Image forming apparatus, method, computer program, and computer-readable medium for lenticular image printing.

Abstract

Lenticular printing is not suitable for use on small consumer devices. [Solution] An image forming apparatus for lenticular image printing includes a housing that encloses a sublimation printing head including a plurality of rollers and a heating element, the plurality of rollers are configured to load a sublimation ribbon into the sublimation printing head and to move an image substrate from an image substrate storage unit or a lenticular lens substrate from a lenticular lens substrate storage unit to the sublimation printing head, the sublimation printing head is configured to use the ribbon to form an image including a plurality of interlaced images on the image substrate or the surface of a lenticular lens substrate, the plurality of rollers are configured to move the lenticular lens substrate or the image substrate to bring it into contact with the other of the lenticular lens substrate or the image substrate, and the image forming apparatus is configured to fix the lenticular lens substrate to the image substrate and form a lenticular image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure describes an image forming apparatus for lenticular image printing, a cartridge used therefor, and a method of using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Lenticular printing is a technique that uses a lenticular lens (also a technique used in 3D displays) to create a printed image with a sense of depth or an image that changes or moves depending on the viewing angle.

[0003] Examples of lenticular printing include a flip effect, an animation effect such as a winking eye, and up-to-date advertising graphics where the message changes depending on the viewing angle.

[0004] Lenticular printing is a multi-step process consisting of creating a lenticular image from at least two images and combining those images with a lenticular lens. This process can be used to create animations of various frames (for the purpose of a motion effect), to offset various layers by different increments (for the purpose of a 3D effect), or simply to show a set of alternating images that appear to transform into each other. Once various images are collected, these images are flattened into individual different frame files, and then digitally combined into a single final file in a process called interlacing.

[0005] Thereafter, the interlaced image is printed onto a substrate such as a photographic paper substrate to form a It can be laminated to a lenticular lens substrate. The lenticular lens substrate is lenticular. Lenticular lenses, also known as luminaires, such as arrays of cylindrical lenses, support The substrate is a polymer, for example, the array is made of PMMA, PETG. Alternatively, it can be molded from a plastic such as polycarbonate.

[0006] Printed materials that incorporate lenticular printing can be viewed from two different angles simply by changing the viewing angle of the print. Show the different images above. A situation where many (more than 30) consecutively captured images are used. In addition, you can also show a short animation sequence of about 1 second. Simple images or It is usually created in sheet format by interlacing different colors throughout the entire artwork. However, lenticular images can also be created in roll form with 3D effects or multi-color variations. Alternatively, one or more images of the same object taken from slightly different angles can be used. It is also possible to create lenticular prints that show a stereoscopic 3D effect. The 3D effect is horizontal. This is achieved through direction (left-right direction). In this case, the viewer's left eye works to achieve the stereoscopic effect. This is because you will be seeing from a slightly different angle than with your right eye. (Morphing, Motion) And other effects such as zoom work well as vertical effects (ghosting or potential effects). It functions (with little effect), but can be achieved in both directions.

[0007] The problem with well-known lenticular printing methods is that they are not suitable for desktop-sized or smaller consumer devices. It is not suitable for use in the US and typically requires a large amount of manual input from skilled professionals. This requires a great deal of time and is not practical when the scale becomes large. This makes lenticular printing expensive. It is.

[0008] This disclosure is intended to address these and other issues. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 188124 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2009 / 037166 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 285974 [Overview of the Initiative]

[0010] Generally, this disclosure is a miniaturized, desktop-sized or This provides a smaller lenticular printing device.

[0011] According to the first aspect, an image forming apparatus for lenticular image printing is provided. Implementation In this example, the apparatus includes a housing that encloses multiple rollers and a sublimation printing system that includes a heating element. Includes a head. In the implementation example, the device also includes a sublimation ribbon, photographic paper, white vinyl, A storage section for an image substrate such as one or more layers of paint or other coatings, and a lenticular lens Includes a storage compartment for the substrate. Here, photographic paper is used as the primary example, but in appropriate cases... (For example, as described later, an image is first formed on a lenticular lens substrate, In implementation examples where an image substrate is applied, it is assumed that other image substrates may also be used. These image substrates are then coupled together or individually to a housing (e.g., a housing). One or more cartridges or packets (e.g., one or more removable cartridges) held within the jingle. The removable cartridge may include one or more or two or more of a sublimation ribbon storage, a photo paper substrate storage, and a lenticular lens substrate storage (e.g., configured to hold). In an implementation example, a plurality of rollers are configured to load the ribbon into the sublimation printing head and move the photo paper substrate from the storage to the sublimation printing head. In an implementation example, the sublimation printing head is configured to use the ribbon to form an image on the photo paper substrate or on the surface of the lenticular lens substrate. In an implementation example, the image includes a plurality of interlaced images. In an implementation example, a plurality of rollers

[0012] are configured to move the lenticular lens substrate into contact with the photo paper substrate or move the photo paper substrate into contact with the lenticular lens substrate. In an implementation example, the image forming apparatus is configured to fix the lenticular lens

[0013] substrate to the image substrate to form a lenticular image. Advantageously, this improves the user experience. Before the user inserts the This eliminates the need to remove the lining layer, and also because the lining layer stores and preserves the adhesive during storage. By preventing hardening, the shelf life of the adhesive on the lenticular lens substrate is extended. Because it is permissible. Furthermore, this approach allows for the use of lenticular lenses and photographs. Energy consumption when using either a heating element or ultraviolet (UV) light on both sides of the paper It is reduced. A further advantage of this approach is adhesive secretion, i.e., other internal of the present invention. The key is minimizing the internal risks associated with adhesive bonding between parts.

[0014] In some implementations, the heating element of the sublimation print head is located on the lenticular lens substrate. To form a printed lenticular image by bonding it to a photographic paper substrate, lenticular It is configured to heat the substrate and / or photographic paper substrate.

[0015] Advantageously, dye-sublimation printing is used to bond the lenticular lens substrate to the photographic paper substrate. The use of a heating element in the head combines two substrates to create a lenticular image. This means there is no need to provide the device with bulky and expensive additional heating elements to complete the image. This is particularly advantageous because the image is a separate alignment model on the device. The rising was formed without the need to move it to a joule or position and without specific user input. This is because multiple rollers are aligned with the substrate beneath the printing head. The spatial requirements of the device are reduced, and the user can use lenticular technology as in the well-known method. It is guaranteed that there is no need to manually align the lens substrate with the photographic paper substrate. In the example, the photographic paper substrate includes a substrate suitable for sublimation printing.

[0016] Additional or alternative joining methods are also conceivable. For example, in some implementations, multiple One or more rollers bond the lenticular lens substrate to the image substrate to create a lenticular image. - To apply pressure to the lenticular lens substrate and / or image substrate in order to form an image. It is configured as follows. Additionally or alternatively, the image forming apparatus defines a lenticular lens substrate. To form a lenticular image by bonding it to an image substrate, a lenticular lens substrate and / or includes an ultraviolet light source configured to illuminate an image substrate. In either case, the used The adhesive is activated by heat, pressure, and / or ultraviolet (UV) light, depending on its applicability. This is expected to happen.

[0017] It is clear that these arrangements mean that the image is initially made into an image substrate. Depending on whether it is formed on the back of the lenticular lens substrate, or how the image is formed Depending on how it is fixed to the lenticular lens substrate, a lenticular image is formed. A certain number of different forms are permitted.

[0018] For example, each of the following embodiments is considered, and whether or not the image is initially formed on the image substrate. They are classified as either being formed on the back of the lenticular lens substrate first, or not.

[0019] When the image is first formed on the image substrate

[0020] Example 1: When the image is first formed on the image substrate The lenticular lens substrate is pre-treated with an adhesive. When moving the material to bring it into contact with the image substrate and / or pressing it to adhere it to the image substrate, The layers (e.g., plastic backing) are printed by a printing press using rollers or other suitable mechanisms. This is applied to the entire adhesive layer, which can then be removed (e.g., peeled off).

[0021] Example 2: When the image is first formed on the image substrate The lenticular lens substrate is moved to bring it into contact with and / or press against the image substrate to create the image. When the lenticular lens substrate is bonded to the substrate, the image forming apparatus (for example, on The material is pre-treated with a heat-activated adhesive that is activated by the heating element described above.

[0022] Example 3: When the image is first formed on the image substrate The lenticular lens substrate is moved to bring it into contact with and / or press against the image substrate to create the image. When the lenticular lens substrate is bonded to the substrate, the lenticular lens substrate is subjected to (for example, multiple) by the image forming apparatus. A pressure-activated adhesive is activated by one or more rollers or other suitable mechanism. It's pre-processed like that.

[0023] Example 4: When the image is first formed on the image substrate The lenticular lens substrate is moved to bring it into contact with and / or press against the image substrate to create the image. When the lenticular lens substrate is bonded to the substrate, the U light source activates the U It is pre-treated with V-activated adhesive.

[0024] In all of these examples, the image substrate is photographic paper, white vinyl, or other material. It's okay to have it.

[0025] When the image is first formed on the lenticular lens substrate

[0026] Example 6: An image is formed on the back of the lenticular lens substrate, and once the image is formed... A layer of white vinyl or other material is used to create a lenticular lens using a suitable pressing mechanism. The substrate is heat-pressed onto the back. The heat source can be the heating element described above.

[0027] Example 7: A layer of paint or coating is applied to the back of a lenticular lens. / or the material of the coating layer is an additional material such as a white vinyl material It is strong and elastic enough that a protective layer is not necessary. In this context, paint or coating The coating layer itself becomes the image substrate.

[0028] Generally, the above arrangement is advantageous for a certain number of reasons.

[0029] Firstly, a pre-filled, removable cartridge (which may also be called a cartridge) By using this method, the photographic paper substrate and the lenticular lens substrate become compatible. These substrates are correctly positioned so that multiple rollers can receive them within the device. This is guaranteed, and the user's device loading is simplified. Therefore, several practical In the example, during heating, the multiple rollers are, for example, in the sublimation printing head, A first row configured to align a photographic paper substrate and a lenticular lens substrate. Includes ra and press.

[0030] Secondly, the inventors of the present invention argue that sublimation printing is comparable to, for example, inkjet printing or other printing methods. And we have found it particularly suitable for desktop or smaller lenticular printing. This is because print accuracy is important for displaying lenticular images correctly, and the image Even slight artifacts or misprinted elements in the lens substrate can be seen through the lens substrate. This is because gravity can result in incorrectly displayed images. Inkjet printers use gravity It is particularly sensitive to orientation because it affects the trajectory of the ink droplets. Consumers use devices with many different orientations. Because it is often pointed at an angle that can lead to poor print quality or device malfunction. In contrast, sublimation printing can be used in any orientation, and is used in wrenches in consumer devices. It is particularly suitable for lenticular printing. Synergistically, this is also because, as mentioned above, lenticular The heating element of the dye-sublimation print head is used to bond the light lens substrate to the photographic paper substrate. It is also acceptable.

[0031] In some implementations, multiple rollers are housed in a removable cartridge. When combined, the photo paper substrate is moved from the storage bay to the removable cartridge. When the second roller, which is positioned, and the removable cartridge are coupled to the housing... The lenticular lens substrate is positioned in a removable cartridge to move it from the storage compartment. The third roller is determined to move beyond the sublimation printing head during the formation of the image. It includes a fourth roller positioned on the sublimation print head to move the true paper substrate. In that implementation example, the first roller and press are positioned in the opening in the housing. The device is configured to eject the lenticular image upon completion.

[0032] Advantageously, this roller arrangement allows the user to view lenticular images. It can print with minimal input, making it suitable for consumer devices.

[0033] In some implementation examples, the image forming apparatus includes a control unit and a motor, The motor is connected to multiple rollers by one or more gear assemblies, and the control unit The plurality of rollers are driven and during the formation of the lenticular image. The motor is configured to control the sublimation printing head.

[0034] Advantageously, the control unit, motor, and one or more gear assemblies enable the Ren The lenticular printing process allows the user to manually position the lenticular lens substrate. It is automated so that alignment or positioning is not required.

[0035] In some implementations, the image forming apparatus is connected to a sensor unit. It is a knitted device that detects the insertion of a removable cartridge into the housing and allows for removal. Includes a sensor unit configured to identify the cartridge type of the performance cartridge. In some implementations, the controller unit is a cartridge. The device prevents the formation of the lenticular image when the type cannot be identified. It is configured in such a way. The cartridge type controls the image forming apparatus, for more details It may be used to control the image formed on a photographic paper substrate, and as a result the image will be For more details, consider the type of cartridge, such as the type of lenticular lens substrate. This is suitable for the base material in the cartridge.

[0036] Advantageously, it guarantees that the user experience of the device will remain at a high level. To that end, the sensor unit ensures that the inserted cartridge is from a known and reliable manufacturer. Whether it is a genuine cartridge manufactured by [company name] or a potentially low-quality pirated version. It detects whether or not it is a counterfeit product. For example, the sensor unit detects whether the cartridge type is If you cannot identify that it is from a known and reliable manufacturer, the user experience It may be shown that the lenticular may be affected, and accordingly the control unit may be affected This prevents the device from using a cartridge to print regular images. In terms of type, the cartridge type is from a known and reliable manufacturer (for example, this one). This includes 3D lenticular lenses, photographic paper, and sublimation ribbons. This is a cartridge, or this is a motion lenticular lens, photographic paper and sublimation ribbon. It is a motion lenticular cartridge that includes a lenticular, or this is photographic paper and If it is detected that it is a still image cartridge containing only a sublimation ribbon, The control unit allows the device to continue printing.

[0037] In some implementations, the image forming apparatus uses wired or wireless connections to control the user Includes a communication interface that connects the Knit to an external device such as a mobile device. .

[0038] Advantageously, this allows users to, for example, use devices associated with image forming apparatuses. By using the software application on the chair, smartphones, tablets If you wish to print using your mobile device, such as a computer or other device, It is permitted to transmit images to the device. When a wireless connection is used, the communication interface Face uses, for example, Bluetooth®, WiFi®, or other technologies. It may include a wireless connection interface. Additionally or alternatively, a wired connection may be used. In that case, the communication interface is a USB-C (registered trademark) connection interface, or Other connections such as the iPhone® Lightning® port It may be included.

[0039] In some implementations, the housing has a molded receiving surface and an external mobile device on it. Define the clamp that holds the chair.

[0040] Advantageously, the combination of the molding surface and clamp allows for the creation of mobile devices of any shape or size. By keeping the device on the device, the user experience is improved, and printing It can guarantee both wireless and / or wired connectivity during the process.

[0041] In some implementations, the image forming apparatus has a printed circuit board enclosed in a housing. The board (PCB) includes a control unit, sensor unit and communication interface. It is coupled to the lint circuit board and power supply.

[0042] Advantageously, these units and interfaces are mounted on the PCB within the housing. By doing so, the device is given as a fully integrated device suitable for consumer use. .

[0043] In some implementations, the image forming apparatus is further configured to print still images. Multiple rollers are configured to move the photographic paper substrate from the storage unit to the sublimation print head. The sublimation print head is configured to use a ribbon to form an image on a photographic paper substrate. Furthermore, multiple rollers are configured to eject the still image from the device upon completion.

[0044] Advantageously, users can therefore print on the same device without needing a separate printer. Both crystalline and still images can be printed.

[0045] In some implementation examples, the housing for the lenticular lens substrate is provided with adhesive. Having multiple lenticular lens substrates (e.g., plastic or other lining material) Includes continuous strips. The lining material is configured to be peeled off in the manner described above. Optional Specifically, multiple lenticular lens substrates are arranged in a continuous strip, on the same side of the strip. They are set apart by a predetermined interval. Each interval is substantially lenticular - This is the length of the lens substrate, and the continuous strip is folded multiple times, with each fold being... It is located at the start and end points of this interval, thereby allowing for the folding of the sequence at will. The extension strip may be provided in a laminated configuration inside the housing of the lenticular lens substrate. To be accepted.

[0046] Advantageously, this configuration allows one roller to wrap around the plastic waste layer. Energy consumption can be reduced in that it is permissible to do so. Furthermore, this Allen The method is compared with a configuration in which individual pieces of lenticular lens substrates are stacked in a discontinuous manner. This makes clogging less likely. Pull this lenticular lens base strip forward. The leader mechanism may be such that, in the case of an individual piece configuration, the previous sheet pulls the next sheet. This is because it does not depend on the need to make contact with the roller. Therefore, This improves the reliability of the image forming apparatus. This configuration also allows the discarded lining strip to be used as the backing strip. Individual pieces of the ground strip can be easily collected on the roller without the risk of causing clogging. It is also acceptable to be treated that way.

[0047] In a further aspect, an image forming apparatus for lenticular image printing is provided, The device includes a housing and one or more removable cartridges, and the housing is multiple A sublimation printing head including rollers and heating elements is enclosed, and one or more removable cartridges The housing holds the sublimation ribbon and the lenticular lens substrate. Combined, multiple rollers load the ribbon into the sublimation print head and lenticular - It is configured to move the lens substrate from the storage unit to the sublimation printing head, and sublimation printing The print head uses a ribbon to form an image on the surface of the lenticular lens substrate. The image is composed of multiple interlaced images, and the dye-sublimation print head prints It is configured to use a ribbon to form a protective layer on the image.

[0048] Advantageously, this allows for the use of photographic paper or, as described in a certain number of the implementation examples above, photographic paper or This provides a means of printing directly onto the lens without the need to use other image substrates.

[0049] Further aspects of this disclosure provide a method for printing a lenticular image. The method involves placing a sublimation ribbon, an image substrate, and a lenticular lens substrate in the housing of an image forming apparatus. Inserting the ribbon into the sing and using multiple rollers loads the ribbon into the sublimation print head. Moving the photographic paper substrate from the storage unit to the sublimation printing head, and using the sublimation printing head, Forming an image containing multiple interlaced images onto a photographic paper substrate, and multiple rollers This involves moving the lenticular lens substrate to bring it into contact with the photographic paper substrate, and sublimation. The heating element of the print head bonds the lenticular lens substrate to the photographic paper substrate. A lenticular lens substrate and / or photographic paper substrate are added to form a lenticular image. This includes heating.

[0050] In the implementation example, the insertion step involves the sublimation ribbon and the storage unit for the image substrate, A removable cartridge including the lenticular lens substrate storage section is provided for use in an image forming apparatus. This includes inserting it into the housing.

[0051] Further aspects of this disclosure include instructions causing the apparatus to perform the steps of the method described above. A computer program is given.

[0052] According to further aspects of this disclosure, a computer storing the above computer program A readable memory medium is provided.

[0053] According to further aspects of this disclosure, a cartridge for use with the above-mentioned image forming apparatus is provided. This cartridge is for loading into the sublimation print head of an image forming machine. One or more of the following: a bonnet, an image substrate storage section, and a lenticular lens substrate storage section, or two of them. This includes the above.

[0054] The cartridge has a lenticular lens substrate, which can display animated lenticular images or The image forming apparatus indicates whether or not it is suitable for generating stereoscopic lenticular images. This may include physical or electronic mechanisms. In this context, animation lenticular - The image is one or more image flips or image morphs (the image changes in response to changes in the field of view). Images that show discrete or quasi-continuous changes from one image to another, or image zoom. It can be an image.

[0055] In some implementation examples, the lenticular lens substrate (and software) is animated. To produce stereoscopic (3D) lenticular images, for example, depending on the viewpoint It is adapted to generate changing 3D animations.

[0056] This method, computer program and computer-readable storage medium, and cartridge The same advantages as described above are offered.

[0057] According to further aspects of this disclosure, lenticular images from a mobile phone or similar device An image forming apparatus for image printing is provided. This apparatus has a tray that supports a mobile phone. The tray having a base, the lenticular printing mechanism, and in the implementation example, portable Includes a wireless communication system for wireless coupling to a telephone. The lenticular printing mechanism is It is created within the base of the ray. In other words, the lenticular printing mechanism is within the thickness of the base. It is effectively encompassed.

[0058] The image forming apparatus further includes a sublimation ribbon for loading into the sublimation print head of the image forming apparatus. It holds at least two of the following: an image substrate storage section and a lenticular lens substrate storage section. It may include a removable cartridge. The tray is designed to accommodate the cartridge. At the very least, one edge may have a first slot.

[0059] The tray has a second slot on the opposite edge or any other edge that could be either edge. It is possible. The direction between the first slot and the second slot is the export through the lenticular printing mechanism. The direction of the transmission route can be defined. This route may be direct, or it may involve a certain number of other routes. This is also possible. For example, the cartridge is inserted into the first slot in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel. It may be done. Other directions and configurations are also conceivable. The lenticular printing mechanism is removable. The image substrate and lenticular lens substrate from the cartridge are each wrapped around it. The first and second rollers are displaced perpendicularly and / or laterally from each other. It may include. The base of the tray is the transport between the first and second rollers and the second slot. The system may include a sublimation printing press positioned along the feed path. The sublimation printing press uses photographic paper substrates. It is configured to perform both printing and fixing the lenticular lens substrate to the photographic paper substrate. It may have a sublimation printing head. This can be achieved by using one of the above fixing methods. That's fine.

[0060] Examples of implementing such arrangements show that lenticulars have a relatively small thickness. It can be easily installed within the base of the tray.

[0061] The image forming apparatus further includes a lenticular lens substrate in a removable cartridge. However, the purpose is to produce animated lenticular images, or stereoscopic lenticular images. The purpose is to produce a ticular image or to detect and generate a substrate type signal. It may include sensors.

[0062] The image forming apparatus stores the substrate type signal in the apparatus's non-volatile memory, or in a portable device. Non-volatile memory of external devices such as phones, tablets, or computers It is stored in the cloud and configured to communicate with lenticular printing software. In an implementation example, the image forming apparatus receives data from a mobile phone, for example, via a wireless communication link. To generate a printable interlaced image from one or more obtained images, the non-volatile nature of the device Includes a processor controlled by instructions stored in memory.

[0063] Lenticular printing software receives one or more images from a mobile phone and processes them. The above image is printed on an image substrate by a lenticular printing mechanism into one or more interlaced images. It may be configured to convert into an image. This conversion may depend on the substrate type signal. As a result, for example, the substrate type signal is lenticular in a removable cartridge. When indicating that the lens substrate is intended for the manufacture of animated lenticular images, Animation when a lenticular image is combined with a lenticular lens substrate. The image is generated, and the substrate type signal is lenticular in the removable cartridge. When indicating that the lens substrate is intended for the manufacture of 3D lenticular images, interlacing This generates a 3D image when the image is combined with a lenticular lens substrate.

[0064] The aforementioned removable cartridge is also provided.

[0065] Overview of an Exemplary Lenticular Printing Process

[0066] A illustrative and non-exclusive description of the lenticular printing process is provided below. - In related apps for mobile devices such as telephones, still images, 3D images or Select which motion images you want to capture and / or print, or alternatively, This is determined by identifying the type of cartridge that has been inserted.

[0067] In some implementations, application software on a phone or other device A is configured to allow the user to modify / edit the image before printing. Implementation In the example, the application software allows the user to select multiple separate images. They are then joined together to form a lenticular image, and then this lenticular The regular image is output to the printing press. Alternatively, or instead, the lenticular image is shaped Multiple resulting images may be generated from a single initial image.

[0068] If your phone or other device uses Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi® or via the USB-C® / Lightning® port of the phone The photograph is then transmitted to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus uses its rollers to form a photograph. The paper is grasped and pushed towards the dye-sublimation print head. The print head then prints cyan, magenta, and so on. T, yellow (and potentially black, other colors, and clear coat) using the multi-pass method Apply to the substrate.

[0069] The image is lenticular (more specifically, it contains layers of multiple interlaced images in rows or columns). If it is a processed image, the image forming apparatus grasps the lenticular lens and prints on the photographic paper. Align the printed image (alignment depends on the size of the photographic paper and lenticular lens). This is done using mechanical means, including physical constraints based on the lens, but using a photosensor. (It can also automatically align the cyclo lens with the photographic paper.) The light lens and photographic paper are transported together towards the sublimation print head. This involves heating the adhesive already placed on the back of the lenticular lens, and then photographing the lens. It is bonded to the paper. Alternatively or additionally, as described above, the image forming apparatus has an adhesive layer. A mechanism is provided to peel off the backing layer of the lenticular lens substrate that has already been coated. This mechanism may be provided as part of a group of rollers.

[0070] If the image is a still image, the image forming apparatus applies the final protective coating in the final pass. Apply to the top of the statue.

[0071] The image forming device can be charged via a USB-C port that supplies power to the battery.

[0072] The image forming apparatus uses the following three types of cartridges 1. 3D cartridge (includes 3D lenticular lens, photographic paper, and sublimation ribbon) ), 2. Motion cartridge (motion lenticular lens, photographic paper and dye-sublimation ribbon) (including n), 3. Static cartridge (including photo paper and dye-sublimation ribbon) It may have a consumable port that takes in one of them.

[0073] The image forming apparatus must ensure that the cartridges are from a known and reliable manufacturer, or are not manufactured by an authorized dealer. It may include a sensor to detect whether it is a product or not. If it is the latter, the image forming apparatus will not print. It can be constructed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0074] These and other aspects of the present invention are described below, by reference only to the accompanying drawings and reference numbers. Further details are provided below.

[0075] [Figure 1] The plan view of the table cover relating to this disclosure is shown. [Figure 2]The plan view of the back cover relating to this disclosure is shown. [Figure 3] This diagram shows an isometric view of the outer casing that introduces the consumable port related to this disclosure. [Figure 4] This diagram shows an exploded view of the casing relating to this disclosure. This diagram includes the PCB, battery, gears and rollers, sublimation consumable cartridge containing a sublimation ribbon, photographic paper, and lenticular lens. [Figure 5] This disclosure shows a cross-sectional side view of a consumable cartridge, a sublimation printing head, and a roller, all associated with a delamination method for stripping the lenticular lens from the plastic backing and storing the plastic backing inside the consumable cartridge. [Figure 6] This diagram shows an isometric cross-sectional view of the consumable cartridge, sublimation print head, and roller associated with the consumable cartridge related to this disclosure. [Figure 7] This shows a series of lenticular lenses attached to a strip of plastic substrate relating to this disclosure. [Figure 8] This disclosure shows a single lenticular lens relating to this disclosure. [Figure 9] This document illustrates a process for generating a two-image lenticular flip image according to this disclosure by interlacing two images. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0076] The front cover 1 shown in Figure 1 is designed to fit into the back cover 2 shown in Figure 2. The cover forms a hollow shell 3 that encloses the internal mechanism of the present invention. This shell is small It may be configured to surround a tablet or mobile device 4. Front cover 1 or back Cover 2 is used to hold a small tablet or mobile device 4 in place. It may include a clamping system 5.

[0077] The image forming apparatus shown in the figure is based on the present invention, which utilizes, for example, Bluetooth®, N Connect to other wireless devices via FC (registered trademark) or WiFi (registered trademark). It is assumed that the image forming apparatus will include a communication module for near-field communication that allows for this. USB-C or Lightning port that allows direct wired communication with electronic devices. It may include 6 wired ports, such as [this example].

[0078] The image forming apparatus has a slot 7 into which a consumable cartridge is inserted, as shown in Figure 3, This includes certain consumable components such as sublimation ribbons 8, photographic paper 9, and lenticular lenses 10. It is configured to include a series of slots into which the components are inserted.

[0079] Based on the exemplary configuration of the system shown in the figure, the image forming apparatus is coupled to the power supply 13. A printed circuit including a controller unit, sensor unit, and communication interface. The gears and rollers 11 are mounted on the circuit board 12. The exemplary power supply 13 is used with other power supplies. It can be recharged via a charging connection to the power source. Other components of power supply 13 are replaceable and insertable. It may include a battery. The gear and roller 11 shown in Figure 4 grip the substrate and lift the substrate. The dye-sublimation print head 14 is driven. The dye-sublimation print head 14 prints the image directly onto the substrate.

[0080] In the configuration shown in Figure 5, the image forming apparatus first uses the roller 15 to process the photographic paper. The unit grips the paper 9 and drives it toward the sublimation print head 14. The paper 9 is It is driven using mechanical constraints, but includes photosensor constraints to maintain the position of the photograph. It may be configured to do so. When the photograph is printed, the photograph is released via the final roller 16. It is discharged from the light. If it is necessary to print the colors of other layers, the image forming apparatus re-captures the photograph. The image forming apparatus uses mechanical constraints to maintain the position of the photograph. A photosensor may be used to ensure that the object is in the desired position. Depending on the configuration, the image After the image forming apparatus has finished printing the colors of the photograph, the image forming apparatus prints a clear protective layer, Alternatively, in preparation for bonding the lenticular lens 10 to photographic paper 9, the photograph is taken using the special method described in the present invention. It can be retracted into a fixed position. Photographic paper 9 and lenticular lens 10 The position is controlled by mechanical and photosensor constraints to ensure the desired alignment. It can be controlled. In one configuration, the photographic paper 9 is used to place the lenticular lens 10 on the photographic paper 9. It can be bonded to the lenticular lens 10 via a bonding heating element. Other configurations are not shown. In this process, the image forming apparatus prints a photograph directly onto a lenticular lens, and then applies heat. A lining material, such as a white vinyl lining, is then attached to the lenticular lens 10.

[0081] Figures 5 and 6 show the sublimation ribbon container 18, the photographic paper container 19, and the lenticular The diagram shows a consumable cartridge 17 containing the lens container 20. These diagrams are additionally, The step of joining the lenticular lens 10 to the photographic paper 9 is shown. In this configuration, The image forming apparatus uses rollers 21 to pull the lenticular lens 10 forward. The roller 21 moves the lenticular lens 10, and the adhesive coating applied to the lenticular lens. Pull toward the plastic layer 22 that will be peeled off while protecting the adhesive layer. When this happens, it is drawn into the cavity inside the consumable cartridge 17, so the waste material Easy storage is permitted. Plastic layer 22 attached to lenticular lens 10 This requires a hollow cavity in the consumable cartridge 17 that houses the plastic layer 22. Each lenticular lens 10 may be individually attached, or the plastic layer 22 may be Can it become a continuous layer with the lenticular lens 10 attached to a clearly defined point? It is either one of the following. In the latter method, one roller 21 moves the plastic layer 22 itself It is permissible to wrap around it, and a clear hollow cavity housing the plastic layer 22 The need for i disappears.

[0082] Figure 7 shows a series of strips of the aforementioned plastic underlayer 22 attached to a continuous strip. The structure of the lenticular lens 10 is depicted.

[0083] Figure 8 shows an example of a lenticular lens 10 and a plastic underlayment 22. The lens refracts light based on the viewer's orientation in order to display the background image. As those skilled in the art will understand, the cycloidal lens 10 allows each eye to see the same image, or different images. Alternatively, it may be configured to allow viewing of a series of different images.

[0084] Figure 9 shows how the image forming apparatus 23 generates lenticular photographs. The image forming apparatus identifies the type of cartridge 17 to be inserted into the present invention. Sensor 24 is used. Sensor 24 in the image forming apparatus 23 is inserted into the system. The installed consumable 17 is registered. The sensor 24 receives information about the consumable 17 from B Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, NFC®, or wired connection The data is transmitted to a connected electronic device 25 connected to the image forming apparatus 23 via a subsequent means. The connected electronic device 25 is a mobile telecommunications device capable of sending and receiving information. This may be a computer device, tablet, laptop, or other electronic device. The software 26 in the completed electronic device 25 is used in the image forming apparatus 23 to determine what type of erasure Whether consumable 17 is inserted, how many times consumable 17 has been used, and how many pages have been printed using the consumable. It communicates information including, but not limited to, whether it remains on 17. Connected electronic devices The software 26 in 25 provides this information to the user in relation to the application. It will also be implemented in application 27. Users can select one or more photos using application 27. You may select and / or capture. Application 27 will use the settings selected by the user. Based on this, multiple photos are interlaced in the final print, creating 3D, motion, and other effects. It can produce different effects such as lip-syncing, zooming, and pixelation. After selecting and / or capturing these photos, application 27 is used by the image forming apparatus 23 Send information about what should be printed.

[0085] The image forming apparatus 23 has a computer on its printed circuit board (PCB). A readable storage medium, such as memory, is provided. An appropriate processing resource is provided on the PCB. - For example, one or more processors, ASICs, or other computing resources The system reads the print command and initiates the photo printing process on the components of the image forming apparatus.

[0086] If the photograph is a lenticular photograph, the image forming apparatus first uses rollers to form the photograph The paper 9 is grasped and transported to the sublimation print head 14. 11. Transmitted to the image forming apparatus 23. Based on the information obtained, the image forming apparatus 23 prints one or more layers of color onto the photograph. The print continues to be produced as it is ejected from the image forming apparatus, until it reaches the edge of the print layer. When multi-layer printing is required, such as with magenta, yellow, black, and clear, image formation The device uses the same method to re-import the photograph in order to print the next layer.

[0087] As described above, the image forming apparatus performs printing during printing and during the lenticular bonding process. To maintain alignment, both photosensors and physical constraints may be used.

[0088] When the present invention prints lenticular photographs, physical constraints and a photosensor are used. This allows for alignment of the photographic paper 9 and the lenticular lens 10. Once the alignment of the photographic paper 9 is complete, use the roller 11 to apply the lenticular lens The lenticular lens 10 can be pulled forward. Because it moves, the plastic coating 22 under the lenticular lens touches other rollers. -21 is grasped and drawn into the hollow space inside the cartridge. This plastic The purpose of the underlayer 22 is to provide an adhesive coating on the underside of the lenticular lens 10. The purpose is to protect it from being joined until desired. The lenticular lens 10 is forward It is pulled and pressed onto the photographic paper 9. This joined lenticular lens 10 and The photographic paper 9 is pulled so that it passes through the roller 16 of the other set, and these two substrates When pressed firmly, any air bubbles that may form are pushed out.

[0089] Undoubtedly, many other effective alternatives come to mind for those skilled in the art. However, this The invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but is within the scope of the appended claims. This includes modifications that would be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0090] For example, the present disclosure shown in the figure relates to bonding via an adhesive activated by heat, UV, or pressure. One or more of the above-mentioned joining methods, including the above-mentioned methods, may be used.

[0091] For example, one port 7 (port for sublimation ribbon 8, port for lenticular lens 10) In addition to the port for photo paper (size 9), multiple feeders for consumables are provided in the housing. This can be used in place of replaceable cartridge 17.

[0092] For example, as described above, the image forming apparatus prints directly onto the lenticular lens 10 substrate. By doing so, the image substrate is bonded to a white vinyl layer to protect the printed image. It becomes a layer of tarnish or other material.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus for lenticular image printing, It includes a housing that encloses a sublimation printing head, which includes multiple rollers and a heating element. The aforementioned plurality of rollers load the sublimation ribbon into the sublimation print head and the image substrate From the image substrate storage unit or from the lenticular lens substrate storage unit Furthermore, it is configured to move to the sublimation printing head, The sublimation printing head prints multiple images on the image substrate or on the surface of the lenticular lens substrate. The ribbon is configured to be used to form an image containing a number of interlaced images. , The plurality of rollers move the lenticular lens substrate or the image substrate and It is configured to come into contact with the lenticular lens substrate or the other of the image substrate, The image forming apparatus uses the lenticular lens base to form a lenticular image. An image forming apparatus configured to fix a material to the image substrate.

2. The surface of the lenticular lens substrate is provided with an adhesive having a backing layer, and the plurality One or more of the rollers move the lenticular lens substrate to the image substrate. It is configured to peel the backing layer from the lenticular lens substrate when it comes into contact with the lens. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The heating element of the sublimation printing head heats the lenticular lens substrate to the image substrate. In order to bond and form the lenticular image, the lenticular lens substrate and / Alternatively, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, configured to heat the image substrate.

4. One or more of the plurality of rollers move the lenticular lens substrate to the image substrate. In order to bond and form the lenticular image, the lenticular lens substrate and / Or an image shape according to any one of claims 1 to 3, configured to apply pressure to the image substrate. equipment.

5. The lenticular lens substrate is bonded to the image substrate to form the lenticular image. To that end, the lenticular lens substrate and / or image substrate are configured to be illuminated. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising an ultraviolet light source.

6. The plurality of rollers position the image substrate and the lenticular lens substrate during heating. Image forming apparatus of claim 2, comprising a first roller and a press configured to be aligned. 。

7. The storage unit for the sublimation ribbon, the storage unit for the image substrate, and the storage unit for the lenticular lens substrate. One or more removable cartridges coupled to the housing to hold one or more of the An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, including the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The aforementioned plurality of rollers When the removable cartridge is coupled to the housing, the storage section A second roller positioned on the removable cartridge to move the image substrate and 、 When the removable cartridge is coupled to the housing, the storage section The removable cartridge is positioned to move the lenticular lens substrate. The third roller, During the formation of the aforementioned image, the image substrate that has passed through the sublimation printing head is moved in front of The fourth roller is positioned on the dye-sublimation printing head and The image forming apparatus of claim 7, including the present invention.

9. The first roller and press are positioned in the opening in the housing and the ren Image forming according to claim 8, configured to discharge the ticular image from the apparatus upon completion. Device.

10. The control unit and motor are included, and the motor is provided by one or more gear assemblies. The controller unit is coupled to the plurality of rollers and drives the plurality of rollers. In order to control the sublimation print head during the formation of the lenticular image It is configured to control the motor. Image formation according to any one of claims 1 to 9 Device.

11. A sensor unit coupled to the controller unit, wherein the removable cartridge The insertion of the cartridge into the housing is detected and the cartridge of the removable cartridge Image forming apparatus according to claim 10, including a sensor unit configured to identify type 。

12. The controller unit is unable to identify the cartridge type of the sensor unit. Sometimes, the device is configured to prevent the formation of the lenticular image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.

13. A communication interface that connects the controller unit to an external device using a wired or wireless connection. An image forming apparatus according to claim 12, including a face.

14. The housing comprises a molded receiving surface and a clamp thereon for holding the external device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13.

15. The housing includes a printed circuit board, the controller unit, and the sensor unit. The knit and communication interface are coupled to the printed circuit board and power supply, claim. 14 image forming apparatuses.

16. The image forming apparatus is further configured to print still images, and the plurality of rollers The image substrate is configured to move from the storage unit to the sublimation printing head, and the sublimation The printing head is configured to use the ribbon to form an image on the image substrate, The plurality of rollers are further configured to discharge the still image from the device upon completion. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The image substrate includes a photographic paper substrate or a layer of white vinyl, as per any of claims 1 to 16. An image forming apparatus.

18. The storage section for the lenticular lens substrate is a series of sections where multiple lenticular lens substrates are provided. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising a follow-up strip.

19. The lenticular lens substrates are separated by a predetermined interval and the continuous strip It is provided in the prism, and each interval is substantially the length of the lenticular lens substrate, The aforementioned continuous strip is folded multiple times, and each fold marks the start of its respective interval. The image forming apparatus of claim 19, which is present at points and endpoints.

20. The folded continuous strip is located inside the storage section of the lenticular lens substrate. The image forming apparatus according to claim 19, provided in a stacked configuration.

21. An image forming apparatus for lenticular image printing, A housing that encloses a sublimation printing head including multiple rollers and a heating element, The housing is coupled to hold the sublimation ribbon and the lenticular lens substrate. One or more removable cartridges and Includes, The plurality of rollers load the ribbon into the sublimation printing head and the wrench To move the crystalline lens substrate from the storage unit to the sublimation printing head. Consists of, The sublimation printing head prints multiple interlaced areas on the surface of the lenticular lens substrate. The ribbon is configured to be used to form an image that includes an image, The sublimation print head uses the ribbon to form a protective layer on the printed image. An image forming apparatus configured as follows.

22. A method for printing lenticular images, The sublimation ribbon, image substrate, and lenticular lens substrate are inserted into the housing of the image forming apparatus. Entering, Multiple rollers load the ribbon into the sublimation print head and then the photographic paper substrate is moved forward. Moving the ink storage unit to the sublimation printing head, The sublimation printing head prints an image containing multiple interlaced images onto the photographic paper substrate. To form, The plurality of rollers move the lenticular lens substrate to the photographic paper substrate To bring the material into contact with it, The heating element of the sublimation printing head heats the lenticular lens substrate to the photographic paper. In order to bond to a substrate and form a lenticular image, the lenticular lens substrate and / or heating the photographic paper substrate Methods that include...

23. The insertion involves the sublimation ribbon, the storage section for the image substrate, and the lenticular A removable cartridge, including a lens substrate housing, is placed in the housing of the image forming apparatus. The method of claim 21, including insertion.

24. The steps of the methods of claims 21 to 23 are performed on the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 20. A computer program that includes instructions to perform actions.

25. A computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program of claim 24.

26. A cartridge used with any image forming apparatus according to claim 1 to 23, A sublimation ribbon for loading into the sublimation printing head of the image forming apparatus, Image substrate storage section, Storage section for lenticular lens substrate and A cartridge containing this.

27. The lenticular lens substrate is for manufacturing animated lenticular images. The image forming apparatus is used to produce stereoscopic lenticular images. A cartridge according to claim 26, further comprising a mechanical or electronic mechanism.

28. An image forming apparatus for lenticular image printing from an external device, A tray having a base that supports the aforementioned external device, Lenticular printing mechanism, A wireless communication system coupled to the external device Includes, The lenticular printing mechanism is an image forming apparatus, which is manufactured within the base of the tray.

29. A sublimation ribbon for loading into the sublimation printing head of the image forming apparatus, Image substrate storage section, Storage section for lenticular lens substrate and It further includes a removable cartridge that holds at least two of the following: The tray has a first slot on one edge that receives the cartridge, claim 28 image forming apparatuses.

30. The tray has a second slot on the other edge, and the first slot and the second slot are connected The direction between them defines the direction of the transport path through which the lenticular printing mechanism passes, and the lenticular The regular printing mechanism uses the image substrate and the lenticular from the removable cartridge. The regular lens substrates are each wrapped around each other, and / or moved perpendicularly and / or laterally from one another. A sublimation printing machine includes a first roller and a second roller positioned, and the first roller and Positioned between the two rollers and the second slot along the transport path, the lift The Hana printing machine prints onto the image substrate and the lenticular lens substrate onto the image substrate. Image forming apparatus according to claim 29, having a sublimation printing head configured to perform both fixing and printing Place.

31. The lenticular lens substrate in the removable cartridge is an animation lens For producing stereoscopic images or for producing stereoscopic lenticular images The image forming apparatus further includes a sensor that detects what an object is and generates a substrate type signal. The substrate type signal is configured to be communicated to the lenticular printing software, The lenticular printing software receives one or more images from the external device and The lenticular printing mechanism prints one or more images onto the image substrate in two or more ways. It is configured to convert to an interface image, and the conversion is performed on the substrate type signal. As a result of this dependence, the lenticular lens substrate in the removable cartridge is Ani The substrate type signal indicates that it is for manufacturing a lenticular image. In the case shown, the interlaced image is combined with the lenticular lens substrate. An animated image is generated in the case of the lenticular in the removable cartridge. The lenticular lens substrate is intended for manufacturing 3D lenticular images. When the IP signal is indicated, the interlaced image is combined with the lenticular lens substrate. An image forming apparatus according to claim 25 or 26, which generates a 3D image when combined.

32. A removable cartridge according to claim 29, 30, or 31.

Images