss.

[0034] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the user directly inputs values ​​for glossiness and dynamic friction coefficient, but it is not necessary to input values. Specifically, instead of GUI 601 having glossiness setting field 604 and tactile information setting field 605 as shown in Fig. 6, GUI 1001 may be displayed in which the magnitude of sensory quantities such as glossiness and grippy feel can be selected using radio buttons 1002 and 1003 as shown in Fig. 10. In this case, pitch values ​​corresponding to the type (level) of grippy feel and depth values ​​corresponding to the type (level) of glossiness may be stored in ROM 303 or the like in advance, and in S51, the pitch values ​​and depth values ​​corresponding to the type selected using radio buttons 1002 and 1003 may be acquired.

[0035] [Embodiment 2] In the first embodiment, a case where there is one combination of pitch value and depth value that achieves both gloss and grip is described. However, there are cases where there are multiple combinations of pitch value and depth value that achieve both gloss and grip. In this embodiment, a method for selecting an appropriate structure when there are multiple candidate uneven structures that can achieve both gloss and grip is described. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and the same parts as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a graph plotting measured values ​​of the dynamic friction coefficient versus pitch for a wider range of pitches than that shown in FIG. 2, using artificial skin as the measurement subject. The inventors conducted experiments with various pitch values ​​and found that, as shown in FIG. 11, the characteristics change between a region where the pitch value is smaller than the spacing between fingerprints (less than 100 μm) and a region where the pitch value is the same as that of a fingerprint (100 μm or greater). As such, there are multiple pitch values ​​that reproduce a certain dynamic friction coefficient, and there may be multiple solutions that achieve both gloss and grip. In consideration of the above case, this embodiment describes a method for selecting an appropriate structure from among multiple candidates that achieve both gloss and grip, based on the functionality desired to be imparted to a molded product.

[0037] <Processing Executed by Information Processing Device According to Second Embodiment> FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the information processing device 300 according to this embodiment. In S121, the UI control unit 41 displays a GUI on the display 312 for receiving input information for generating a machining depth map for mold machining. Fig. 13 shows an example of the display of the GUI according to this embodiment. A GUI 1301 shown in Fig. 13 is displayed on the display 312 and receives input of instructions from the user. A gloss setting field 1305, a tactile information setting field 1306, a material setting list 1309, a molding condition setting list 1310, and an execute button 1311 in the GUI 1301 are similar to 602, 604 to 608 in the GUI 601, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0038] In S122, when the Read button 1304 in the GUI 1301 is pressed, the UI control unit 41 acquires the shape data stored in the path entered in the shape setting field 1303 and displays it as mesh data in the shape display area 1302. Then, the user operates the mouse as the input device 313 to select an element face with the pointer on the displayed mesh data, and then selects a function to be imparted to the selected element face from the radio buttons 1307. Specifically, when the user selects an element face to which a function is to be imparted among the mesh data displayed in the shape display area 1302 and presses the Set button 1308, an ID corresponding to the function is set as function information for the element face. In this embodiment, the function to be imparted to the molded product is selected from three options: scratch resistance, water repellency, and stain resistance. Scratch resistance is set as ID = 1, water repellency is set as ID = 2, and stain resistance is set as ID = 3. In this embodiment, the description has been given assuming that functionality is set for one element face designated with the pointer, but the present invention is not limited to one face. For example, the normal direction of a specified element face may be calculated, and element faces whose normal directions to neighboring element faces are within a predetermined range may be regarded as an area, and settings may be made for all element faces included therein at once.

[0039] In S123, the pitch calculation unit 451 acquires data that holds the correspondence relationship between the pitch and the coefficient of kinetic friction from the ROM 303 or the like, and calculates a pitch value based on the acquired correspondence relationship. As shown in FIG. 11, since the relationship between the coefficient of kinetic friction and the pitch may include an inflection point, multiple solutions may be calculated in S123. In the present embodiment, pitch values p1 and p2 (p1 < p2) are calculated.

[0040] In S124, the depth calculation unit 452 acquires data that holds the correspondence relationship between the glossiness and the depth from the ROM 303 or the like, and calculates a depth value based on the acquired correspondence relationship. Since two different pitches are calculated in S123, a depth value d1 for the pitch value p1 and a depth value d2 for the pitch value p2 are calculated.

[0041] In S125, the pattern generation unit 453 selects an appropriate structure based on the function information set in S122 for the combination of the pitch value and the depth value calculated in S124. Here, regarding scratch resistance, when there are fine irregularities on the surface, if deformation occurs in the convex portions at the contact surface such as a finger, the light reflection characteristics change at the deformed position, making it easier to be recognized as a scratch. Therefore, as a structure that is less likely to be deformed, a structure with larger irregularities and a higher resin filling amount is excellent in scratch resistance. Therefore, for the element surface where scratch resistance is selected (ID = 1 is set) in S122, a combination with a larger volume of fine irregularities (p2, d2) is selected. Regarding water repellency, according to the known lotus effect, it has been clarified that water repellency can be improved by making the surface of an object in contact with a liquid into a fine irregular surface that does not allow the liquid to penetrate. Therefore, for the element surface where water repellency is selected (ID = 2 is set) in S122, a combination with a smaller pitch (p1, d1) is selected. Regarding antifouling property, the effect of antifouling property can be improved by reducing the contact area with a finger. Therefore, for the element surface where antifouling property is selected (ID = 3 is set) in S122, a combination with a smaller surface area of the convex portions (p1, d1) is selected.

[0042] In S126, the pattern generation unit 453 generates machining pattern data in a manner similar to that of embodiment 1 based on the x, y, z, and uv coordinates of the polygon vertices represented by the shape data acquired in S121 and the combination of the pitch and depth values ​​selected in S125. Figure 14 shows a machining depth map as an example of machining pattern data generated in this embodiment. Figure 14(a) shows the positional relationship between △P4P5P6, one of the element faces of the mold surface shape S, and another element face △P5P6P7, which is different from △P4P5P6. Note that element face △P4P5P6 is provided with scratch resistance, and element face △P5P6P7 is provided with water-repellent properties. Figure 14(b) shows an enlarged view of the machining depth map for the element faces. The numerous squares in Figure 14(b) correspond to coordinates in the uv space, with white representing pixel values ​​corresponding to zero, black representing pixel values ​​corresponding to a depth value d2, and gray representing pixel values ​​corresponding to a depth value d1. As shown in FIG. 14, the structure having scratch resistance in the region of element surface ΔP4P5P6 is characterized by the generation of data with a deep machining depth and large pitch.

[0043] In S127, the output unit 46 outputs the processing pattern data generated in S126 to the external storage device 311. This completes the series of processes in this flowchart.

[0044] According to the second embodiment described above, when there are multiple candidates for a structure that achieves both glossiness and grip, it is possible to provide an appropriate unevenness map according to the functionality to be reproduced. Note that, in the present embodiment, one of three functions, scratch resistance, water repellency, and stain resistance, is set as the functional information, but the present invention is not limited to these as long as the structure can be selected based on functionality.

[0045] [Embodiment 3] In the second embodiment, when there are multiple candidates for a concave-convex structure that can achieve both gloss and grip, a method for selecting a combination of pitch and depth values ​​based on the functionality desired to be imparted to the molded product is selected. In the present embodiment, a method for selecting a combination of pitch and depth values ​​based on the mold releasability is described. When attempting to demold by moving the mold in the direction of arrow E in Figure 15, if the convex portion 1502 on the surface of the molded product on face 1501 is large, it may get caught in the mold, causing molding defects. In such areas, molding defects can be avoided by reducing the depth corresponding to the convex portion. In the present embodiment, when there are multiple candidates for a concave-convex structure that can achieve both gloss and grip, a method for selecting an appropriate structure from the candidates based on molding constraints is described. The following description focuses on the differences from the first embodiment, and omits descriptions of the same parts as the first embodiment.

[0046] <Processing Executed by Information Processing Device According to Third Embodiment> FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the information processing device 300 according to this embodiment. In S161, the UI control unit 41 displays a GUI on the display 312 for receiving input information for generating a machining depth map for mold machining. Fig. 17 shows an example of the display of the GUI according to this embodiment. A GUI 1701 shown in Fig. 17 is displayed on the display 312 and receives input of instructions from the user. Since 1702 to 1705 and 1707 to 1709 in the GUI 1701 are similar to 602 to 608 in the GUI 601, their description will be omitted. The GUI 1701 in Fig. 17 has a mold release direction setting field 1706. The mold release direction setting field 1706 is a field for inputting values ​​of the components (X component, Y component, Z component) of the mold release direction vector.

[0047] When the execute button 1709 is pressed, in S162 the output information acquisition unit 44 acquires information about the mold release direction input in the mold release direction setting field 1706. Here, a mold release direction vector is acquired.

[0048] S163 and S164 are the same as S52 and S53 in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. In S165, the pattern generation unit 453 first calculates the angle θ between the normal vector N of each surface and the mold release direction vector acquired in S162 for all element surfaces that make up the surface shape S of the mold indicated by the shape data. Figure 18 shows the relationship between the normal vector N, mold release direction vector E, and angle θ. In this figure, the shaded area represents the mold. Next, the pattern generation unit 453 calculates the mold release limit value Δd of the height difference that corresponds to the angle θ for each element surface that makes up the surface shape S. limit is acquired by referring to the correspondence relationship stored in advance in the ROM 303 or the like. limit is the value that represents the maximum height difference at which the molded product can be released without any problems. Figure 19 shows the relationship between the angle θ and the release limit value Δd limit In general, the mold release limit value Δd for the angle θ is limit Since the depth varies depending on the material and molding conditions, it is desirable to perform prototypes and simulations for various materials and molding conditions in advance and store them as a table. Then, from the multiple depth values ​​calculated in S164, the release limit value Δd limit In this embodiment, all the machining depths are selected as follows: limit In the following cases, priority is given to scratch resistance and the largest processing depth is selected. S166 and S167 are the same as S54 and S55 in the first embodiment, and therefore the explanation will be omitted.

[0049] According to the third embodiment described above, when there are multiple candidates for a structure that achieves both glossiness and grip, it is possible to provide an appropriate unevenness map based on the constraints in molding.

[0050] In this embodiment, the calculated depth value is always assumed to include a value that is equal to or less than the release limit value. However, depending on the gloss level and dynamic friction coefficient input by the user, there may be no depth value that is equal to or less than the release limit value. In such a case, the user may be notified that there is no machining depth that satisfies the conditions, and the data may not be output.

[0051] [Embodiment 4] In the first to third embodiments, a method for generating data related to mold processing for manufacturing a resin molded product having a desired glossiness and grip feeling has been described. In this embodiment, a method for generating print data for obtaining a printed product having a desired glossiness and grip feeling using a printer will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same parts as those in the first embodiment will not be described.

[0052] <Functional configuration of information processing device according to embodiment 4> 20 shows an example of the functional configuration of an information processing device 300. The information processing device 300 has a UI control unit 201, a tactile information acquisition unit 202, a gloss information acquisition unit 203, an image acquisition unit 204, a data generation unit 205, and an output unit 206. The UI control unit 201, the tactile information acquisition unit 202, the gloss information acquisition unit 203, the data generation unit 205, and the output unit 206 correspond to the UI control unit 41, the tactile information acquisition unit 42, the gloss information acquisition unit 43, the data generation unit 45, and the output unit 46 in FIG.

[0053] The image acquisition unit 204 acquires image information related to the image to be printed by the printer based on input information specified by the user via the UI control unit 201. The pitch calculation unit 2051 calculates a pitch value indicating the pitch between the convex and concave portions of the unevenness to be formed on the paper surface based on the value of the dynamic friction coefficient. The height calculation unit 2052 calculates a height value indicating the height of the convex portions to be formed on the paper surface based on the glossiness and the pitch value. The pitch value and height value are then sent to the pattern generation unit 2053. The pattern generation unit 2053 generates a height map for each position in the image based on the image data, pitch value, and height value. The generated height map is sent to the output unit 206. The output unit 206 outputs the height map to an external storage device 311, a printer, etc.

[0054] <Processing Executed by Information Processing Device According to Fourth Embodiment> FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the information processing device 300 according to this embodiment. In S211, the UI control unit 41 displays on the display 312 a GUI for accepting input information for generating a height map of the image. FIG. 22 shows an example of a GUI display according to this embodiment. A GUI 2101 shown in FIG. 22 is displayed on the display 312 and accepts input of instructions from the user. A glossiness setting field 2106, a tactile information setting field 2107, and an execute button 2110 in the GUI 2101 are similar to fields 604 to 605 and 608 in the GUI 601, and therefore their description will be omitted. The GUI 2101 also has an image file setting field 2104. The image file setting field 2104 is a field for inputting the path of a file in which image data is recorded. When the load button 2105 is pressed, the UI control unit 41 acquires the image data stored in the path entered in the image file setting field 2104, and displays the image data in the image display area 2102.

[0055] In S212, the data generation unit 205 acquires the area in the image to which the gloss and grip feel are to be applied, which is the target of this processing. Specifically, first, the user operates the mouse as the input device 313 to specify an area with the pointer on the image displayed in the image display area 2102. Then, when the area selection button 2103 is pressed, the data generation unit 205 extracts coordinates included in the area, generates binary image data in which the pixel values ​​are set to 1 and the rest are set to 0, and saves the binary image data in the external storage device 311. Note that in this embodiment, the area is specified as coordinates on the image included in the movement distance from the start point to the end point specified by the pointer, but this is not limited to this. For example, when the user selects a pixel, the data generation unit 205 may extract pixels having color information included in a predetermined range based on the color information of the selected pixel.

[0056] In S213, as in the first embodiment, the tactile information acquisition unit 42 and gloss information acquisition unit 43 acquire the glossiness and friction coefficient values ​​from the values ​​set in the tactile information setting field 2107 and glossiness setting field 2106. The GUI 2101 also has a printer setting list 2109 for selecting the printer to be used. The output information acquisition unit 44 acquires information about the printer selected in the printer setting list 2109.

[0057] In S214, the pitch calculation unit 2051 calculates a pitch value p1 corresponding to the acquired kinetic friction coefficient based on a LUT that stores the correspondence between pitch and kinetic friction coefficient. Figure 23 shows an example of an LUT that stores the correspondence between pitch values ​​and kinetic friction coefficients for each printer type. The correspondence between the kinetic friction coefficient and pitch can be determined by creating measurement samples with different intervals between the basic units that control gloss and friction coefficient using multiple printers and measuring the kinetic friction coefficient using a commercially available friction coefficient measuring device. Figure 24 shows an example of a measurement sample. In Figure 24, the basic unit that controls gloss and friction coefficient is four pixels, and measurement samples are shown in which the intervals between the basic units are varied, such as one pixel ( Figure 24(a) ), two pixels ( Figure 24(b) ), and three pixels ( Figure 24(c) ). The pitch corresponds to the pixel interval converted to micrometers using the printer's resolution. In this embodiment, a colorless, transparent clear ink is used.

[0058] In S215, the height calculation unit 2052 calculates a height value h1 corresponding to the acquired glossiness based on an LUT that stores the correspondence between glossiness and height. Specifically, the height calculation unit 2052 acquires the correspondence between glossiness and height corresponding to the pitch value p1 calculated in S214. Next, the height calculation unit 2052 calculates a height value h1 corresponding to the glossiness input by the user based on the correspondence. The correspondence between glossiness and height is obtained by using a printer to create multiple measurement samples with different heights by depositing ink multiple times at the same position on a paper surface for a certain pitch value, and measuring the glossiness of each measurement sample using a commercially available gloss meter. Next, similar measurement samples are created and measured for multiple different pitch values, and a data table is created that lists the correspondence between glossiness and height for each pitch value. The created data table is stored in the ROM 303 or the like.

[0059] In S216, the pattern generation unit 2053 references the binary image data generated in S212 and generates a height map for areas where the pixel value is 1 based on the pitch value p1 calculated in S214 and the height value h1 calculated in S215. Specifically, using the printer resolution DPI, x1, which represents the spacing of the unevenness map, is calculated from the pitch value p1 using the above equation (1). Next, a pixel value c1 corresponding to the height value h1 is substituted for each x1 pixel in the pixel position of the target area. This makes it possible to generate an unevenness map (height map) with heights h1 at equal intervals (x1). In S217, the output unit 206 outputs the height map generated in S216 to the external storage device 311. This completes the series of processes in this flowchart.

[0060] According to the fourth embodiment described above, it is possible to generate a concavo-convex map for reproduction by a printer.

[0061] The height map created as described above is converted into data on the amount of ink and the number of ink shots for the printer, and then printing is performed. For example, the printer refers to a table that stores the relationship between the number of ink shots and height for each type of ink, converts the height information recorded in the height map into data on the number of ink shots, and then performs printing.

[0062] In the fourth embodiment, the use of clear ink to control the coefficient of friction and gloss has been described, but the ink characteristics are not limited to this. For example, colored inks such as cyan, magenta, yellow, white, and black may also be used. In this case, the correspondence can be maintained by measuring samples with different pitches and heights for each ink.

[0063] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0064] The disclosure of each of the above-described embodiments includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) An information processing device that generates data for forming irregularities on a medium surface, a first acquisition means for acquiring tactile information; A second acquisition means for acquiring gloss information; a first calculation means for calculating pitch information relating to the intervals between the convex portions based on the tactile information acquired by the first acquisition means; a second calculation means for calculating height information relating to the height of a convex portion based on the pitch information calculated by the first calculation means and the gloss information acquired by the second acquisition means; a generating means for generating a roughness map based on the pitch information calculated by the first calculating means and the height information calculated by the second calculating means; An information processing device comprising: (Configuration 2) 2. The information processing device according to configuration 1, wherein the tactile information relates to a coefficient of friction applied to the surface of the medium. (Configuration 3) 3. The information processing device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the tactile information relates to the slipperiness of the surface of the medium. (Configuration 4) The method further comprises a third acquisition means for acquiring the material and molding conditions of a molded product molded using the unevenness map or molded using a mold whose surface has been processed using the unevenness map, 4. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the information acquired by the third acquisition means is used when calculating the pitch information and the height information. (Configuration 5) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the generating means generates a machining depth map in which the machining depth is recorded for each position coordinate on the surface of the mold based on the pitch information calculated by the first calculating means, the height information calculated by the second calculating means, and mold shape data. (Configuration 6) The information processing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 5 is characterized in that it further comprises a first selection means for selecting one combination based on functional information regarding the functionality to be imparted to the medium surface when height information is calculated by the second calculation means for each of the plurality of pitch information calculated by the first calculation means and there are multiple combinations of the pitch information and the height information. (Configuration 7) 7. The information processing device according to configuration 6, wherein the functional information includes at least one of scratch resistance, water repellency, and stain resistance. (Configuration 8) The information processing device according to configuration 6 or 7, wherein the first selection means, when the functional information related to scratch resistance is selected, selects a combination with a larger height information than when the functional information related to water repellency or stain resistance is selected. (Configuration 9) 9. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 6 to 8, characterized in that it accepts designation of an area on the surface of the medium to which functionality is to be imparted, and sets the functional information for the designated area. (Configuration 10) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, further comprising a second selection means for selecting one of the height information pieces based on the conditions for releasing a molded product from a mold that has been surface-treated using the unevenness map when height information is calculated by the second calculation means for each of the plurality of pitch information pieces calculated by the first calculation means. (Configuration 11) An information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that the generating means acquires image data and generates a height map in which height values ​​based on the height information are described for each pixel position on the image data. (method) An information processing method for generating data for forming irregularities on a medium surface, comprising: a first acquisition step of acquiring tactile information; a second acquisition step of acquiring gloss information; a first calculation step of calculating pitch information relating to the intervals between the convex portions based on the tactile information acquired in the first acquisition step; a second calculation step of calculating height information relating to the height of the convex portion based on the pitch information calculated in the first calculation step and the gloss information acquired in the second acquisition step; a generating step of generating a roughness map based on the pitch information calculated in the first calculating step and the height information calculated in the second calculating step; An information processing method comprising: (program) 12. A program for causing a computer of an information processing device that generates data for forming irregularities on a medium surface to function as each of the means according to any one of configurations 1 to 11.

Claims

1. An information processing device that generates data for forming irregularities on a medium surface, a first acquisition means for acquiring tactile information; A second acquisition means for acquiring gloss information; a first calculation means for calculating pitch information relating to the intervals between the convex portions based on the tactile information acquired by the first acquisition means; a second calculation means for calculating height information relating to the height of a convex portion based on the pitch information calculated by the first calculation means and the gloss information acquired by the second acquisition means; a generating means for generating a roughness map based on the pitch information calculated by the first calculating means and the height information calculated by the second calculating means; An information processing device comprising:

2. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the tactile information relates to a coefficient of friction applied to the surface of the medium.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the tactile information relates to the slipperiness of the surface of the medium.

4. The method further comprises a third acquisition means for acquiring the material and molding conditions of a molded product molded using the unevenness map or molded using a mold whose surface has been processed using the unevenness map, 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information acquired by the third acquisition means is used when calculating the pitch information and the height information.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the generating means generates a machining depth map in which the machining depth is recorded for each position coordinate on the surface of the mold based on the pitch information calculated by the first calculating means, the height information calculated by the second calculating means, and mold shape data.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a selection means for selecting one combination based on functional information relating to functionality to be imparted to the medium surface when height information is calculated by the second calculation means for each of the plurality of pitch information calculated by the first calculation means and there are a plurality of combinations of the pitch information and the height information.

7. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the functional information includes at least one of scratch resistance, water repellency, and stain resistance.

8. The information processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that when the functional information relating to scratch resistance is selected, the selection means selects a combination with a larger height information than when the functional information relating to water repellency or stain resistance is selected.

9. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the information processing apparatus accepts a designation of an area on the surface of the medium to which functionality is to be imparted, and sets the functional information for the designated area.

10. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a selection means for selecting one of the height information items based on the conditions for releasing a molded product from a mold whose surface has been processed using the unevenness map when height information is calculated by the second calculation means for each of the plurality of pitch information items calculated by the first calculation means.

11. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the generating means acquires image data and generates a height map in which height values ​​based on the height information are written for each pixel position on the image data.

12. An information processing method for generating data for forming irregularities on a medium surface, comprising: a first acquisition step of acquiring tactile information; a second acquisition step of acquiring gloss information; a first calculation step of calculating pitch information relating to the intervals between the convex portions based on the tactile information acquired in the first acquisition step; a second calculation step of calculating height information relating to the height of the convex portion based on the pitch information calculated in the first calculation step and the gloss information acquired in the second acquisition step; a generating step of generating a roughness map based on the pitch information calculated in the first calculating step and the height information calculated in the second calculating step; An information processing method comprising:

13. A program for causing a computer of an information processing device that generates data for forming irregularities on a medium surface to function as each of the means according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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