Image processing device and image processing method

Abstract

To provide an image processing device and an image processing method which can transfer foil onto a recording medium surely, without impairing design.SOLUTION: A printing control device 40 is an information processing device 12 that performs foil-transfer printing on a recording medium 16 using an inkjet head 22 that discharges color ink for printing an image on the recording medium 16 and adhesive ink for transferring foil 34 onto the recording medium 16, which comprises a foil-transfer data generating part that generates foil-transfer data in which an area to which the adhesive ink is discharged is expressed by a predetermined color, in accordance with image data showing an image which is printed on the recording medium 16, and a data combining part that combines the foil-transfer data with the image data so as to generate combined image data, where when printing is performed on the recording medium 16, the adhesive ink is discharged to the area of the predetermined color in the combined image data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing device and an image processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Some printing devices use an inkjet printer to print an image on a recording medium, and perform foil transfer printing to transfer foil onto the recording medium to decorate it.

[0003] Generally, printing devices that perform foil transfer printing do not have an inline configuration for transferring the foil to the recording medium. Therefore, after printing the image, the foil is transferred to the recording medium using a roller or press, and a separate foil transfer device is required.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method in which a stamp foil is transferred to a substrate using a UV-curable adhesive discharged from an inkjet printer and then pressed with a roller. However, the method described in Patent Document 1 requires a UV light source because it uses a UV-curable adhesive.

[0005] Therefore, a device has been developed that transfers foil onto a recording medium by ejecting an adhesive (hereinafter referred to as "adhesive ink") made using a solvent rather than a UV-curable adhesive from an inkjet head. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6899372 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Even in printing devices using adhesive inks, color inks are ejected onto a recording medium, the color inks are dried, and then adhesive inks are ejected onto the areas where foil is to be transferred, thereby performing foil transfer.

[0008] However, when adhesive ink is ejected on top of color ink, the foil is transferred in a raised state onto the color ink, which can impair the design. Also, depending on the type of color ink, the adhesive ink may not adhere to the color ink, making it impossible to transfer the foil onto the color ink.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing method that can reliably transfer foil onto a recording medium without impairing the design. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An image processing device of one embodiment of the present invention is an image processing device for performing foil transfer printing on a recording medium using an ejection means for ejecting ink for printing an image on the recording medium and adhesive ink for transferring foil to the recording medium, and is equipped with a generation means for generating foil transfer data in which the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink is represented in a predetermined color according to image data representing the image to be printed on the recording medium, and a synthesis means for synthesizing the foil transfer data with the image data to generate composite image data, and when printing on the recording medium, the adhesive ink is ejected in the area of ​​the predetermined color in the composite image data.

[0011] According to this configuration, image data representing an image to be printed on a recording medium is combined with foil transfer data representing an ejection area of ​​adhesive ink for transferring foil to the recording medium. As a result, the adhesive ink is ejected directly onto the recording medium, so that the foil is directly transferred onto the recording medium. Therefore, this configuration can reliably transfer foil onto the recording medium without impairing the design.

[0012] In the image processing device, the foil transfer data may be expressed in a single color of a predetermined color, the adhesive ink may be set as a spot color, and the synthesizing means may convert the single color in the foil transfer data into the spot color. With this configuration, a user can create foil transfer data as normal image data without using special software.

[0013] In the image processing device, the foil transfer data may represent the inside of the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink as a predetermined pattern. With this configuration, the foil is transferred onto the recording medium in a halftone dot pattern, thereby preventing the foil from cracking after being transferred onto the recording medium.

[0014] In the image processing device, the predetermined pattern may be halftone dots, and at least one of the diameter and density of the halftone dots may be set arbitrarily. With this configuration, the foil transfer state can be adjusted depending on the image to be printed on the recording medium and the recording medium.

[0015] In the image processing device, the foil transfer data may set a color for discharging the ink into gaps where the predetermined pattern is not formed. With this configuration, the recording medium can be colored so as to fill in the gaps of the foil transferred in a halftone dot pattern, thereby enhancing decorativeness.

[0016] In the image processing device, the foil transfer data may be generated by extracting a contour of a part of an image included in the image data and representing the inside of the contour with the predetermined pattern. With this configuration, a user can easily create the foil transfer data.

[0017] In the image processing device described above, a mask processing unit may be provided that performs a mask processing on the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink in the composite image data, and the ejection unit may not eject the ink onto the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink that has been subjected to the mask processing when printing on the recording medium. With this configuration, the color ink and the adhesive ink are ejected onto the recording medium without overlapping, and printing speed can be increased.

[0018] An image processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention is an image processing method for performing foil transfer printing on a recording medium using an ejection means for ejecting ink for printing an image on the recording medium and adhesive ink for transferring foil to the recording medium, and includes a first step of generating foil transfer data in which the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink is represented in a predetermined color according to image data representing the image to be printed on the recording medium, a second step of synthesizing the foil transfer data with the image data to generate composite image data, and a third step of ejecting the adhesive into the predetermined color area in the composite image data and transferring the foil to the recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing method that can reliably transfer foil onto a recording medium without impairing the design. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of foil transfer printing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a recording medium onto which color ink and adhesive ink of the first embodiment are ejected. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of halftone dot data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of halftone dot data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram relating to foil transfer printing of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of print data generation processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of foil transfer printing processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where nozzles of an inkjet head are virtually divided. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a mask process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of foil transfer printing according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram relating to foil transfer printing of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of print data generation processing according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the texture of another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] (First embodiment) A printing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] 1 is a schematic diagram of a printing system 10 according to this embodiment. The printing system 10 includes an information processing device 12 and a printing device 14.

[0023] The information processing device 12 is a computer operated by a user, and is composed of, for example, a monitor, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a computer-readable storage medium. The information processing device 12 of this embodiment generates image data representing an image to be printed on the recording medium 16, and functions as an image processing device that performs various processes on the image data. The information processing device 12 also transmits the image data after image processing to the printing device 14.

[0024] The printing device 14 of this embodiment includes an inkjet printer 18 and a foil transfer device 20 so as to be able to perform foil transfer printing on the recording medium 16 .

[0025] The inkjet printer 18 includes an inkjet head 22, a platen 24, and a first heater 26.

[0026] The inkjet head 22 ejects process color inks (hereinafter referred to as "color inks") such as yellow, magenta, cyan, and black based on image data to print on a recording medium 16 placed on a platen 24. The inkjet head 22 of this embodiment is also capable of ejecting adhesive ink for transferring (adhering) a foil 34 to the recording medium 16. The recording medium 16 is fed from a medium feeding unit 17 and transported to the platen 24 via a transport roller 19A and a pad roller 19B. The medium feeding unit 17 holds the recording medium 16 wound in a roll. The medium feeding unit 17 does not include a drive source for rotating the recording medium 16; instead, the recording medium 16 rotates passively in response to the transport of the recording medium 16 by the transport roller 19A. The pad roller 19B is disposed opposite the transport roller 19A and is biased toward the transport roller 19A.

[0027] The inkjet head 22 is mounted on a carriage 23 and ejects color ink and adhesive ink based on image data while moving in a direction (main scanning direction) perpendicular to the transport direction (sub-scanning direction) of the recording medium 16. Note that the color ink and adhesive ink in this embodiment are solvent inks, and the adhesive ink is set as a special color. Also, the color ink and adhesive ink may be UV (Ultra Violet) ink instead of solvent ink.

[0028] The recording medium 16 is, for example, paper, fabric, or resin film, and is transported without interruption from the inkjet printer 18 to the foil transfer device 20 by transport rollers 19A and the like.

[0029] The first heater 26 is disposed downstream of the inkjet head 22 in the transport direction of the recording medium 16, and heats the recording medium 16 to a first temperature (60°C or higher) to dry the color ink and the adhesive ink. The recording medium 16, on which the color ink and the adhesive ink have been dried by the first heater 26, is transported as is to the foil transfer device 20. The heating by the first heater 26 volatilizes the solvents in the color ink and the adhesive ink, thereby drying the color ink and the adhesive ink. By drying the color ink and the adhesive ink by the first heater 26, the color ink and the adhesive ink are fixed at the landing position on the recording medium 16.

[0030] The foil transfer device 20 includes a second heater 30 and a foil transfer unit 32 .

[0031] The second heater 30 is disposed downstream of the first heater 26 in the transport direction of the recording medium 16. The second heater 30 heats the recording medium 16 to a second temperature (approximately 50°C or higher and lower than 60°C) that is lower than the first temperature, which is the heating temperature of the first heater 26, to soften the adhesive ink ejected onto the recording medium 16.

[0032] Heating by the second heater 30 softens and thickens the viscous ink, while the color ink does not soften. In this way, the color ink and the viscous ink of this embodiment have different viscosities (softening property, drying property) relative to temperature. For example, the color ink and the viscous ink are inks with different softening properties by containing resins with different glass transition temperatures. Furthermore, the color ink and the viscous ink may be inks with different drying properties by containing solvents with different drying properties.

[0033] The foil transfer unit 32 is disposed downstream of the second heater 30 in the transport direction of the recording medium 16 and transfers the foil 34 onto the recording medium 16. In this embodiment, the foil transfer unit 32 is a pair of rollers 32A and 32B. The foil 34 is formed into a sheet on a substrate, and is fed from a foil feed unit 37 and transported to the foil transfer unit 32 by a transport roller 36A. The color of the foil 34 transferred to the recording medium 16 is not limited. The foil feed unit 37 holds the foil 34 wound in a roll and rotates in response to the movement of the foil 34 as it is taken up by a foil take-up unit 38 after being transferred to the recording medium 16.

[0034] The foil 34 and recording medium 16 transported to the foil transfer unit 32 are sandwiched and pressed between a pair of rollers 32A, 32B. When the recording medium 16 is transported to the foil transfer unit 32, the color ink has lost its adhesiveness, but the adhesive ink retains its adhesiveness. As a result, the foil 34 is peeled off from the substrate in the area where the adhesive ink was ejected, and the foil 34 is transferred to the recording medium 16. After being transferred to the recording medium 16 by the foil transfer unit 32, the foil 34 remaining on the substrate is guided in a predetermined direction by guide roller 36B and taken up by the foil take-up unit 38.

[0035] In this embodiment, the second heater 30 is provided between the first heater 26 and the foil transfer section 32, but by incorporating heaters into the rollers 32A, 32B of the foil transfer section 32, heating to soften the adhesive ink and applying pressure for foil transfer can be performed simultaneously.

[0036] The recording medium 16 onto which the foil 34 has been transferred is sent to a medium take-up unit 39 by a guide roller 28 for guiding the recording medium 16 in a predetermined direction, and is taken up by the medium take-up unit 39. Note that the recording medium 16 may not be taken up by the medium take-up unit 39, but may be cut and discharged from the printing device 14 each time printing is completed. Furthermore, the recording medium 16 on which foil transfer printing has been completed may be subjected to lamination or other processes after being discharged from the printing device 14.

[0037] The printing device 14 also includes a printing control device 40 that controls the printing device 14. The printing control device 40 is configured with a CPU, RAM, ROM, a computer-readable storage medium, and the like.

[0038] The print control device 40 of this embodiment controls the inkjet head 22 to print an image on the recording medium 16 based on the image data after image processing transmitted from the information processing device 12. The print control device 40 also controls the rotation of the transport roller 19A, the foil winding unit 38, the medium winding unit 39, etc., and controls the temperatures of the first heater 26 and the second heater 30.

[0039] In conventional foil transfer printing, when adhesive ink is ejected on top of color ink, the foil 34 is transferred in a raised state on top of the color ink, which can impair the design. Also, depending on the type of color ink, ejecting adhesive ink on top of the color ink may not fix the adhesive ink, making it impossible to transfer the foil 34 onto the color ink.

[0040] On the other hand, the printing device 14 of this embodiment can fix the adhesive ink to the recording medium 16 more reliably, as will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0041] The information processing device 12 of this embodiment generates image data 50 that indicates an image to be printed on the recording medium 16, and foil transfer data 52 that indicates the adhesive ink ejection area in a predetermined color. The information processing device 12 then combines the foil transfer data 52 with the image data 50 to generate combined image data 54. Note that combining means, in other words, replacing the area of ​​the image data 50 that corresponds to the adhesive ink ejection area indicated by the foil transfer data 52 with the foil transfer data 52.

[0042] As described above, in this embodiment, the foil transfer data 52 is expressed in a single color (e.g., black), and the adhesive ink is treated as a spot color. Therefore, the printing system 10 converts the single color in the foil transfer data 52 into a spot color to generate foil transfer data 52', and then combines the foil transfer data 52' with the image data 50. In this way, by generating the foil transfer data 52 in a single color and performing the process of converting the single color into a spot color, the user can create the foil transfer data 52 as normal image data without using special software, as will be described in detail below.

[0043] In the example of Figure 2, the image data 50 and the foil transfer data 52 have the same vertical and horizontal sizes. This allows the image data 50 and the foil transfer data 52 to be combined without any special alignment. However, this is not limiting, and the foil transfer data 52 may be smaller than the image data 50. In this case, the area where the foil transfer data 52 is combined with the image data 50 is set in advance.

[0044] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the recording medium 16 onto which color ink 56 and adhesive ink 58 have been ejected based on the composite image data 54. In this embodiment, the image data 50 and the foil transfer data 52 are combined, so that not only the color ink 56 but also the adhesive ink 58 is ejected directly onto the surface of the recording medium 16, as shown in FIG. 3(A). As a result, the foil 34 is transferred only onto the adhesive ink 58, as shown in FIG. 3(B). That is, in this embodiment, the foil 34 is transferred directly to the recording medium 16, so the printing device 14 of this embodiment can transfer the foil 34 reliably without impairing the design.

[0045] In this case, defects such as cracks may occur in the foil 34 transferred to the recording medium 16. The cause of these defects is that the adhesive ink 58 is ejected over the entire surface of an area larger than a certain size, and the foil 34 is transferred over that entire surface.

[0046] Therefore, in the printing device 14 of this embodiment, adhesive ink 58 is ejected in a predetermined pattern, thereby transferring the foil 34 in a predetermined pattern onto the recording medium 16. In this embodiment, the predetermined pattern is, for example, halftone dots 60. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the foil transfer data 52 is generated as image data in which the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink 58 is represented by halftone dots 60. The printing control device 40 then controls the inkjet head 22 to eject the adhesive ink 58 at the positions of the halftone dots 60.

[0047] In this embodiment, halftone dots 60 are used as the predetermined pattern, but this is just an example and other patterns may be used. In the following description, a pattern including halftone dots 60 is referred to as a texture.

[0048] 4 shows an example of foil transfer data 52 in the form of halftone dots, and as shown in (A) to (D), at least one of the size of the halftone dots 60 and the density of the halftone dots 60 can be set arbitrarily. The density of the halftone dots 60 is the filling rate relative to the entire ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink 58. This makes it possible to adjust the transfer state of the foil 34 depending on the image to be printed on the recording medium 16 and the recording medium 16.

[0049] In the examples of Figures 4(A) and (B), the number of halftone dots 60 per unit area is the same, but the sizes of the halftone dots 60 are different, and as the halftone dots 60 become larger, the density of the halftone dots 60 also increases. In the example of Figure 4(C), the sizes of the halftone dots 60 are the same, but as the number of halftone dots 60 increases, the density of the halftone dots 60 also increases. Also, in the examples of Figures 4(A) to (C), the halftone dots 60 are arranged at a 45° angle, while in the example of Figure 4(D), the halftone dots 60 are arranged at a 90° angle. Note that while the shape of the halftone dots 60 in the example of Figure 4 is circular, the shape of the halftone dots 60 is not limited to this, and other shapes such as rectangular or star-shaped are also possible.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in the foil transfer data 52 of Figure 5, the size and density of the halftone dots 60 may be gradually changed within the discharge area of ​​the adhesive ink 58. In the example of Figure 5(A), the size of the halftone dots 60 gradually increases from the edge of the discharge area and reaches its largest in the center of the discharge area. In the example of Figure 5(B), the halftone dots 60 alternately increase and decrease in size.

[0051] In this way, the printing device 14 of this embodiment ejects the adhesive ink 58 in a dot pattern, so that the foil 34 is transferred in a dot pattern onto the recording medium 16. As a result, the foil 34 is transferred to the recording medium 16 as a collection of multiple small foil pieces 34, which makes it possible to prevent the foil 34 from cracking after being transferred to the recording medium 16.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram relating to foil transfer printing in the printing system 10 of this embodiment.

[0053] The information processing device 12 includes a storage unit 70, a foil transfer data generation unit 72, a print data generation unit 74, and a communication unit 76.

[0054] The storage unit 70 stores various data such as image data 50 to be printed on the recording medium 16, and programs.

[0055] The foil transfer data generator 72 generates foil transfer data 52 that represents the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink 58 in a predetermined color according to the image data 50. The foil transfer data generator 72 of this embodiment is general image editing software that is operated by the user.

[0056] The print data generation unit 74 generates print data, which is data for printing. In this embodiment, the print data generation unit 74 is dedicated software operated by the user. The print data generation unit 74 combines the image data 50 and the foil transfer data 52 and performs RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing of the combined image data 54. The RIP processing is a process for generating a raster image that specifies the ejection positions for ejecting ink of a color corresponding to the image data. By performing halftone processing on grayscale images corresponding to each color of the color ink 56, such as C, M, Y, and K, and the adhesive ink 58, a raster image that specifies the ejection positions for ejecting ink of that color is generated.

[0057] The communication unit 76 transmits and receives data to and from the communication unit 88 of the print control device 40 and other information processing devices. The communication unit 76 of this embodiment transmits the composite image data 54 to the print control device 40.

[0058] The foil transfer data generation unit 72 of this embodiment includes an image extraction unit 78, a texture setting unit 80, and a texture conversion unit .

[0059] The image extraction unit 78 extracts the outline of a portion of the image contained in the image data 50 as foil transfer data 52. This extraction involves, for example, cutting out from the image data 50 the image area to be used as foil transfer data 52 (hereinafter referred to as the "foil transfer area"). The horizontal and vertical sizes of this foil transfer data 52 are the same as those of the image data 50, as described above, and the position of the extracted foil transfer area is also the same as that of the original image data 50. The image extraction unit 78 also converts the outline cut out as raster data into vector data.

[0060] The texture setting unit 80 sets the size and density of the halftone dots 60, which are a predetermined pattern, in response to a user input. The color of the halftone dots 60 is a predetermined color, such as black. The halftone dots 60 are set, for example, by a gradation function included as a function of general image editing software.

[0061] The texture conversion unit 82 converts the inside of the contour of the image extracted as the foil transfer data 52 so that it becomes the halftone dots 60 set by the texture setting unit 80 .

[0062] In this way, the foil transfer data generation unit 72 of this embodiment extracts the outline of a portion of the image included in the image data 50 and generates the foil transfer data 52 by representing the inside of the outline with halftone dots 60 .

[0063] The print data generating unit 74 of this embodiment includes a data synthesizing unit 84 and a RIP processing unit 86 .

[0064] The data synthesis unit 84 synthesizes the image data 50 with the foil transfer data 52 to generate synthesized image data 54 .

[0065] The RIP processing unit 86 performs RIP processing on the image data. The RIP processing unit 86 of this embodiment also performs mask processing on the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink 58 in the composite image data 54.

[0066] 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the print data generation process executed by the information processing device 12 of this embodiment. The foil transfer data generation process (steps 102 to 108) included in the print data generation process is performed by the user operating image editing software.

[0067] First, in step 100, image data 50 to be printed on the recording medium 16 is displayed on the monitor.

[0068] In the next step 102, the image extraction unit 78 extracts the foil transfer area that will become the foil transfer data 52. Specifically, the foil transfer area is extracted by the user cutting out the outline of the foil transfer area that will become the foil transfer data 52 from the image data 50 displayed on the monitor. The image extraction unit 78 then converts the outline cut out by the user from raster data to vector data.

[0069] In the next step 104, the user selects whether or not to perform texture processing on the cut-out foil transfer area. If texture processing is not to be performed, the process proceeds to step 110.

[0070] In the next step 106, if texture processing was selected in the previous step 104, the user selects the size of the halftone dots 60 and the density of the halftone dots 60, and the texture setting unit 80 sets the halftone dots.

[0071] In the next step 108 , the texture conversion unit 82 converts the inside of the outline of the foil transfer data 52 into halftone dots 60 .

[0072] In the next step 110, the data synthesis unit 84 converts the foil transfer data 52 expressed in a predetermined color (for example, black) into a spot color to generate foil transfer data 52'.

[0073] In the next step 112, the data synthesizing unit 84 synthesizes the image data 50 and the foil transfer data 52' to generate the synthesized image data 54.

[0074] In the next step 114, the composite image data 54 synthesized by the data synthesis unit 84 in step 112 is subjected to RIP processing to generate print data.

[0075] Here, when printing onto the recording medium 16, it is necessary to prevent the adhesive ink 58 and the color ink 56 from landing on the recording medium 16 in an overlapping state.

[0076] 9, there is an embodiment in which the nozzles ejecting color inks 56 (C, M, Y, K, W) and the nozzles ejecting adhesive ink 58 (Ps) are virtually divided into two in the sub-scanning direction to print onto the recording medium 16. As a result, the color inks 56 and the adhesive ink 58 are ejected from nozzles at different positions in the sub-scanning direction, making it possible to prevent the adhesive ink 58 and the color ink 56 from overlapping and landing on the recording medium 16.

[0077] However, with this method, only half of the nozzles in the sub-scanning direction can be used, so the number of movements (passes) of the inkjet head 22 in the main scanning direction is doubled compared to when all the nozzles are used.

[0078] Therefore, the RIP process in step 114 includes a mask process for the areas in the composite image data 54 where the adhesive ink 58 is to be ejected.

[0079] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of mask processing. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the composite image data 54 is made up of multiple layers L1 to L4, and each layer is formed for each job. Layer L1 corresponds to a job that ejects adhesive ink 58, and indicates the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink 58. Layers L2 to L4 correspond to jobs that eject different color inks 56, and indicate the ejection area for each different color ink 56.

[0080] Layers L2 to L4 are masked except for the areas where the color ink 56 corresponding to each layer is ejected. In layer L2, areas other than the vertical hatching are masked, in layer L3, areas other than the horizontal hatching are masked, and in layer L4, areas other than the diagonal hatching are masked. By masking each of layers L2 to L4 in this way, the images formed by each of layers L2 to L4 do not overlap with the images formed by other layers and the ejected adhesive ink 58. Furthermore, the color ink 56 and the adhesive ink 58 can be ejected from the inkjet head 22 using all of the nozzles without virtually dividing the nozzles into two.

[0081] 10, the layers constituting the composite image data 54 are divided into layers for each of the adhesive inks 58 and the different color inks 56, but this is not limiting, and for example, the composite image data 54 may be divided into two layers: a layer for the adhesive inks 58 and a layer for the color inks 56. In this case, in the layer for the color inks 56, only the ejection areas of the adhesive inks 58 are masked.

[0082] In the next step 116, the communication unit 76 transmits the print data to the print control device 40, and the print data generation process ends.

[0083] Next, a description will be given of the functions of the print control device 40. As shown in Fig. 6, the print control device 40 includes a communication unit 88, an ink ejection control unit 90, a heater control unit 92, and a roller drive control unit 94.

[0084] The communication unit 88 transmits and receives data to and from the information processing device 12, and receives print data from the information processing device 12. That is, the communication unit 88 in this embodiment functions as an acquisition unit that acquires print data generated by RIP processing.

[0085] The ink ejection control unit 90 controls the inkjet head 22 to eject the color ink and the viscous ink 58 onto the recording medium 16 based on the print data.

[0086] The heater control unit 92 controls the temperatures of the first heater 26 and the second heater 30.

[0087] The roller drive control unit 94 controls the rotation of various conveying rollers.

[0088] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the foil transfer printing process executed by the printing device 14 of this embodiment.

[0089] First, in step 200 , the communication unit 88 receives the print data sent from the information processing device 12 .

[0090] In the next step 202, the inkjet head 22 prints on the recording medium 16 by ejecting the color ink 56 and the adhesive ink 58 onto the recording medium 16 based on the print data received by the communication unit 88 of the printing device 14. As described above, when printing on the recording medium 16, the inkjet head 22 does not eject the color ink 56 onto the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink 58 that has been subjected to the masking process.

[0091] In this way, by printing onto the recording medium 16 based on the print data generated by RIP-processing the masked composite image data 54, it is possible to use all nozzles to eject the color ink 56 and the adhesive ink 58. Therefore, the color ink 56 and the adhesive ink 58 are ejected onto the recording medium 16 without overlapping, and the printing speed is faster than when the inkjet head 22 is divided into two.

[0092] In the next step 204 , the recording medium 16 is transported to the first heater 26 , and the color ink 56 and the adhesive ink 58 ejected onto the recording medium 16 are dried by the first heater 26 .

[0093] In the next step 206, the recording medium 16 is transported to the second heater 30, and the adhesive ink 58 ejected onto the recording medium 16 becomes adhesive.

[0094] In the next step 208, the recording medium 16, in which the adhesive ink 58 has become adhesive, is transported to the foil transfer unit 32, where the foil 34 is transferred to the recording medium 16. The recording medium 16 with the foil 34 transferred thereto is ejected from the printing device 14.

[0095] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0096] 11, the information processing device 12 of this embodiment prints a preset color (hereinafter referred to as "background color") in the gaps 62 where no halftone dots 60 are formed in the foil transfer data 52. Note that in the first embodiment, since no background color is set, the color ink 56 is not ejected into the gaps 62 between the halftone dots 60, and the surface color of the recording medium 16 remains.

[0097] Fig. 12 is a functional block diagram relating to foil transfer printing in the printing system 10 of this embodiment. Note that the same components in Fig. 12 as those in Fig. 6 are given the same reference numerals as in Fig. 6, and their description will be omitted.

[0098] The foil transfer data generating unit 72 of this embodiment includes a background color setting unit 96 and a background color data generating unit 98.

[0099] The background color setting unit 96 sets the background color according to a user input. The background color is a color that can be set arbitrarily by the user. For example, if the color of the foil 34 is gold, the user sets gold as the background color, but other colors may also be set as the background color. Furthermore, the background color may not be a single color but may be multiple colors, and a gradation may also be set.

[0100] The background color data generator 98 generates background color data based on the set background color. The background color data is, for example, data that represents the inside of the outline of the image in the foil transfer data 52 (the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink 58) in the set background color.

[0101] The data synthesis unit 84 included in the information processing device 12 of this embodiment synthesizes the foil transfer data 52 and the background color data. That is, the foil transfer data 52 shown in Fig. 11 is the result of synthesis of the background color data. The data synthesis unit 84 then synthesizes the foil transfer data 52 with the background color synthesized with the image data 50 to generate the synthesized image data 54.

[0102] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of print data generation processing executed by the information processing device 12 of this embodiment. Note that the same steps in Fig. 13 as those in Fig. 7 are assigned the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 7, and their description will be omitted in part or in whole.

[0103] In the print data generation process of this embodiment, after converting the inside of the outline of the foil transfer area into halftone dots 60 in step 108, the process proceeds to step 300.

[0104] In step 300, the background color setting unit 96 sets the background color within the foil transfer area in accordance with the user's input.

[0105] In the next step 302, the data synthesis unit 84 converts the foil transfer data 52 expressed in a predetermined color into a spot color to generate foil transfer data 52'.

[0106] In the next step 304, the foil transfer data 52' and the background color data are combined by the data combining unit 84. Note that combining here means setting the color of the gaps 62 between the halftone dots 60 in the foil transfer data 52' based on the background color data.

[0107] In the next step 306, the data synthesis unit 84 synthesizes the image data 50 and the foil transfer data 52' to generate synthesized image data 54. Steps 304 and 306 may be performed as the same step rather than as separate steps. In other words, it is possible to synthesize the foil transfer data 52, background color data, and image data 50 simultaneously.

[0108] In the next step 308, print data is generated by RIP processing the composite image data 54 synthesized in steps 304 and 306. Here, the RIP processing in step 208 may be the same as the RIP processing in step 114. The generated print data is sent to the print control device 40 in the next step 106.

[0109] The printing device 14 performs printing by ejecting color ink 56 and adhesive ink 58 onto the recording medium 16 based on the printing data generated by the information processing device 12. Therefore, the printing device 14 of this embodiment can color the recording medium 16 so as to fill in the gaps 62 in the foil 34 that is transferred in a halftone dot pattern, thereby achieving greater decorativeness.

[0110] Although the present invention has been described above using the above-mentioned embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above-mentioned embodiments. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the gist of the invention, and such modifications or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0111] In the above embodiment, an embodiment has been described in which the inside of the outline of the image represented by the foil transfer data 52 is converted to halftone dots 60, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an embodiment in which the inside of the outline is not converted to halftone dots 60 is also possible. In this embodiment, the entire inside of the outline is a predetermined black color, and when the image data 50 and the foil transfer data 52 are combined, the predetermined color is converted to a spot color. As a result, adhesive ink 58 is ejected onto the entire inside of the outline of the image represented by the foil transfer data 52.

[0112] In the above embodiment, a masking process is performed to prevent the adhesive ink 58 and the color ink 56 from overlapping and landing on the recording medium 16, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the nozzles that eject the adhesive ink 58 and the color ink 56 may be virtually divided into two, and different nozzles may be used in the sub-scanning direction, thereby preventing the adhesive ink 58 and the color ink 56 from overlapping and landing on the recording medium 16.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the adhesive ink 58 is ejected in a halftone dot pattern as a pattern used for texture processing. However, in this embodiment, the pattern is not limited to halftone dots, and the adhesive ink 58 may be ejected to express various patterns by foil transfer, such as gradations using lines or halftone lines, as exemplified in Figures 14(A) to (D).

[0114] For example, as shown in Figure 14(A), when the width of the transfer area of ​​the foil 34 is narrow, a gradation effect may be achieved by using a pattern formed of lines of different thicknesses instead of the halftone dots 60. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 14(B), orthogonal lines may be used as the pattern, or diagonally intersecting lines may be used as the pattern, as shown in Figure 14(C). Alternatively, diagonal lines may be used as the pattern, as shown in Figure 14(D). Furthermore, the spacing between the lines forming the pattern may be varied.

[0115] (Effects of the embodiment) (1) The information processing device 12 of this embodiment is a print control device 40 for performing foil transfer printing on the recording medium 16 using an inkjet head 22 that ejects color ink 56 for printing an image on the recording medium 16 and adhesive ink 58 for transferring foil 34 to the recording medium 16, and is equipped with a foil transfer data generation unit 72 that generates foil transfer data 52 that shows the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink 58 in a predetermined color according to image data 50 that indicates the image to be printed on the recording medium 16, and a data synthesis unit 84 that synthesizes the foil transfer data 52 with the image data 50 to generate composite image data 54, and when printing on the recording medium 16, the adhesive ink 58 is ejected in an area of ​​a predetermined color in the composite image data 54.

[0116] According to this embodiment, image data 50 indicating an image to be printed on the recording medium 16 is combined with foil transfer data 52 indicating an ejection area of ​​adhesive ink 58 for transferring foil 34 to the recording medium 16. As a result, adhesive ink 58 is ejected directly onto the recording medium 16, so that foil 34 is directly transferred onto the recording medium 16. Therefore, this embodiment can reliably transfer foil 34 onto the recording medium 16 without impairing the design.

[0117] (2) In the information processing device 12 of this embodiment, the foil transfer data 52 is expressed in a single predetermined color, the adhesive ink 58 is set as a spot color, and the data synthesis unit 84 converts the single color in the foil transfer data 52 into the spot color. According to this embodiment, the user can create the foil transfer data 52 as normal image data 50 without using special software.

[0118] (3) In this embodiment, the foil transfer data 52 is represented by a predetermined pattern of dots 60 within the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink 58. According to this embodiment, the foil 34 is transferred to the recording medium 16 in a dot pattern, which can prevent the foil 34 from cracking after being transferred to the recording medium 16.

[0119] (4) In this embodiment, at least one of the diameter of the dots 60 and the density of the dots 60 can be set arbitrarily. According to this embodiment, the transfer state of the foil 34 can be adjusted depending on the image to be printed on the recording medium 16 and the recording medium 16.

[0120] (5) In the foil transfer data 52 of this embodiment, a color is set for discharging color ink 56 into gaps 62 where no halftone dots 60 are formed. According to this embodiment, the recording medium 16 can be colored so as to fill in the gaps 62 of the foil 34 transferred in a halftone dot pattern, thereby enhancing the decorativeness.

[0121] (6) In this embodiment, the foil transfer data 52 is generated by extracting the outline of a portion of the image included in the image data 50 and representing the inside of the outline with halftone dots 60. According to this embodiment, the user can easily create the foil transfer data 52.

[0122] (7) The information processing device 12 of this embodiment includes a RIP processing unit 86 that performs RIP processing, including mask processing, on the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink 58 in the composite image data 54, and when printing on the recording medium 16, the inkjet head 22 does not eject color ink 56 onto the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink 58 that has been subjected to the RIP processing. According to this embodiment, the color ink 56 and the adhesive ink 58 are ejected onto the recording medium 16 without overlapping, and the printing speed can be increased. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 10 Printing System 12 Information processing equipment (image processing equipment) 16 Recording media 22 Inkjet head (discharge means) 34 Foil 40 Printing control device 50 Image data 52 Foil transfer data 54 Synthetic Image Data 56 color ink 58 Sticky Ink 60 halftone dots 72 Foil transfer data generation unit (generation means) 84 Data synthesis unit (synthesis means) 86 RIP processing unit (mask processing means)

Claims

1. 1. An image processing apparatus for performing foil transfer printing on a recording medium using a discharge means for discharging ink for printing an image on the recording medium and adhesive ink for transferring a foil onto the recording medium, comprising: a generating means for generating foil transfer data that represents the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink in a predetermined color in accordance with image data that indicates an image to be printed on the recording medium; a combining means for combining the image data with the foil transfer data to generate combined image data; Equipped with When printing on the recording medium, the adhesive ink is ejected onto the area of ​​the predetermined color in the composite image data, The foil transfer data is expressed in a single predetermined color, The adhesive ink is configured as a spot color, the synthesizing means converts the single color in the foil transfer data into the spot color; Image processing device.

2. The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the foil transfer data represents the inside of the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink in a predetermined pattern.

3. the predetermined pattern is halftone dots, 3. The image processing device according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the diameter of the halftone dots and the density of the halftone dots can be set arbitrarily.

4. 4. The image processing device according to claim 2, wherein the foil transfer data is set to a color for discharging the ink into a gap where the predetermined pattern is not formed.

5. 5. The image processing device according to claim 2, wherein the foil transfer data is generated by extracting a contour of a part of an image included in the image data and representing an inside of the contour with the predetermined pattern.

6. a mask processing unit that performs a mask process on the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink in the composite image data; the ejection means, when printing on the recording medium, does not eject the ink onto the ejection region of the adhesive ink that has been subjected to the masking process; 6. The image processing device according to claim 1.

7. 1. An image processing method for performing foil transfer printing on a recording medium using a discharge means that discharges ink for printing an image on the recording medium and adhesive ink for transferring a foil onto the recording medium, comprising: a first step in which a generating means generates foil transfer data that represents a discharge area of ​​the adhesive ink in a predetermined color according to image data that indicates an image to be printed on the recording medium; a second step in which a synthesis means synthesizes the image data with the foil transfer data to generate synthetic image data; a third step of ejecting the adhesive ink onto the predetermined color area in the composite image data to transfer the foil onto the recording medium; and The foil transfer data is expressed in a single predetermined color, The adhesive ink is configured as a spot color, the synthesizing means converts the single color in the foil transfer data into the spot color; Image processing methods.

Images