Printing System

Abstract

To suppress a distortion of an image formed on a tapered printing object.SOLUTION: A printing system comprises: a printer which includes a rotation support part that rotates a tapered printing object in a direction around a central axis, a head that is arranged along a side surface of the printing object, has a plurality of nozzles arrayed along the generatrix direction of the printing object and discharges ink to the side surface of the printing object from the nozzles, and a control unit that forms an image on the printing object on the basis of the supplied printing data; and a printing data generation device which acquires a rectangular original image, generates an image for printing deformed in the lateral direction so as to be taper from the second side corresponding to the small diameter side end of the printing object to the first side corresponding to the large diameter side end of the printing object for the acquired original image, and supplies the generated image for printing to the printer as the printing data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Printing devices that form images by ejecting ink onto the side surface of a truncated cone-shaped printing object are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-094882 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When printing a rectangular image on the side of a truncated cone-shaped printing object, the distance traveled per rotation differs between the large diameter side and the small diameter side, which can result in distortion of the printed image.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has an object to provide a printing system that can suppress distortion of an image formed on a tapered printing object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] a print data generation device that acquires a rectangular original image having two opposing sides in a vertical direction corresponding to the generatrix direction of the print object and two opposing sides in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, deforms the acquired original image in the horizontal direction so as to taper from a second side corresponding to the small diameter end of the print object to a first side corresponding to the large diameter end of the print object, and supplies the generated image to the print device as print data.

[0007] In the above printing system, the print data generation device may set a deletion area including both ends of a first side of the acquired original image, one of two opposing vertical sides, tapering from a first side corresponding to the large diameter end of the object to be printed to a second side corresponding to the small diameter end of the object to be printed, and generate a trapezoidal intermediate image by deleting the deletion area from the original image, and then generate the image to be printed by deforming the intermediate image in the horizontal direction so that the trapezoidal intermediate image becomes rectangular.

[0008] In the above printing system, the print data generation device may set the dimensions of the deletion area based on the respective diameters of the large diameter side end and the small diameter side end of the printing object and the length of the generatrix of the printing object.

[0009] In the above printing system, the print data generation device may set the dimensions of the deletion area so that the main area of ​​the original image to be printed remains within a visible range when the side of the printing object is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the central axis.

[0010] In the above printing system, the print data generation device may divide the acquired original image horizontally to obtain multiple divided images, and generate the print image by deforming each of the multiple divided images horizontally so that they taper from the second side to the first side.

[0011] In the above printing system, the print data generation device may set a division deletion area that includes both ends of the second side of each of the two vertically opposing sides of the acquired divided images so that the area tapers from the first side to the second side, delete the division deletion area from the original image, generate a trapezoidal divided intermediate image, and generate the image to be printed by deforming the intermediate image in the horizontal direction so that the trapezoidal divided intermediate image becomes rectangular.

[0012] In the above printing system, when the acquired original image includes a main subject image and a background image, the print data generation device may generate the image to be printed by separately deforming the main subject image and the background image in the horizontal direction so that they taper from the second side to the first side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printing system that can suppress distortion of an image formed on a tapered printing object. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a printing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example in which a frustum-shaped printing object is placed in a printing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a head of a printing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the printing operation of a printing device when inks of multiple colors are used. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the printing operation of a printing device when inks of multiple colors are used. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the printing operation of a printing device when inks of multiple colors are used. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the process of generating print data. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a print object on which an image is formed. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram comparing images printed on a frustum-shaped printing object. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the process of generating print data. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the process of generating print data. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the process of generating print data. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a printing system according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a printing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, the components in the following embodiments include those that are easily replaceable by those skilled in the art, or those that are substantially identical.

[0016] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a printing system 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 100 includes a printing device 10 and a print data generating device 20.

[0017] The printing device 10 has a rotation support unit 11, a head 12, a communication unit 13, and a control unit 14. The printing device 10 is capable of printing an image on the side of a printing object M having a rotational shape such as a cylindrical shape or a truncated cone shape.

[0018] The rotation support unit 11 supports the printing object M and rotates the printing object M in a direction around the central axis AX. The rotation support unit 11 supports the printing object M so that the head gap between the side surface M3 of the printing object M and the head 12 is uniform or nearly uniform. The rotation support unit 11 supports the printing object M so that two cylindrical members 15 sandwich the printing object M from both sides in the axial direction of the central axis AX. The rotation support unit 11 can be rotated in a direction around the central axis AX by a drive mechanism (not shown). Note that, for example, if the printing object M has a concave end, such as a cup shape, a fixing jig may be attached to the rotation support unit 11 and the outer periphery of the concave end may be fixed by the fixing jig.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a case in which a truncated cone-shaped printing object M is placed in the printing device 10. As shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), the rotation support unit 11 is capable of adjusting the inclination of the two cylindrical members 15 relative to a horizontal plane. When rotating the truncated cone-shaped printing object M having a large-diameter end M1 and a small-diameter end M2 in the axial direction of the central axis AX around the central axis AX, the rotation support unit 11 supports and rotates the printing object M with the central axis AX tilted so that the distance between the head 12 and the side surface M3 of the printing object M is uniform or approximately uniform in the generatrix direction of the printing object M. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2(b), the rotation support unit 11 is placed with the central axes of the two cylindrical members 15 tilted relative to a horizontal plane.

[0020] The head 12 is disposed along the side surface M3 of the printing object M. The head 12 is movable along the generatrix direction of the printing object M. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the head 12 of the printing device 10. FIG. 3(a) shows the state as seen from above (the nozzles cannot be seen from above, but for the sake of explanation, the nozzle rows are shown as dots), and FIG. 3(b) shows the state as seen from the generatrix direction of the printing object M.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the head 12 has ejection units 12C, 12M, 12Y, and 12K that eject ink of different colors. The ejection unit 12C ejects, for example, cyan ink. The ejection unit 12M ejects, for example, magenta ink. The ejection unit 12Y ejects, for example, yellow ink. The ejection unit 12K ejects, for example, black ink. As shown in FIG. 3A, each of the ejection units 12C, 12M, 12Y, and 12K has a plurality of nozzles 12a. The plurality of nozzles 12a are aligned in a row along the generatrix direction of the printing target M to form a nozzle row 12L. Each of the ejection units 12C, 12M, 12Y, and 12K ejects ink from the plurality of nozzles 12a toward the side surface M3 of the printing target M, with the nozzle row 12L corresponding to the central axis AX in a plan view.

[0022] When forming an image on the printing object M, as shown in Fig. 3(b), ink is ejected one color at a time while the printing object M is rotated. That is, among the multiple nozzles 12a, ink is ejected from the nozzles 12a of the ejection units 12C, 12M, 12Y, and 12K that correspond to the colors to be ejected. In this case, an image of one color is formed when the printing object M is rotated once.

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a printing operation of a printing device using multiple colors of ink. As shown in FIG. 4, the printing device 100 sequentially ejects ink one color at a time onto the printing object M. For example, the ejection unit 12C is positioned at a position corresponding to the generating line of the printing object M, and cyan ink is ejected from the nozzle 12a of the ejection unit 12C while the printing object M is rotated once. Here, one rotation refers to the rotation required to print an area corresponding to the entire area of ​​the image to be formed on the printing object M, and the movement distance refers to one full rotation or less around the central axis AX. Next, the head is moved in the main scanning direction D1 to position the ejection unit 12M at a position corresponding to the generating line of the printing object M, and magenta ink is ejected from the nozzle 12a of the ejection unit 12M while the printing object M is rotated once. Next, the head is moved in the main scanning direction D1 to position the ejection unit 12Y at a position corresponding to the generating line of the printing object M, and yellow ink is ejected from the nozzle 12a of the ejection unit 12Y while the printing object M is rotated once. Then, the head is moved in the main scanning direction D1 to position the ejection unit 12K at a position corresponding to the generating line of the printing object M, and black ink is ejected from the nozzles 12a of the ejection unit 12K while rotating the printing object M once. The rotation speed of the printing object M is adjusted to match the ink ejection speed.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the printing operation of a printing device when using inks of multiple colors. As shown in FIG. 5, the length of the nozzle row 12L in the sub-scanning direction D2 is shorter than the length of the print target range R in the generatrix direction of the print target M. Therefore, the print target region R of the print target M is divided into multiple pass regions R1 to R5 in the sub-scanning direction D2, and ink is ejected sequentially into the pass regions R1 to R5. The dimensions of the pass regions R1 to R5 in the sub-scanning direction D2 are equal to or less than the length of the nozzle row 12L. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the dimensions of the pass regions R1 to R4 in the sub-scanning direction D2 are the same or almost the same as the length of the nozzle row 12L. Furthermore, the dimension of pass region R5 in the sub-scanning direction D2 is shorter than the length of the nozzle row 12L.

[0025] 5, the printing device 100 prints pass regions R1 to R5 in order using the ejection units 12C, 12M, 12Y, and 12K. That is, after printing one pass region R1 using the ejection units 12C, 12M, 12Y, and 12K, printing is performed on the next pass region R2 using the ejection units 12C, 12M, 12Y, and 12K. After that, printing is performed on pass regions R3, R4, and R5 using the ejection units 12C, 12M, 12Y, and 12K in order. When printing pass region R5, ink is ejected using nozzles 12a in the nozzle row 12L that correspond to the dimension of pass region R5 in the sub-scanning direction D2.

[0026] 5, the case where the ejection sections 12C, 12M, 12Y, and 12K print in the pass areas R1 to R5 in order has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pass areas R1 to R5 may be printed in order for one color, and then the pass areas R1 to R5 may be printed for the next color.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of the printing operation of a printing device using inks of multiple colors. As shown in FIG. 6, inks of one color may be sequentially ejected into pass regions R1 to R5 for each nozzle row 12L. In this case, after ejecting inks of one color into one pass region, the head 12 is moved in the sub-scanning direction D2 to eject ink into the next pass region. After sequentially ejecting inks of one color into pass regions R1 to R5 in this manner, the head 12 is moved in the sub-scanning direction D2 to return to the first pass region, and then moved in the main scanning direction D1 to position the ejectors 12C, 12M, 12Y, and 12K corresponding to the inks of the next color at positions corresponding to the generatrix of the printing object M. Then, inks of the next color are sequentially ejected into pass regions R1 to R5. This operation is performed for each color. After ejecting inks of all colors into one line into pass regions R1 to R5, the printing object M is rotated a predetermined distance, and the head 12 is moved to a position corresponding to the first color.

[0028] 1, the communication unit 13 receives the print data transmitted from the print data generating device 20. The communication unit 13 inputs the received print data to the control unit .

[0029] Print data is input to the control unit 14. The control unit 14 controls the rotation support unit 11 and the head 12 so as to form an image on the printing object M based on the input print data.

[0030] The print data generating device 20 generates print data corresponding to an image to be formed on the printing object M, and supplies the generated print data to the printing device 10.

[0031] The print data generating device 20 includes an input unit 21, a communication unit 22, a processing unit 23, and a storage unit 24.

[0032] Various information is input to the input unit 21. For example, operation details are input to the input unit 21 using an operating device such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel. The input unit 21 can input the diameter of the large-diameter end M1 of the printing object M, the diameter of the small-diameter end M2 of the printing object M, and the length of the generatrix of the printing object M.

[0033] The communication unit 22 can transmit and receive information to and from external devices. For example, the communication unit 22 can transmit print data to the printing device 10.

[0034] The processing unit 23 performs various processes. The processing unit 23 has a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The processing unit 23 has an acquisition unit 25, a processing unit 26, a deformation unit 27, and a communication control unit 28.

[0035] The acquisition unit 25 acquires an original image to be printed on the printing object M. In this embodiment, the original image is a rectangular image having two opposing sides in the vertical direction corresponding to the generatrix direction of the printing object M, and two opposing sides in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0036] The processing unit 26 removes a triangular removal area including both ends of the second side of the two vertically opposing sides of the acquired original image so that the area tapers from the first side corresponding to the large diameter end M1 of the printing object M to the second side corresponding to the small diameter end M2 of the printing object M, thereby generating a trapezoidal intermediate image.

[0037] The processing unit 26 sets the dimensions of the removal area based on the diameters of the large diameter end M1 and the small diameter end M2 of the printing object M and the length of the generatrix of the printing object M. The processing unit 26 sets the dimensions of the removal area so that the portion of the original image to be printed remains within a range that is visible when the side surface M3 of the printing object M is viewed from one direction perpendicular to the central axis AX.

[0038] The transformation unit 27 expands the trapezoidal intermediate image in the horizontal direction so that the intermediate image becomes rectangular, thereby generating an image for printing.

[0039] The communication control unit 28 controls the operation of the communication unit 22. The communication control unit 28 causes the image for printing generated by the transformation unit 27 to be sent to the printing device 10 as print data.

[0040] The storage unit 24 stores various types of information. The storage unit 24 stores programs, data, etc. for performing each process in the processing unit 23. The storage unit 24 has storage such as a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, etc. Note that an external storage medium such as a removable disk may be used as the storage unit 24.

[0041] Next, the operation of the printing system 100 will be described. As shown in Fig. 2(a), in the printing device 10, the printing object M is supported by the rotation support part 11. After the printing object M is supported, as shown in Fig. 2(b), the side surface M3 of the printing object M faces the head 12, and the inclination of the central axis AX of the printing object M is adjusted so that the head gap is uniform or nearly uniform in the generatrix direction.

[0042] In the print data generating device 20, the diameters of the large diameter end M1 and the small diameter end M2 of the printing object M and the length of the generatrix of the printing object M are input via an input unit 21. Fig. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the process of generating print data.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 7(a), the acquisition unit 25 acquires an original image IM1 to be printed on a side surface M3 of a printing object M. The original image IM1 is an image having two sides (first side L1, second side L2) facing a vertical direction Y corresponding to the generatrix direction of the printing object M, and two sides (third side L3, fourth side L4) facing a horizontal direction X perpendicular to the vertical direction Y. In the following explanation, the original image IM1 will be described using an example of an image including a plurality of straight lines along the vertical direction Y and a plurality of straight lines along the horizontal direction X.

[0044] In the original image IM1, the first side L1 corresponds to the large diameter end M1 side of the printing object M, and the second side L2 corresponds to the small diameter end M2 side of the printing object M. In other words, when printed on the printing object M, the first side L1 is positioned on the large diameter end M1 side of the printing object M, and the second side L2 is positioned on the small diameter end M2 side of the printing object M.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 7(b), the processing unit 26 sets a deletion area AR for the acquired original image IM1, and deletes the deletion area AR from the original image IM1 to generate an intermediate image IM2.

[0046] The processing unit 26 sets a triangular removal area AR in the original image IM1 that tapers from the first side L1 toward the second side L2 and includes both ends of the second side L2. The processing unit 26 sets the two removal areas AR so that they are horizontally symmetrical. When setting the removal area AR, the processing unit 26 sets the dimensions of the removal area AR based on the diameters of the large-diameter end M1 and the small-diameter end M2 of the printing object M input to the input unit 21 and the length of the generatrix of the printing object M. The processing unit 26 sets the dimensions of the removal area AR so that the main region BR to be printed remains within a range that is visible when the side surface M3 of the printing object M in the original image IM1 is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the central axis AX.

[0047] The deformation unit 27 generates a print image IM3 by horizontally expanding the trapezoidal intermediate image IM2 so that the intermediate image IM2 becomes rectangular, as shown in Fig. 7(c). The print image IM3 is an image that is stretched outward in the horizontal direction from the first side L1 to the second side L2 compared to the original image IM1.

[0048] The communication control unit 28 causes the communication unit 22 to transmit the generated print image IM3 to the printing device 10 as print data.

[0049] The printing device 10 receives the transmitted print data. The communication unit 13 inputs the received print data to the control unit 14. The control unit 14 controls the rotation support unit 11 and the head 12 to form an image on the printing object M based on the input print data.

[0050] Fig. 8 shows an example of a printing medium M on which an image has been formed. Fig. 8(a) shows the printing medium M as viewed from a predetermined direction D perpendicular to the central axis AX. Fig. 8(b) shows the printing medium M as viewed from the opposite direction to the predetermined direction D.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 8(a), an image IM4 based on the printing image IM3 is formed on the side surface M3 of the printing object M. The side surface M3 tapers from the large-diameter end M1 of the printing object M to the small-diameter end M2. Ink is ejected onto the printing object M from a head 12 having a plurality of nozzles 12a aligned along the generatrix direction of the printing object M. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8(a), when viewed from the predetermined direction D, the image IM4 is formed without visible distortion in the circumferential direction. For example, of the image IM4 formed on the side surface M3, the corresponding portion CR corresponding to the main region BR of the printing image IM3 is visible without distortion throughout the axial direction of the central axis AX when viewed from the predetermined direction D. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8(b), when the side surface M3 of the printing object M is viewed from the opposite direction to the predetermined direction D, the image IM4 is visible as if it were distorted in the circumferential direction along the axial direction of the central axis AX.

[0052] 9A and 9B are diagrams comparing images printed on a truncated cone-shaped printing target. Fig. 9A shows a comparative example in which a rectangular original image IMA is printed on a printing target MA. As shown in Fig. 9A, the movement distance per rotation differs between the large diameter side and the small diameter side of the printing target MA. Therefore, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the central axis AXA of the printing target MA, the image IMB printed on the printing target MA is formed with increasing circumferential distortion from the large diameter end MA1 to the small diameter end MA2.

[0053] 9(b) shows a case where a print image IM3 is generated from an original image IM1 by the print data generation device 20 according to this embodiment, and an image IM4 is formed on a print object M based on the generated print image IM3. As shown in FIG. 9(b), the image IM4 printed on the print object M is visible with the corresponding portion CR corresponding to the main portion BR of the original image IM1 without distortion in the circumferential direction over the entire axial direction of the central axis AX.

[0054] As described above, the printing system 100 according to this embodiment is a printing device having a rotation support unit 11 that rotates the tapered printing object M, which has a large diameter end portion M1 and a small diameter end portion M2 in the axial direction of the central axis AX, in a direction around the central axis AX; a head 12 that is arranged along the side surface M3 of the printing object M and has a plurality of nozzles 12a aligned along the generatrix direction of the printing object M, and that ejects ink from the nozzles 12a onto the side surface M3 of the printing object M; and a control unit 14 that controls the rotation support unit 11 and the head 12 so as to form an image on the printing object M based on supplied print data. and a print data generating device 20 that acquires a rectangular original image IM1 having two sides facing a vertical direction Y corresponding to the generatrix direction of the printing object M and two sides facing a horizontal direction X perpendicular to the vertical direction Y, generates a print image IM3 by deforming the acquired original image IM1 in the horizontal direction X so that one of the two sides facing the vertical direction Y tapers from a second side L2 side corresponding to the small diameter side end M2 of the printing object M to a first side L1 side corresponding to the large diameter side end M1 of the printing object M, and supplies the generated print image IM3 to the printing device 10 as print data.

[0055] According to this configuration, a rectangular original image IM1 is deformed in the horizontal direction X to generate a rectangular image to be printed IM3, and printing is performed by the printing device 10 based on the image to be printed IM3, so that distortion in the circumferential direction is suppressed over the entire axial direction of the central axis AX for the image IM printed on the printing object M. This makes it possible to suppress distortion of the image IM formed on the tapered printing object M.

[0056] In the printing system 100 according to this embodiment, the print data generation device 20 sets a deletion area AR including both ends of the second side L2 of the acquired original image, of two sides that face each other in the vertical direction Y, so that the deletion area AR tapers from the first side L1 corresponding to the large diameter end M1 of the print object M toward the second side L2 corresponding to the small diameter end M2 of the print object M, and generates a trapezoidal intermediate image IM2 by deleting the deletion area AR from the original image IM1, and generates a print image IM3 by deforming the intermediate image IM2 in the horizontal direction X so that the trapezoidal intermediate image IM2 becomes rectangular.

[0057] According to this configuration, a deletion area AR is set in a rectangular original image IM1, and a trapezoidal intermediate image IM2 is generated by deleting the deletion area AR from the original image IM1, and the intermediate image IM2 is then stretched in the horizontal direction X to generate a rectangular image to be printed IM3, so that distortion in the circumferential direction is suppressed over the entire axial direction of the central axis AX for the image IM to be printed on the printing object M. This makes it possible to suppress distortion of the image IM formed on the tapered printing object M.

[0058] In the printing system 100 according to this embodiment, the print data generating device 20 sets the dimensions of the removal area AR based on the diameters of the large diameter end M1 and small diameter end M2 of the printing object M and the length of the generating line of the printing object M. With this configuration, it is possible to form a printing image IM3 according to the diameter of the large diameter end M1 of the printing object M, the diameter of the small diameter end M2 of the printing object M, and the length of the generating line of the side surface.

[0059] In the printing system 100 according to this embodiment, the print data generating device 20 sets the dimensions of the deletion area AR so that the main region BR printed in the original image IM1 remains visible when the side surface M3 of the printing object M is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the central axis AX. This configuration makes it possible to reliably suppress distortion of the main region BR.

[0060] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the printing object M has been described as having a truncated cone shape, but is not limited to this. The printing object M may have another shape having a portion whose diameter gradually decreases from one end to the other end of the central axis AX, as long as the distance (head gap) between the printing object M and the head 12 is within a predetermined allowable range in the generatrix direction.

[0061] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which an intermediate image IM2 is generated by deleting the deletion area AR from the original image IM1, and then an image for printing IM3 is generated by deforming the intermediate image IM2 horizontally, but the present invention is not limited to this procedure.

[0062] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the process of generating print data. As shown in Fig. 10, the acquisition unit 25 acquires an original image IM11 as shown in Fig. 10(a). The original image IM11 is an image having two sides (first side L1, second side L2) facing the vertical direction Y corresponding to the generatrix direction of the printing object M, and two sides (third side L3, fourth side L4) facing the horizontal direction X perpendicular to the vertical direction Y. In the following explanation, the original image IM11 will be explained using, for example, a landscape image as an example.

[0063] In the original image IM11, the first side L1 corresponds to the large diameter end M1 side of the printing object M, and the second side L2 corresponds to the small diameter end M2 side of the printing object M. In other words, when printed on the printing object M, the first side L1 is positioned on the large diameter end M1 side of the printing object M, and the second side L2 is positioned on the small diameter end M2 side of the printing object M.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 10(b), the processing unit 26 divides the acquired original image IM11 in the horizontal direction X to acquire a plurality of divided images IM12.

[0065] As shown in Figure 10(c), the deformation unit 27 generates a trapezoidal divided intermediate image IM13 by expanding each of the multiple divided images IM12 in the horizontal direction X so that it tapers from the second side L2 side to the first side L1 side.

[0066] 10(d), the deformation unit 27 generates a print image IM14 by joining multiple divided intermediate images 13 together in the horizontal direction X. The print image IM4 is in a state in which each portion of the original image IM11 is stretched outward in the horizontal direction from the first side L1 to the second side L2.

[0067] In this way, the print data generation device 20 divides the acquired original image IM11 in the horizontal direction X to obtain multiple divided images IM12, and generates the print image IM14 by deforming each of the multiple divided images IM12 in the horizontal direction X so that it tapers from the second side L2 to the first side L1. This makes it possible to generate the print image IM14 without deleting the deletion area from the original image IM11.

[0068] 11 is a diagram showing another example of the process of generating print data. As shown in FIG. 11(a), the acquisition unit 25 acquires an original image IM21. The original image IM21 is an image having two sides (first side L1, second side L2) facing the vertical direction Y corresponding to the generatrix direction of the printing object M, and two sides (third side L3, fourth side L4) facing the horizontal direction X perpendicular to the vertical direction Y. In the following explanation, the original image IM21 will be explained using, for example, an image of a person as an example.

[0069] In the original image IM21, the first side L1 corresponds to the large diameter end M1 side of the printing object M, and the second side L2 corresponds to the small diameter end M2 side of the printing object M. In other words, when printed on the printing object M, the first side L1 is positioned on the large diameter end M1 side of the printing object M, and the second side L2 is positioned on the small diameter end M2 side of the printing object M.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 11(b), the processing unit 26 divides the acquired original image IM21 in the horizontal direction X to acquire a plurality of divided images IM22.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 11(c), the deformation unit 27 sets a deletion area AR2 for each of the acquired multiple divided images IM22, and generates a divided intermediate image IM23 by deleting the deletion area AR2 from the divided image IM22.

[0072] The transformation unit 27 sets a triangular removal area AR2 for each of the multiple divided images IM22, the triangular removal area AR2 including both ends of the second side L2 so as to taper from the first side L1 toward the second side L2. The processing unit 26 sets the two removal areas AR2 so that they are horizontally symmetrical. When setting the removal area AR2, the processing unit 26 sets the dimensions of the removal area AR2 based on the diameters of the large-diameter end M1 and the small-diameter end M2 of the printing object M input to the input unit 21 and the length of the generatrix of the printing object M. The processing unit 26 sets the dimensions of the removal area AR2 so that the main region BR2 to be printed remains within a range visible when the side surface M3 of the printing object M in the original image IM1 is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the central axis AX.

[0073] The transformation unit 27 generates a divided print image IM24 by expanding the divided intermediate image IM22 in the horizontal direction X so that the trapezoidal divided intermediate image IM23 becomes rectangular, as shown in FIG. 11(d).

[0074] The deformation unit 27 generates a print image IM25 by joining the generated divided print images IM24 together in the horizontal direction X. The print image IM25 is in a state where each part of the original image IM21 is stretched outward in the horizontal direction from the first side L1 to the second side L2.

[0075] In this way, the print data generation device 20 sets a division deletion area AR2 including both ends of the second side L2 of the two sides opposing each other in the vertical direction Y so that the second side L2 tapers from the first side L1 toward the second side L2 for each acquired divided image IM22, deletes the division deletion area AR2 from the original image IM1 to generate a trapezoidal divided intermediate image IM23, and then generates a print image IM25 by deforming the divided intermediate image IM23 in the horizontal direction X so that the trapezoidal divided intermediate image IM23 becomes rectangular. In this way, if the original image IM21 does not have a background or the like and it is sufficient that the main portion BR2 remains, by deleting the divided images IM22 obtained by dividing the original image IM21, it is possible to generate a print image IM25 that can appropriately suppress distortion of the image IM formed on the tapered printing object M.

[0076] 12A and 12B are diagrams showing another example of the process of generating print data. As shown in FIG. 12A, the acquisition unit 25 acquires an original image IM31. The original image IM31 is an image having two sides (first side L1 and second side L2) facing the vertical direction Y corresponding to the generatrix direction of the printing object M, and two sides (third side L3 and fourth side L4) facing the horizontal direction X perpendicular to the vertical direction Y. In the following explanation, the original image IM31 will be described as an example including a main object image P1 of, for example, a person, and a background image P2.

[0077] In the original image IM31, the first side L1 corresponds to the large diameter end M1 side of the printing object M, and the second side L2 corresponds to the small diameter end M2 side of the printing object M. In other words, when printed on the printing object M, the first side L1 is positioned on the large diameter end M1 side of the printing object M, and the second side L2 is positioned on the small diameter end M2 side of the printing object M.

[0078] 12(b), the processing unit 26 separates the acquired original image IM31 into a main object image P1 and a background image P2 to obtain multiple separated images IM32 and IM33. Separated image IM32 includes the main object image P1 but does not include the background image P2. Separated image IM33 does not include the main object image P1 but includes the background image P2.

[0079] As shown in Figure 12(c), the deformation unit 27 generates separation printing images IM34 and IM35 for each of the acquired separation images IM32 and IM33 by deforming them so that they taper from the second side L2 to the first side L1, for example, using a procedure similar to that described in the above embodiment.

[0080] The transformation unit 27 combines the separation printing image IM34 and the separation printing image IM35 to generate a printing image IM36, as shown in FIG. 12(d).

[0081] In this way, when the acquired original image IM31 includes a main object image P1 and a background image P2, the print data generation device 20 generates a print image IM36 by separately deforming the main object image P1 and the background image P2 in the horizontal direction X so that they taper from the second side L2 toward the first side L1. As a result, when the original image IM31 includes the main object image P1 and the background image P2, by separately deforming the main object image P1 and the background image P2, it is possible to generate a print image IM36 that can more appropriately suppress distortion of the main object image P1 in the image IM formed on the tapered print target M.

[0082] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the rotation support unit 11 instructs the printing object M to be sandwiched from both sides in the axial direction of the central axis AX, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a printing device 10A according to a modified example. The printing device 10A shown in FIG. 13 has a rotation support unit 11A and a head 12. The printing device 10A differs from the above embodiment in the configuration of the rotation support unit 11A, but the configuration of the head 12 is the same as the above embodiment.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 13, the rotation support part 11A has, for example, two columnar members 15A arranged side by side. The rotation support part 11A is capable of supporting the printing object M1 using the two columnar members 15A. Furthermore, the rotation support part 11A is capable of rotating each columnar member 15A around its central axis. The rotation support part 11A is capable of rotating the printing object M1 around the central axis AX by rotating the two columnar members 15A while supporting the printing object M1.

[0084] 13(a) and 13(b), the rotation support unit 11A is capable of adjusting the inclination of the two columnar members 15A relative to the horizontal plane. The rotation support unit 11A supports and rotates the printing object M with the central axis AX tilted so that the distance between the head 12 and the side surface M3 of the printing object M is uniform or approximately uniform in the generatrix direction of the printing object M. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13(b), the rotation support unit 11A is arranged with the central axes of the two columnar members tilted relative to the horizontal plane. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] AR... deletion area, AX, AXA... central axis, BR... main area, CR... corresponding part, D... specified direction, IM, IMA... image, IM1, IM11, IM21, IM31... original image, IM2... intermediate image, IM3, IM14, IM25, IM36... image for printing, IM12, IM22... divided image, IM13, IM23... divided intermediate image, IM24... divided image for printing, IM32, IM33... separated image, IM34, IM35... separated image for printing, M, MA...printing object, M1, MA1...large diameter end, M2, MA2...small diameter end, M3...side, X...horizontal direction, Y...vertical direction, 10...printing device, 11, 11A...rotation support unit, 12...head, 12a...nozzle, 13, 22...communication unit, 14...control unit, 15, 15A...cylindrical member, 20...printing data generation device, 21...input unit, 23...processing unit, 24...storage unit, 25...acquisition unit, 26...processing unit, 27...deformation unit, 28...communication control unit, 100...printing system

Claims

1. a rotation support part that rotates a tapered printing object having a large diameter end and a small diameter end in the axial direction of a central axis in a direction around the central axis; a head that is arranged along a side surface of the printing object, has a plurality of nozzles aligned along a generatrix direction of the printing object, and ejects ink from the nozzles onto the side surface of the printing object; a control unit that controls the rotation support unit and the head so as to form an image on the printing object based on supplied print data; a printing device having a print data generating device that acquires a rectangular original image having two opposing sides in a vertical direction corresponding to the generatrix direction of the object to be printed and two opposing sides in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, generates a print image by deforming the acquired original image in the horizontal direction so that one of the two opposing sides in the vertical direction tapers from a second side corresponding to the small diameter side end of the object to a first side corresponding to the large diameter side end of the object to generate a print image, and supplies the generated print image to the printing device as the print data; Equipped with The print data generating device sets a deletion area including both ends of the second side of the acquired original image, one of two opposing sides in the vertical direction, so that the second side tapers from a first side corresponding to the large diameter end of the print object to a second side corresponding to the small diameter end of the print object, and generates a trapezoidal intermediate image by deleting the deletion area from the original image. Printing system.

2. The print data generating device generates the print image by transforming the trapezoidal intermediate image in the horizontal direction so that the intermediate image becomes rectangular. The printing system of claim 1 .

3. The print data generating device sets the dimensions of the deletion area based on the diameters of the large diameter end and the small diameter end of the object to be printed and the length of the generatrix of the object to be printed. The printing system according to claim 2 .

4. The print data generating device sets the dimensions of the deletion area so that a main area to be printed remains within a range that is visible when the side surface of the printing object in the original image is viewed from one direction perpendicular to the central axis. The printing system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The print data generating device divides the acquired original image in the horizontal direction to obtain a plurality of divided images, and generates the print image by deforming each of the plurality of divided images in the horizontal direction so as to taper from the second side to the first side. The printing system of claim 1 .

6. The print data generating device sets a division deletion area including both ends of the second side of each of the acquired divided images so that the two opposing sides in the vertical direction taper from the first side toward the second side, and generates a trapezoidal divided intermediate image by deleting the division deletion area from the original image, and generates the image for printing by deforming the intermediate image in the horizontal direction so that the trapezoidal divided intermediate image becomes rectangular. The printing system according to claim 5 .

7. When the acquired original image includes a main subject image and a background image, the print data generating device generates the print image by separately deforming the main subject image and the background image in the horizontal direction so as to taper from the second side to the first side. The printing system of claim 1 .

Images