Image evaluation system, image evaluation method, manufacturing method for decorative sheet sample, and manufacturing method for decorative sheet

Abstract

To provide an image evaluation system capable of quickly performing design development of a decorative sheet at the time of manufacturing a decorative molded article, an image evaluation method, and a method for manufacturing the decorative sheet.SOLUTION: An image evaluation system 20 includes a first terminal 30 for providing a storage unit 40 with image data of a decorative sheet 3 and a second terminal 50 that can display a plurality of image data provided from the first terminal 30. The storage unit 40 selects predetermined image data from the plurality of image data based on a signal from the second terminal 50 and transmits the selected image data to the second terminal 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image evaluation system, an image evaluation method, a manufacturing method for a decorative sheet sample, and a manufacturing method for a decorative sheet. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, decorative molded products in which a decorative sheet is laminated on the surface of a resin molded product have been used as interior and exterior parts for automobiles, interior and exterior materials for building materials, and housings for home appliances. In the manufacturing process of such decorative molded products, the decorative sheet is laminated on the surface of the resin molded product so as to follow the shape of the surface of the resin molded product. The manufacturing of the decorative molded product is carried out, for example, using a molding die. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-103794 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the design development of decorative sheets, it is necessary to produce samples of the decorative sheet and molds for manufacturing the decorative molded product to verify the design. Therefore, the number of decorative sheet samples and molds to be prototyped increases depending on the number of designs to be developed. This increases the burden of design development and extends the development period. Furthermore, depending on the surface shape of the decorative molded product and the shape of the molding surface of the mold, some areas of the decorative sheet may significantly stretch when the decorative sheet is laminated on the surface of the resin molded product. As a result, the decorative sheet may tear after molding, or the pattern on the decorative sheet may be distorted in these areas after molding, resulting in a design that differs from the intended design imparted to the decorated molded product. To solve this problem, decorative sheet samples and molds are repeatedly prototyped. To speed up design development, it may be necessary to evaluate the design of the decorative sheet before manufacturing it.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide an image evaluation system, an image evaluation method, a method for manufacturing samples of decorative sheets, and a method for manufacturing decorative sheets that enable rapid design development of decorative sheets when producing decorated molded products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure is an image evaluation system comprising a first terminal that provides image data of a decorative sheet to a storage unit, and a second terminal that can display the plurality of image data provided from the first terminal, wherein the storage unit selects a predetermined image data from the plurality of image data based on a signal from the second terminal, and transmits the selected image data to the second terminal.

[0007] A second aspect of the present disclosure is an image evaluation system according to the first aspect described above, wherein the first terminal is capable of displaying the image data, and the display conditions under which the second terminal displays the image data may be determined based on the display conditions under which the first terminal displays the image data.

[0008] A third aspect of the present disclosure is the image evaluation system according to the first aspect or the second aspect described above, wherein the image evaluation system may further include a processing unit that processes the image data.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is that, in the image evaluation system according to the third aspect described above, the storage unit may store data regarding manufacturing conditions of the decorative sheet, and the processing unit may change at least one of the pattern, color, and texture of the image data based on a signal from the second terminal so as to satisfy the manufacturing conditions.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is an image evaluation system according to each of the first to fourth aspects described above, wherein the first terminal creates simulation data that verifies the elongation of the decorative sheet during molding based on three-dimensional CAD data relating to a decorated molded product produced using the decorative sheet, and provides the simulation data to the second terminal via the storage unit.

[0011] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the image evaluation system according to the fifth aspect described above, wherein the second terminal may provide the three-dimensional CAD data to the first terminal via the storage unit.

[0012] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the image evaluation system according to the fifth aspect or the sixth aspect described above, wherein the decorated molded product may be used as an exterior or interior part of a moving body.

[0013] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is an image evaluation method comprising the steps of acquiring image data of a decorative sheet from a first terminal, providing the image data to a second terminal based on a signal from the second terminal, and acquiring an evaluation result of the image data from the second terminal.

[0014] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is an image evaluation method according to the eighth aspect described above, which may further include the steps of creating first processed data by processing the image data using a processing unit based on the evaluation result of the image data, acquiring the created first processed data from the processing unit, providing the first processed data to a second terminal, and acquiring the evaluation result of the first processed data from the second terminal.

[0015] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is an image evaluation method comprising the steps of: acquiring image data of a decorative sheet from a second terminal; creating first processed data by processing the image data using a processing unit; acquiring the created first processed data from the processing unit; providing the first processed data to the second terminal; and acquiring an evaluation result of the first processed data from the second terminal.

[0016] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is an image evaluation method according to the ninth aspect or the tenth aspect described above, wherein the processing unit may change at least one of the pattern, color, and texture of the image data based on a signal from the second terminal so as to satisfy the manufacturing conditions of the decorative sheet.

[0017] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is that, in an image evaluation method according to each of the above-mentioned ninth aspect to the above-mentioned eleventh aspect, the resolution of the image data provided to the second terminal may be lower than the resolution of the first processed data provided to the second terminal.

[0018] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is an image evaluation method according to each of the eighth to twelfth aspects described above, wherein the image evaluation method may further include the steps of: creating, by a first terminal, simulation data that verifies the elongation of the decorative sheet during molding based on three-dimensional CAD data of a decorated molded product produced using the decorative sheet; acquiring the created simulation data from the first terminal; providing the simulation data to a second terminal; and acquiring an evaluation result of the simulation data from the second terminal.

[0019] A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is an image evaluation method according to the thirteenth aspect described above, which may further include a step of acquiring the three-dimensional CAD data of a decorated molded product produced using the decorative sheet from the second terminal, and a step of providing the three-dimensional CAD data to the first terminal.

[0020] A 15th aspect of the present disclosure is an image evaluation method according to the 13th aspect or the 14th aspect described above, wherein the image evaluation method may further include a step of creating second processed data by processing the image data using a processing unit based on the evaluation result of the simulation data, a step of acquiring the created second processed data from the processing unit, a step of providing the second processed data to a second terminal, and a step of acquiring the evaluation result of the second processed data from the second terminal.

[0021] A sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is an image evaluation method according to each of the thirteenth to fifteenth aspects described above, wherein the decorated molded product may be used as an exterior or interior part of a moving body.

[0022] A seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a sample of a decorative sheet, comprising the steps of: evaluating image data using an image evaluation method according to any one of the eighth to sixteenth aspects described above; creating sample print data from the evaluated image data; and producing a sample of the decorative sheet based on the sample print data, wherein in the sample production step, a pattern on the sample is printed by a melt-type thermal transfer method.

[0023] An 18th aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a decorative sheet, comprising the steps of: evaluating image data using an image evaluation method according to any one of the 8th to 16th aspects described above; creating print data for a decorative sheet from the evaluated image data; and manufacturing the decorative sheet based on the print data for the decorative sheet.

[0024] A 19th aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a decorative sheet, comprising the steps of: preparing a sample of a decorative sheet by the method for manufacturing a sample of a decorative sheet according to the 17th aspect described above; evaluating the prepared sample; creating print data for the decorative sheet from sample print data of the evaluated sample; and preparing the decorative sheet based on the print data for the decorative sheet.

[0025] A twentieth aspect of the present disclosure is the method for manufacturing a decorative sheet according to the nineteenth aspect described above, wherein in the step of producing the decorative sheet, a pattern on the decorative sheet may be printed using ink containing a metallic pigment or a pearl pigment.

[0026] A 21st aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a decorative molded product, comprising the steps of: evaluating image data by an image evaluation method according to each of the 13th to 16th aspects described above; creating sample print data from the evaluated image data; and manufacturing a sample of the decorative sheet based on the sample print data, wherein in the sample manufacturing step, a pattern of the sample is printed by a fusion thermal transfer method; obtaining modified 3D CAD data created by modifying the 3D CAD data from the second terminal; manufacturing a molded part using the modified 3D CAD data; and applying the sample of the decorative sheet to the surface of the molded part. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the design of the decorative sheet can be developed quickly when producing a decorated molded product. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a decorated molded product according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing a decorated molded product according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing a decorated molded product according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing a decorated molded product according to an embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a block diagram showing an image evaluation system according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of table data stored in the storage unit. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating an example of table data stored in the storage unit. [Figure 5D]FIG. 5D is a diagram showing an example of image data displayed on the second terminal. [Figure 5E] FIG. 5E is a diagram illustrating an example of table data stored in the storage unit. [Figure 5F] FIG. 5F is a diagram showing an example of image data displayed on the second terminal. [Figure 5G] FIG. 5G is a diagram illustrating an example of table data stored in the storage unit. [Figure 5H] FIG. 5H is a diagram showing an example of image data displayed on the second terminal. [Figure 5I] FIG. 5I is a diagram showing an example of image data displayed on the second terminal. [Figure 5J] FIG. 5J is a diagram illustrating an example of table data stored in the storage unit. [Figure 5K] FIG. 5K is a diagram showing an example of image data displayed on the second terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an image evaluation method according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an image evaluation method according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a sample of a decorative sheet according to one embodiment and a method for manufacturing the decorative sheet. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the image evaluation method according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings accompanying this specification, the scale and aspect ratios of the actual objects have been appropriately changed and exaggerated for the sake of ease of illustration and understanding.

[0030] Terms used in this specification that specify shapes, geometric conditions, and their degrees, such as terms like "parallel," "perpendicular," and "same," and values ​​of lengths and angles, are not to be construed as being bound by strict meanings, but rather as including a range within which similar functions can be expected.

[0031] In this specification, terms such as "film," "sheet," and "plate" are not distinguished from one another solely on the basis of differences in name. For example, a "decorative sheet" cannot be distinguished from a member called a decorative film or a decorative plate solely on the basis of differences in name.

[0032] First, the configuration and manufacturing method of the decorated molded product will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0033] The decorated molded product 1 is used, for example, as an interior or exterior part of a moving object, an interior or exterior material for a building, or a housing for a home appliance. Examples of the moving object include an automobile, a railroad car, a dolly, a ship, an airplane, a helicopter, a drone, and a robot. As shown in Fig. 1, the decorated molded product 1 includes a molded portion 2 and a decorative sheet 3.

[0034] The molded portion 2 is a component molded from a resin material, and is produced, for example, by injection molding the resin material, as described below. The resin material forming the molded portion 2 is not particularly limited. Examples of resin materials forming the molded portion 2 include polycarbonate, acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer), and polypropylene. The molded portion 2 may be transparent or opaque. The molded portion 2 may be colored.

[0035] The decorative sheet 3 covers at least a portion of the surface of the molded portion 2. In the illustrated example, the decorative sheet 3 is produced by laminating a design layer 5, a surface protection layer 6, etc. onto a base sheet 4 made of a resin material. Examples of resin materials that can form the base sheet 4 include acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, vinyl chloride, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer), polycarbonate, polyethylene naphthalate, polystyrene, cyclic polyolefin, polypropylene, etc. Sheets of the exemplified materials may be used in a single layer or in multiple layers; for example, acrylic resin and ABS may be laminated. The base sheet 4 may be transparent or opaque. The base sheet 4 may be colored. The decorative sheet 3 may be transparent or opaque.

[0036] The design layer 5 is, for example, a layer on which a design such as a color, pattern, figure, design, picture, photograph, character, mark, pictogram, letter, or number is formed, a layer on which a design representing a material such as wood, cloth, leather, stone, or metal is formed, or a layer having an internal uneven structure that gives a three-dimensional feeling with depth. The design layer 5 may be formed by printing or by transfer.

[0037] The surface protection layer 6 forms the outermost surface of the decorated molded article 1. The surface protection layer 6 has properties such as scratch resistance. The surface protection layer 6 is made of, for example, a resin material. Examples of resin materials that can be used to form the surface protection layer 6 include thermoplastic resins, thermosetting resins, and ionizing radiation curable resins.

[0038] The configuration of the decorative sheet 3 is not limited to the above example. For example, the decorative sheet 3 may include functional layers such as an ultraviolet absorbing layer, an anti-reflection layer, a light diffusing layer, an adhesive layer, a backer layer, and a light-shielding pattern.

[0039] Such a decorated molded product 1 is produced, for example, by the following method. First, as shown in FIG. 2, a molding die 10 is prepared. The molding die 10 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the decorated molded product 1. The molding die 10 has a female die 11 and a male die 12. The female die 11 and the male die 12 each have cavity surfaces 13, 14 that define a space that will become a molding cavity C (see FIG. 4). The female die 11 is provided with a suction hole 15 for discharging air from the cavity C.

[0040] Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the decorative sheet 3 is placed facing the cavity surface 13 of the female mold 11 and fixed to the female mold 11 using a sheet clamp 16 or the like. In the illustrated example, the sheet clamp 16 is formed in a frame shape in a plan view. Next, the decorative sheet 3 is heated and softened with a heater 17, while the air between the decorative sheet 3 and the cavity surface 13 of the female mold 11 is exhausted through the suction holes 15. This causes the softened decorative sheet 3 to stretch and assume a shape that roughly conforms to the cavity surface 13. In this way, the decorative sheet 3 is preformed.

[0041] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the cavity surface 14 of the male mold 12 is placed opposite the cavity surface 13 of the female mold 11, and the male mold 12 is tightly attached and fixed to the female mold 11. Next, the cavity C formed between the female mold 11 and the male mold 12 is filled with heated and melted resin material R. The resin material R is the resin material that forms the molded portion 2. By filling the cavity C with the heated resin material R, the decorative sheet 3 takes on a shape corresponding to the cavity surface 13 of the female mold 11. In this way, the decorative sheet 3 is molded. At the same time, the molded portion 2 is also molded. After the resin material R in the cavity C has cooled and solidified, the molding mold 10 is opened to remove the molded product, and unnecessary portions of the decorative sheet 3 are trimmed as necessary. In this way, the decorated molded product 1 is produced.

[0042] The method for manufacturing the decorated molded product 1 is not limited to the method shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. For example, the decorative sheet 3 may be preformed using a preforming mold separate from the molding mold 10 before being applied to the molding mold 10. In this case, the decorated molded product 1 may be produced by the following method. That is, the heated decorative sheet 3 is stretched along a preforming mold (not shown) to preform it into a shape that roughly corresponds to the cavity surface 13 of the female die 11 of the molding mold 10. Next, the preformed decorative sheet 3 is removed from the preforming mold and placed in the molding mold 10 as shown in FIG. 4. Next, the cavity C is filled with a molten resin material R. After the resin in the cavity C cools and solidifies, the molding mold 10 is opened to remove the molded product, and unnecessary portions of the decorative sheet 3 are trimmed as necessary. In this manner, the decorated molded product 1 is obtained.

[0043] Next, an image evaluation system 20 according to one embodiment will be described. The image evaluation system 20 is a system for evaluating an image of a decorative sheet 3 for producing a decorated molded product 1.

[0044] Image Evaluation System As shown in FIG. 5A, the image evaluation system 20 includes a first terminal 30 and a second terminal 50 capable of displaying a plurality of image data provided from the first terminal 30. The image evaluation system 20 may further include a processing unit 60 that processes the image data. The first terminal 30 may be configured to provide image data of the decorative sheet 3 to a storage unit 40. The storage unit 40 may be configured to save the plurality of image data provided from the first terminal 30. The second terminal 50 may be configured to provide the image data of the decorative sheet 3 to at least one of the first terminal 30 and the storage unit 40.

[0045] Here, the image data of the decorative sheet 3 provided by the first terminal 30 and / or the second terminal 50 may be two-dimensional data of the decorative sheet 3, or may be three-dimensional data including data on the fine surface structure (e.g., uneven structure) in addition to the two-dimensional data of the decorative sheet 3. For example, one of the first terminal 30 and the second terminal 50 may provide two-dimensional data of the decorative sheet 3, and then the other may provide data on the surface. The two-dimensional data and the data on the surface may be integrated in the storage unit 40 to store the three-dimensional data in the storage unit 40. Furthermore, the image data of the decorative sheet 3 provided by the first terminal 30 may be image data created by scanning a sample of the decorative sheet 3, or may be image data created using image editing software. Using image data created using image editing software without manufacturing a sample of the decorative sheet 3 enables faster design development of the decorative sheet. The image data of the decorative sheet 3 is, for example, image data showing the decorative sheet before decorative molding. In other words, the image data of the decorative sheet 3 is image data of the decorative sheet that does not substantially take into consideration the elongation of the decorative sheet due to decorative molding.

[0046] The first terminal 30 may provide the storage unit 40 with multiple types of data with varying resolutions. This allows data with different resolutions to be used as image data depending on the stage of design development. For example, image data of the decorative sheet 3 with a lower resolution than the image data used to actually produce the decorative sheet 3 (for convenience of explanation, sometimes referred to as "low-resolution image data") may be provided to the storage unit 40, and the low-resolution image data may be used in the initial stage of design development. Then, image data of the decorative sheet 3 with the resolution required to actually produce the decorative sheet 3 (for convenience of explanation, sometimes referred to as "high-resolution image data") may be provided to the storage unit 40, and high-resolution image data may be used from the initial stage onwards. In this way, changing the resolution of the image data depending on the stage of design development allows efficient communication between decorative sheet manufacturers and their customers in a digital environment. In this case, the resolution of the low-resolution image data provided by the first terminal 30 to the storage unit 40 may be, for example, between 100 dpi and 300 dpi, and may be approximately 150 dpi, for example. This reduces the load on the second terminal 50, for example, even when a user of the second terminal 50 displays a large number of image data sets to select a design. It also makes it easier for the user of the second terminal 50 to download multiple low-resolution image data sets, improving user convenience. Even when an image is configured to a long size to be printed on a long film exceeding 1 meter in length to match the shape of a decorative molded product, the increase in the volume of image data is suppressed, reducing the load on various machines.

[0047] Next, a detailed description will be given of the first terminal 30, the storage section 40, the second terminal 50, and the processing section 60. First, the first terminal 30 will be described.

[0048] (1st terminal) The first terminal 30 has a display unit 31, a communication unit 32, a storage unit 33, a processing unit 34, and an operation unit 35. The display unit 31 is configured to display image data. This allows the first terminal 30 to display image data. The display unit 31 can be any display such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an organic EL display. For example, the first terminal 30 is a terminal of a decorative sheet manufacturer that provides decorative sheets.

[0049] The communication unit 32 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information between the storage unit 40 and the first terminal 30 via a network. The memory unit 33 is configured to store data such as image data. This memory unit 33 may be a memory such as a ROM or RAM.

[0050] The processing unit 34 is configured to execute necessary processing in the first terminal 30. The processing unit 34 may be configured, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that operates based on a predetermined program.

[0051] Here, the processing unit 34 may verify the elongation of the decorative sheet 3 that occurs during molding through simulation. The decorated molded product 1 produced using the decorative sheet 3 has a three-dimensional shape with large height variations, such as unevenness and through-holes. This height variation can be considered to be the height variation of the cavity surface 13 shown in Figures 2 to 4. Therefore, when the decorated molded product 1 is produced, the decorative sheet 3 elongates in areas that follow the three-dimensional shape. If the decorative sheet 3 elongates significantly, it may tear. Even if the decorative sheet 3 does not tear, the pattern on the decorative sheet 3 may be distorted due to the elongation of the decorative sheet 3. As a result, the design imparted to the decorated molded product 1 may differ from the intended design. In such cases, the design imparted to the decorated molded product 1 can be made closer to the intended design by modifying the surface shape of the decorated molded product 1 and the shape of the molding die through trial and error. However, repeatedly producing the decorative sheet and molding die until a satisfactory decorated molded product 1 is produced increases the time and cost required to produce the decorated molded product 1. In response to this, the processing unit 34 uses simulation to verify the elongation of the decorative sheet 3 during molding, making it easy to determine whether the decorated molded product 1 can be produced from the decorative sheet 3 and also makes it possible to grasp in advance any distortion of the pattern on the decorative sheet 3.

[0052] In this case, the first terminal 30 may create simulation data verifying the elongation of the decorative sheet 3 during molding based on 3D CAD data related to the decorative molded product 1. The simulation data may be created using, for example, mold model data generated based on the 3D CAD data and physical property data of the decorative sheet 3. When creating simulation data using mold model data, first, a mold model to be used for molding is created based on the 3D CAD data. Next, the mold model is used to simulate the amount of elongation of the decorative sheet 3 before and after molding, creating simulation data. The state of the pattern after molding can be simulated by determining the position of the image data of the decorative sheet 3 after molding according to the amount of elongation of the decorative sheet 3. The first terminal 30 may then provide the simulation data to the second terminal 50 via the storage unit 40. When the processing unit 34 performs the simulation, the molding method of the decorative molded product 1 described above may be taken into consideration. Different molding molds may be used depending on the molding method of the decorative molded product 1. Different configurations of the decorative sheet 3 are used depending on the molding method of the decorated molded product 1, and as a result, the physical properties of the decorative sheet 3 may change. For this reason, the processing unit 34 may simulate the elongation of the decorative sheet 3 based on the molding die and decorative sheet 3 that correspond to the molding method. This allows the elongation of the decorative sheet 3 to be verified more accurately.

[0053] In the development of the decorative molded product 1, the design development of the decorative sheet 3 and the development of the decorative molded product 1 may be carried out in parallel. Specifically, the design development of the decorative sheet 3 may begin before the specifications (e.g., shape) of the decorative molded product 1 are determined. In other words, the shape of the decorative molded product 1 may be changed as the design development of the decorative sheet 3 progresses. In such cases, the 3D CAD data used to create the simulation data (for convenience of explanation, may be referred to as provisional 3D CAD data) differs from the 3D CAD data representing the changed shape of the decorative molded product 1 (for convenience of explanation, may be referred to as revised 3D CAD data). The provisional 3D CAD data may be used when the development of the decorative molded product 1 is in progress, and revised 3D CAD data, which differs from the provisional 3D CAD data, may be used when the development of the decorative molded product 1 is completed (for example, at the stage of evaluating a sample of the decorative sheet 3).

[0054] The three-dimensional CAD data of the decorated molded product 1 may be provided from the second terminal 50 to the first terminal 30 via the storage unit 40. Alternatively, when a user who provides the decorative sheet 3 proposes the shape or the like of the decorated molded product 1 to a user who receives the decorative sheet 3, the three-dimensional CAD data of the proposed decorated molded product may be stored in advance in the storage unit 33 of the first terminal 30.

[0055] The operation unit 35 is an input device operated by a user of the first terminal 30, and the first terminal 30 is configured to cause the processing unit 34 to execute processing in accordance with the operation input to the operation unit 35.

[0056] The first terminal 30 may be, for example, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0057] (storage section) The storage unit 40 has a communication unit 41, a memory unit 42, and a processing unit 43. The communication unit 41 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information between the first terminal 30 and the storage unit 40 via a network. The memory unit 42 is configured to store image data and the like provided by the first terminal 30. This memory unit 42 may be, for example, a memory such as a ROM or a RAM.

[0058] The storage unit 42 may store various information associated with each image data in one or more data tables. In this case, the storage unit 42 of the storage unit 40 may store data related to the design concept represented by the image data and the manufacturing conditions of the decorative sheet 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B , information related to the design of each image data (e.g., pattern and color), the molding method using the decorative sheet (molding method), the material of the decorative sheet, and the carbon footprint (CFP) of the decorative sheet may be stored in the data table. This allows a user operating the second terminal 50 to search for image data based on information associated with the image data (e.g., molding methods that can be used during molding). Examples of molding methods include insert molding, thermoject molding, and in-mold molding. Furthermore, although not shown, information related to the layer structure, material, thickness, etc. of the decorative sheet 3 may be stored in the data table. Furthermore, information related to the elongation of the decorative sheet 3 when producing the decorative molded product 1 may be stored in the data table.

[0059] As an example of using data on manufacturing conditions, for example, information on the specifications of the decorative sheet that can be manufactured, the number of decorative sheets to be manufactured, the manufacturing lead time for the decorative sheet, or the shape of the decorative molded product 1 that can be manufactured for each molding method may be stored in a data table. Note that the "specifications of the decorative sheet that can be manufactured" may include information on the layer structure, pattern, color, or texture such as glossiness (gloss or matte) of the decorative sheet 3. Furthermore, the "shape of the decorative molded product 1 that can be manufactured" may include information such as the height H (see FIG. 1) of the decorative molded product 1 that will prevent the decorative sheet from stretching and tearing during molding.

[0060] As another example of using data related to manufacturing conditions, for example, as shown in FIG. 5C , information on printable CMY, Bk (black), and spot colors (e.g., specific color mixtures, metallics such as gold and silver, gloss, and matte) may be stored in a data table for each design and / or molding method of each image data. Note that the example shown in FIG. 5C illustrates only the combination for image data number 1. When using a data table storing such combinations, the user of the second terminal 50 selects a preferred image data number (e.g., "No. 1"). The user of the first terminal 30 then references the data table stored in the storage unit 42. Next, the user of the first terminal 30 creates, via the first terminal 30, multiple image data sets (for convenience of explanation, sometimes referred to as color-adjusted image data sets) in which some of the colors used in image data number "No. 1" have been adjusted to within the manufacturable color range. The first terminal 30 provides the image data sets selected by the user of the second terminal 50 and the color-adjusted image data sets to the second terminal 50. As a result, multiple image data sets expressed in manufacturable colors are displayed on the second terminal 50, as shown in FIG. 5D . The second terminal 50 may be configured to display a list of all image data having manufacturable structures. In FIG. 5D, the color differences of the image data are indicated by shading. The user of the second terminal 50 can then select image data that meets the manufacturable conditions while viewing the displayed image data. Optionally, the second terminal 50 may select a desired molding method (e.g., insert molding) from among insert molding, thermoject molding, and in-mold molding while referencing the image data expressed in manufacturable colors.

[0061] As another example of using data related to manufacturing conditions, for example, as shown in FIG. 5E, a data table may store expressible patterns (e.g., line width, color shading, resolution, and pattern type) for each design and / or molding method of each image data. Note that the example shown in FIG. 5E illustrates only the combination for image data number 1. In this case, the user of the second terminal 50 selects an image data number (e.g., "1") related to a specific design. The user of the first terminal 30 then references the data table stored in the storage unit 42. Next, the user of the first terminal 30 creates, via the first terminal 30, multiple image data (for convenience of explanation, sometimes referred to as "pattern-adjusted image data") in which portions of the pattern for image data number "1" are adjusted to within a manufacturable range. Examples of pattern-adjusted image data include image data with a large line width used to express the design and image data with a small line width. Other examples of pattern-adjusted image data include image data with a dark color and image data with a light color used to express the design. Another example of pattern-adjusted image data is image data with a high resolution and image data with a low resolution of the pattern used to express the design. Another example of pattern-adjusted image data is image data with different patterns used to express the design. The first terminal 30 provides the second terminal 50 with the image data selected by the user of the second terminal 50 and the pattern-adjusted image data. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5F, multiple image data representing manufacturable patterns are displayed on the second terminal 50. The second terminal 50 may be configured to display a list of all image data having manufacturable structures. Note that, for clarity, differences in resolution are omitted from FIG. 5F. The user of the second terminal 50 can then browse the multiple displayed image data and select image data of a pattern that meets the manufacturable conditions. Optionally, the user of the second terminal 50 may select a desired molding method (e.g., insert molding) from among insert molding, thermoject molding, and in-mold molding while viewing the image data representing manufacturable patterns.

[0062] As another example of using data related to manufacturing conditions, for example, as shown in FIG. 5G, patterns that can be expressed in each predetermined region for each design and / or molding method of each image data (e.g., line width, color shading, resolution, pattern type) may be stored in a data table. Note that the example shown in FIG. 5G illustrates only the combination for image data number 1. The "A section" in FIG. 5G may be any region (e.g., A sections in FIGS. 5H and 5I described below), and "other" may be a region other than A section. In this case, the user of the second terminal 50 selects an image data number related to a specific design (e.g., "1"). The user of the first terminal 30 then references the data table stored in the storage unit 42. Next, as described above, the user of the first terminal 30 creates multiple image data (for convenience of explanation, this may be referred to as pattern-adjusted image data) by adjusting parts of the pattern of image data number "1" to within a manufacturable range. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5H, image data with a large line width in section A is created for the pattern of subdivision "1a" of image data number "1." On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5I, image data with a small line width in section A is created for the pattern of subdivision "1c" of image data number "1." Then, the first terminal 30 provides the image data selected by the user of the second terminal 50 and the pattern-adjusted image data to the second terminal 50. As a result, multiple image data representing manufacturable patterns are displayed on the second terminal 50. The second terminal 50 may be configured to display a list of all image data having manufacturable structures. The user of the second terminal 50 can then view the multiple displayed image data and select image data of a pattern that meets the manufacturable conditions. Optionally, the user of the second terminal 50 may select a desired molding method (e.g., insert molding) from among insert molding, thermoject molding, and in-mold molding while referencing the image data representing manufacturable patterns.

[0063] As another example of using data related to manufacturing conditions, for example, as shown in FIG. 5J, information about the texture that can be produced for each image data pattern and / or molding method may be stored in a data table. The texture information may include the size (two-dimensional size) of the unevenness, the height, the density, or the glossiness (gloss or matte). In this case, the user of the second terminal 50 selects an image data number (e.g., "1"). The user of the first terminal 30 then references the data table stored in the storage unit 42. Next, the user of the first terminal 30 creates, via the first terminal 30, multiple image data (for convenience of explanation, sometimes referred to as texture-adjusted image data) in which the unevenness and / or glossiness of the image data number "1" have been adjusted to within a manufacturable range. The first terminal 30 provides the image data selected by the user of the second terminal 50 and the texture-adjusted image data to the second terminal 50. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5K, image data expressed with a manufacturable texture is displayed on the second terminal 50. The second terminal 50 may be configured to display a list of all image data having manufacturable structures. The user of the second terminal 50 can then select image data of a pattern that meets the manufacturable conditions while viewing the multiple image data displayed. Optionally, the user of the second terminal 50 may select a desired molding method (e.g., insert molding) from among insert molding, thermoject molding, and in-mold molding in the process of browsing the image data expressed with manufacturable textures.

[0064] The various data tables stored in the storage unit 42 may be configured so that only the user of the first terminal 30 can view them.

[0065] The processing unit 43 is configured to execute necessary processing in the storage unit 40. The processing unit 43 may be configured, for example, by a CPU that operates based on a predetermined program.

[0066] Here, the storage unit 40 is configured to select predetermined image data from the plurality of image data based on a signal from the second terminal 50, and to transmit the selected image data to the second terminal 50. This allows the user operating the second terminal 50 to view desired image data using the second terminal 50.

[0067] The storage unit 40 may classify and store multiple image data provided from the first terminal 30 into multiple groups. The storage unit 40 may also assign attribute information to each of the multiple image data provided from the first terminal 30 and store the data. In this case, the storage unit 40 may assign attribute information so that one image data has multiple pieces of attribute information, or so that the attribute information of one image data overlaps partially or completely with the attribute information of other image data. The attribute information may include the items exemplified in the description of the data table above. In this case, the memory unit 42 may classify and store multiple image data provided from the first terminal 30 into multiple groups. For example, the memory unit 42 may group and store multiple image data based on a predetermined characteristic. As an example, the memory unit 42 may group and store multiple image data based on a characteristic such as color or pattern, or based on attribute information assigned to the image data. In addition, the memory unit 42 may store multiple image data in groups according to themes corresponding to the concept of the vehicle to which the decorated molded product 1 is applied (e.g., "sporty," "natural," "intelligent," or "luxury," etc.).

[0068] The storage unit 40 may store information regarding the browsing history and rating history of the user operating the second terminal 50.

[0069] The storage unit 40 may be a cloud server. The storage unit 40 may also be a stand-alone server, a file server, or the like.

[0070] (Second terminal) The second terminal 50 has a display unit 51, a communication unit 52, a memory unit 53, a processing unit 54, and an operation unit 55. The display unit 51 is configured to display image data. The display unit 51 can be any display unit such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an organic EL display. For example, the second terminal 50 is a terminal of a user who is provided with the decorative sheet 3, or a terminal of a user who is provided with the decorated molded product 1.

[0071] The display conditions under which the second terminal 50 displays image data are preferably determined based on the display conditions under which the first terminal 30 displays image data. Here, the display conditions refer to the resolution, color, and brightness of the display that displays the image data. In this case, for example, if the display unit 31 of the first terminal 30 is an LCD display, the display unit 51 of the second terminal 50 may be the same LCD display as the display unit 31. This allows the display mode of the image data displayed on the display unit 51 to be closer to the display mode of the image data displayed by the display unit 31. Therefore, for example, when processing image data, the user who receives the decorative sheet 3 can accurately communicate any desired corrections to the user who provides the decorative sheet 3. As a result, the user who receives the decorative sheet 3 can easily obtain the desired image data. Furthermore, for example, if the display unit 31 of the first terminal 30 is an LCD display, the display unit 51 of the second terminal 50 may be an LCD display that supports the same color gamut standard as the display unit 31.

[0072] The communication unit 52 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information between the storage unit 40 and the second terminal 50 via a network. The storage unit 53 is configured to store data such as image data. This storage unit 53 may be a memory such as a ROM or RAM.

[0073] The processing unit 54 is configured to execute necessary processing in the second terminal 50. The processing unit 54 may be configured, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that operates based on a predetermined program.

[0074] The operation unit 55 is an input device operated by the user of the second terminal 50, and the second terminal 50 is configured to cause the processing unit 54 to execute processing in accordance with the operation input to the operation unit 55.

[0075] The second terminal 50 may provide the first terminal 30 with three-dimensional CAD data of the decorated molded product 1 produced from the decorative sheet 3 via the storage unit 40. In this case, the three-dimensional CAD data may be stored in the memory unit 53 described above.

[0076] The second terminal 50 may be, for example, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0077] (Processing department) The processing unit 60 is configured to perform a predetermined processing on the image data. The processing unit 60 may change at least one of the pattern, color, and texture of the image data based on a signal from the first terminal 30 and / or the second terminal 50 so as to satisfy manufacturing conditions. For example, the processing unit 60 may be configured to change the pattern, color, or glossiness (gloss or matte) of the image data based on a signal from the first terminal 30 and / or the second terminal 50. Furthermore, if the image data is three-dimensional data, the processing unit 60 may be configured to change the height of the protrusions and recesses formed on the surface of the decorative sheet 3 based on a signal from the first terminal 30 and / or the second terminal 50. The processing unit 60 may be configured, for example, by a CPU operating based on a predetermined program.

[0078] The processing unit 60 may be integrated with the first terminal 30. In this case, the user operating the first terminal 30 can change the image data. That is, the user providing the decorative sheet 3 can change the image data on the first terminal 30. The processing unit 60 may also be integrated with the second terminal 50. In this case, the user operating the second terminal 50 can change the image data. That is, the user receiving the decorative sheet 3 can change the image data on the second terminal 50. In this case, the user receiving the decorative sheet 3 can change the image data, so the user receiving the decorative sheet 3 can easily obtain the desired image data. Alternatively, the user providing the decorative sheet 3 and the user receiving the decorative sheet 3 may each be able to access the processing unit 60.

[0079] The first terminal 30, the storage unit 40, the second terminal 50, and the processing unit 60 are communicably connected to one another via a network such as the Internet. The network may be either a wired line or a wireless line, and the type and form of the line are not important.

[0080] Image evaluation method Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. First, an image evaluation method for evaluating the image of the decorative sheet 3 before producing the decorated molded article 1 from the decorative sheet 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0081] First, the storage unit 40 acquires image data of the decorative sheet 3 from the first terminal 30 (reference S1 in FIG. 6). At this time, the image data stored in the memory unit 33 of the first terminal 30 is provided to the storage unit 40 (reference S11 in FIG. 6). Then, the image data is stored in the memory unit 42 of the storage unit 40. At this time, the memory unit 42 of the storage unit 40 may store the multiple image data provided from the first terminal 30, grouped by predetermined characteristics. Furthermore, the storage unit 40 may store various information associated with each image data in one or more data tables (see FIG. 5B, etc.). In this case, the memory unit 42 of the storage unit 40 may store data related to the manufacturing conditions of the decorative sheet 3.

[0082] Next, the storage unit 40 provides the image data to the second terminal 50 based on a signal from the second terminal 50 (reference S2 in FIG. 6). At this time, first, the user operating the second terminal 50 inputs desired conditions by operating the operation unit 55 of the second terminal 50. For example, if the user operating the second terminal 50 wants to display image data corresponding to a concept such as "sporty" on the second terminal 50, the user operates the operation unit 55 of the second terminal 50 to input the conditions. This causes a signal to be transmitted from the second terminal 50, and the processing unit 43 of the storage unit 40 transmits image data corresponding to the concept to the second terminal 50. Note that at this time, multiple image data may be transmitted to the second terminal 50. In this manner, the second terminal 50 acquires the image data from the storage unit 40 (reference S21 in FIG. 6). The user operating the second terminal 50 may search for image data by inputting conditions related to the image data's pattern, color, concept, corresponding construction method, material, carbon footprint (CFP), or the like. Alternatively, the user of the second terminal 50 may obtain image data by referencing a data table related to the manufacturing conditions, etc., of the decorative sheet 3 stored in the storage unit 40. In this case, the user of the second terminal 50 selects an image data number related to a specific design (e.g., "1" shown in FIG. 5B). The user of the first terminal 30 then references the data table stored in the memory unit 42. Next, the user of the first terminal 30 creates multiple image data sets by adjusting the color, etc., of the image data number "1" to within a manufacturable range. The first terminal 30 then provides the image data selected by the user of the second terminal 50 and the color-adjusted image data, etc., to the second terminal 50. In this manner, multiple image data sets expressed in manufacturable patterns may be displayed on the second terminal 50. In this manner, the user of the second terminal 50 selects image data that matches a concept, and then views image data with derived designs, image data with modified colors, and image data with adjusted textures. This improves the work efficiency of the user of the second terminal 50. In a digital environment, while it is possible to freely change the pattern, color, texture, etc. of image data, it is possible to create image data that cannot actually be reproduced by printing.In contrast, by using information about manufacturing conditions to provide image data with patterns, colors, and textures that meet the manufacturing conditions, design development between the person providing the image data and the person evaluating the image data can be carried out more quickly and efficiently.

[0083] The resolution of the image data may be changed before or after the second terminal 50 acquires image data from the storage unit 40 (reference numeral S21 in FIG. 6 ). For example, the resolution of the image data provided to the second terminal 50 may be lower than the resolution of the first processed data (described later) provided to the second terminal 50. In other words, before the second terminal 50 acquires image data from the storage unit 40, i.e., at the stage when the user of the second terminal 50 selects a specific design from a large number of designs, low-resolution image data may be used as described above. After the second terminal 50 acquires image data from the storage unit 40, i.e., at the stage when the user of the second terminal 50 evaluates a specific design, high-resolution image data may be used as described above. Furthermore, high-resolution image data may also be used when providing image data with a design, color, and texture that meets the manufacturing conditions using information on manufacturing conditions. In this way, changing the resolution of the image data according to the stage of design development enables efficient communication between decorative sheet manufacturers and their customers in a digital environment.

[0084] Next, the storage unit 40 acquires the evaluation result of the image data from the second terminal 50 (reference symbol S3 in FIG. 6). At this time, first, the user operating the second terminal 50 views the image data provided to the second terminal 50 and evaluates the image data. Then, the user who has viewed the image data operates the operation unit 55 of the second terminal 50 to input the evaluation result of the image data (reference symbol S22 in FIG. 6).

[0085] When viewing the image data, the user operating the second terminal 50 may determine whether the image in the image data is satisfactory. If the image in the image data is satisfactory, the user who viewed the image data may operate the operation unit 55 of the second terminal 50 to input, as an evaluation result, that the image in the image data is satisfactory.

[0086] On the other hand, if the image data pattern is not satisfactory, the user who viewed the image data may operate the operation unit 55 of the second terminal 50 to input, as an evaluation result, for example, a desire to change the color, shape, etc. of the image data pattern. Note that if the evaluated image data is three-dimensional data that contains information on not only the pattern of the decorative sheet 3 but also the unevenness of the surface, the user may input a desire to change the height of the unevenness, etc. In this way, a signal is transmitted from the second terminal 50, and the evaluation result is transmitted to the storage unit 40. Then, the storage unit 40 acquires the evaluation result from the second terminal 50 (reference numeral S3 in FIG. 6).

[0087] Next, the evaluation result is transmitted from the storage unit 40 to the first terminal 30 (reference S4 in FIG. 6), and the first terminal 30 acquires the evaluation result (reference S12 in FIG. 6).

[0088] Here, the first processed data may be created by processing the image data using the processing unit 60 based on the evaluation result of the image data. That is, if the user operating the second terminal 50 determines that the image data pattern is not satisfactory (NO in S13 of FIG. 6), the first processed data may be created by processing the image data using the processing unit 60 (reference numeral S31 of FIG. 6). In this case, for example, the user operating the first terminal 30 may operate the processing unit 60 to process the color or shape of the image data pattern. At this time, the processing unit 60 may change at least one of the pattern, color, and texture of the image data based on a signal from the second terminal so as to satisfy the manufacturing conditions of the decorative sheet 3. Note that if the image data pattern is satisfactory (YES in S13 of FIG. 6), the decorative sheet 3 having that image data may be provisionally selected as the decorative sheet 3 to be used when producing the decorated molded product 1.

[0089] When the first processed data is created by the processing unit 60, the storage unit 40 acquires the created first processed data from the processing unit 60 (reference S5 in FIG. 6). At this time, the first processed data created by the processing unit 60 is provided to the storage unit 40 (reference S32 in FIG. 6). Then, the first processed data is saved in the memory unit 42 of the storage unit 40.

[0090] Next, the storage unit 40 provides the first processed data to the second terminal 50 (reference S6 in FIG. 6). At this time, the processing unit 43 of the storage unit 40 transmits the first processed data to the second terminal 50. In this way, the second terminal 50 acquires the first processed data from the storage unit 40 (reference S23 in FIG. 6).

[0091] Next, the storage unit 40 acquires the evaluation result of the first processed data from the second terminal 50 (reference S7 in FIG. 6). At this time, first, the user operating the second terminal 50 views the first processed data provided to the second terminal 50 and evaluates the first processed data, similar to when evaluating image data. Then, the user who has viewed the first processed data operates the operation unit 55 of the second terminal 50 to input the evaluation result of the first processed data (reference S24 in FIG. 6). Then, the storage unit 40 acquires the evaluation result from the second terminal 50 (reference S7 in FIG. 6).

[0092] Next, the evaluation result is sent from the storage unit 40 to the first terminal 30 (reference numeral S8 in FIG. 6), and the first terminal 30 acquires the evaluation result (reference numeral S12 in FIG. 6), in the same manner as when acquiring the evaluation result of the image data.

[0093] Thereafter, the steps S13, S31, S32, S5, S6, S23, S24, S7, S8, and S12 in Fig. 6 are repeated until the user operating the second terminal 50 determines that the picture in the first processed data is satisfactory. Note that if the user operating the second terminal 50 does not determine that the picture in the first processed data is satisfactory, the steps from S2 in Fig. 6 described above may be repeated to evaluate the picture in new image data.

[0094] Then, the decorative sheet 3 to be used when producing the decorated molded article 1 is provisionally determined.

[0095] Next, an image evaluation method for evaluating the image of the decorative sheet 3 in the state of the decorated molded product 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0096] In this case, first, the decorative sheet 3 to be used when producing the decorated molded article 1 is determined by the method shown in FIG.

[0097] The storage unit 40 also acquires from the second terminal 50 three-dimensional CAD data relating to the decorated molded product 1 to be produced using the decorative sheet 3 (reference numeral S51 in FIG. 7). At this time, the three-dimensional CAD data stored in the memory unit 53 of the second terminal 50 is transmitted to the storage unit 40 (reference numeral S71 in FIG. 7). The three-dimensional CAD data is then stored in the memory unit 42 of the storage unit 40. The three-dimensional CAD data acquired from the second terminal 50 may be provisional three-dimensional CAD data or may be corrected three-dimensional CAD data. If the three-dimensional CAD data is provisional three-dimensional CAD data, the corrected three-dimensional CAD data may be acquired again from the second terminal 50 in a later process (for example, after reference numeral S65 in FIG. 7). This allows the design development of the decorative sheet 3 and the development of the decorated molded product 1 to be carried out in parallel.

[0098] Next, the storage unit 40 provides the three-dimensional CAD data to the first terminal 30 (reference numeral S52 in FIG. 7). At this time, the processing unit 43 of the storage unit 40 transmits the three-dimensional CAD data to the first terminal 30. In this way, the first terminal 30 acquires the three-dimensional CAD data from the storage unit 40 (reference numeral S61 in FIG. 7).

[0099] Next, the first terminal 30 creates simulation data verifying the elongation of the decorative sheet 3 during molding based on the 3D CAD data (reference number S62 in FIG. 7). In this process, first, the molding die 10 is determined based on the 3D CAD data, and molding die data representing the three-dimensional shape of the determined molding die 10 is generated. Next, simulation data for when the decorative sheet 3 is molded is created based on the molding die data. The created simulation data is then stored in the storage unit 33 of the first terminal 30. Note that a user who provides the decorative sheet 3 may also propose the shape of the decorated molded product 1 to a user who receives the decorative sheet 3. In this case, the first terminal 30 may create simulation data verifying the elongation of the decorative sheet 3 based on the 3D CAD data stored in advance in the storage unit 33, without performing the steps shown by reference numbers S71, S51, S52, and S61 in FIG. 7 described above.

[0100] Next, the storage unit 40 acquires the created simulation data from the first terminal 30 (reference S53 in FIG. 7). At this time, the simulation data stored in the memory unit 33 of the first terminal 30 is provided to the storage unit 40 (reference S63 in FIG. 7). Then, the simulation data is stored in the memory unit 42 of the storage unit 40.

[0101] Next, the storage unit 40 provides the simulation data to the second terminal 50 (reference numeral S54 in FIG. 7). At this time, the processing unit 43 of the storage unit 40 transmits the simulation data to the second terminal 50. In this way, the second terminal 50 acquires the simulation data from the storage unit 40 (reference numeral S72 in FIG. 7).

[0102] Next, the storage unit 40 acquires the evaluation results of the simulation data from the second terminal 50 (reference numeral S55 in FIG. 7). At this time, first, the user operating the second terminal 50 views the simulation data provided to the second terminal 50 and evaluates the simulation data. Then, the user who has viewed the simulation data operates the operation unit 55 of the second terminal 50 to input the evaluation results of the simulation data (reference numeral S73 in FIG. 7).

[0103] When viewing the simulation data, the user operating the second terminal 50 may determine whether the image in the simulation data is satisfactory. If the image in the simulation data is satisfactory, the user who viewed the simulation data may operate the operation unit 55 of the second terminal 50 to input, as an evaluation result, that the image in the simulation data is satisfactory.

[0104] On the other hand, if the design of the simulation data is not satisfactory, the user who viewed the simulation data may operate the operation unit 55 of the second terminal 50 to input, as an evaluation result, for example, a desire to change the color, shape, etc. of the design of the simulation data. Note that if the image data described above is three-dimensional data that contains information not only about the design of the decorative sheet 3 but also about the unevenness of the surface, when evaluating the simulation data, a desire to change the height of the unevenness, etc. may be input as an evaluation result. In this way, a signal is transmitted from the second terminal 50, and the evaluation result is transmitted to the storage unit 40. Then, the storage unit 40 acquires the evaluation result from the second terminal 50 (reference numeral S55 in FIG. 7).

[0105] Next, the evaluation result is transmitted from the storage unit 40 to the first terminal 30 (reference numeral S56 in FIG. 7), and the first terminal 30 acquires the evaluation result (reference numeral S64 in FIG. 7).

[0106] Here, the image data may be processed by the processing unit 60 based on the evaluation results of the simulation data to create second processed data. That is, if the user operating the second terminal 50 determines that the design of the simulation data is not satisfactory (NO in S65 of FIG. 7), the image data may be processed by the processing unit 60 to create second processed data (reference numeral S81 of FIG. 7). In this case, for example, the user operating the first terminal 30 may operate the processing unit 60 to process the color or shape of the design of the image data. The simulation data may be used to determine the processed design. This eliminates the need to create simulation data again, allowing for rapid design development. Note that if the design of the simulation data described above is satisfactory (YES in S65 of FIG. 7), the decorative sheet 3 having that image data may be finally selected as the decorative sheet 3 to be used when producing the decorated molded product 1.

[0107] When the second processed data is created by the processing unit 60, the storage unit 40 acquires the created second processed data from the processing unit 60 (reference numeral S57 in FIG. 7). At this time, the second processed data created by the processing unit 60 is provided to the storage unit 40 (reference numeral S82 in FIG. 7). Then, the second processed data is saved in the memory unit 42 of the storage unit 40.

[0108] Next, the storage unit 40 provides the second processed data to the second terminal 50 (reference numeral S58 in FIG. 7). At this time, the processing unit 43 of the storage unit 40 transmits the second processed data to the second terminal 50. In this way, the second terminal 50 acquires the second processed data from the storage unit 40 (reference numeral S74 in FIG. 7).

[0109] Next, the storage unit 40 acquires the evaluation result of the second processed data from the second terminal 50 (reference numeral S59 in FIG. 7). At this time, first, the user operating the second terminal 50 views the second processed data provided to the second terminal 50 and evaluates the second processed data, similar to when evaluating simulation data. Then, the user who has viewed the second processed data operates the operation unit 55 of the second terminal 50 to input the evaluation result of the second processed data (reference numeral S75 in FIG. 7). Then, the storage unit 40 acquires the evaluation result from the second terminal 50 (reference numeral S59 in FIG. 7).

[0110] Next, the evaluation result is transmitted from the storage unit 40 to the first terminal 30 (reference numeral S60 in FIG. 7), and the first terminal 30 acquires the evaluation result (reference numeral S64 in FIG. 7), in the same manner as when acquiring the evaluation result of the simulation data.

[0111] Thereafter, the steps shown by symbols S65, S81, S82, S57, S58, S74, S75, S59, S60, and S64 in Figure 7 described above are repeated until the user operating the second terminal 50 determines that the image in the second processed data is satisfactory.

[0112] Then, the decorative sheet 3 to be used when producing the decorated molded article 1 is finally determined.

[0113] Once the decorative sheet 3 to be used has been finally decided, the decorative sheet 3 is mass-produced, for example, by gravure printing. At this time, it is necessary to prepare a cylinder to be used for the gravure printing. However, after the decorative sheet 3 has been mass-produced, it may be discovered that the design of the decorative sheet 3 differs from the intended design. For this reason, even when the decorative sheet 3 to be used has been finally decided, it is preferable to prepare a sample of the decorative sheet 3 before mass-producing the decorative sheet 3. In this case, the sample decorative sheet 3 and the decorative sheet 3 can be manufactured as follows.

[0114] Decorative sheet sample and method for manufacturing the decorative sheet First, the image data is evaluated by the image evaluation method shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 (reference number S91 in FIG. 8).

[0115] Next, sample print data is created from the evaluated image data (reference number S92 in FIG. 8). That is, the image data of the finally determined decorative sheet 3 is used as the sample print data.

[0116] Next, a sample of the decorative sheet 3 is produced based on the sample print data (reference numeral S93 in FIG. 8). In this way, a sample of the decorative sheet 3 can be obtained. If the evaluated image data is three-dimensional data that contains information about the unevenness of the surface as well as the pattern of the decorative sheet 3, a uneven structure may be imparted to the surface of the decorative sheet 3 based on the three-dimensional data. For example, the uneven structure can be reproduced on the surface of the decorative sheet 3 using a 3D printer or a 2.5D printer.

[0117] Here, the pattern of the sample of the decorative sheet 3 may be printed by a printing method using an inkjet system or a hot-melt thermal transfer system. In particular, the pattern of the sample of the decorative sheet 3 is preferably printed by a hot-melt thermal transfer system. As described above, the decorative sheet 3 is mass-produced by, for example, gravure printing. When printing the pattern of the sample of the decorative sheet 3 using an inkjet system, it may be impossible to use the same ink as that used for mass-producing the decorative sheet 3 using gravure printing in order to prevent nozzle clogging. On the other hand, when printing the pattern of the sample of the decorative sheet 3 using a hot-melt thermal transfer system, it is possible to use the same ink as that used for mass-producing the decorative sheet 3 using gravure printing. Furthermore, when printing the pattern of the sample of the decorative sheet 3 using a hot-melt thermal transfer system, the sample of the decorative sheet 3 can be produced without preparing a cylinder. This allows the design of the sample of the decorative sheet 3 to be as close as possible to the design of the mass-produced decorative sheet 3, while reducing the manufacturing cost of the sample.

[0118] Next, the produced sample is evaluated (reference numeral S94 in FIG. 8 ). At this time, for example, the user who is provided with the decorative sheet 3 may evaluate the sample design by actually viewing the sample. The user who is provided with the decorative sheet 3 may also evaluate the sample design displayed on the second terminal 50. If the sample design is not satisfactory, the sample print data can be modified by further processing the image data of the decorative sheet 3 that was finally decided upon. In this way, by modifying the sample print data when the sample is produced, it is possible to modify the printing data without producing a cylinder for gravure printing. Therefore, by modifying the sample print data when the sample is produced, the manufacturing cost of the decorative sheet 3 can be reduced compared to when modifying the printing data after the decorative sheet 3 is mass-produced.

[0119] On the other hand, if the sample design is satisfactory, print data for a decorative sheet is created from the sample print data of the evaluated sample (reference numeral S95 in FIG. 8). That is, the sample print data is used as the print data for a decorative sheet.

[0120] In the process of evaluating the sample, a decorated molded product for evaluation may be actually produced using the sample. The decorated molded product for evaluation can be produced by creating a molded part 2 using an injection molding machine or a 3D printer and applying a sample to the surface of the molded part 2. The sample may be attached to the surface of the molded part 2, for example. Using the decorated molded product for evaluation allows the design of the sample to be confirmed as applied to a three-dimensional shape. Creating the molded part 2 using a 3D printer makes it easier to evaluate the sample. Furthermore, the 3D CAD data used when determining the design of the decorative sheet 3 may differ from the 3D CAD data used when molding a decorated molded product using a sample of the decorative sheet 3. Specifically, the 3D CAD data used when determining the design of the decorative sheet 3 may be temporary 3D CAD data representing the shape of a prototype. On the other hand, the 3D CAD data used when molding a decorated molded product using a sample of the decorative sheet 3 may be modified 3D CAD data representing the shape of a mass-produced product. As a result, when the design development of the decorative sheet 3 and the design development of the decorated molded product 1 proceed in parallel, the time required for the design development of the decorated molded product 1 can be shortened.

[0121] Next, the decorative sheet 3 is produced based on the printing data for the decorative sheet (reference numeral S96 in FIG. 8). At this time, for example, first, a cylinder for gravure printing is produced based on the printing data for the decorative sheet. Then, the decorative sheet 3 is mass-produced using this cylinder. Note that, for example, if the production number of the decorative sheet 3 is small, the pattern of the decorative sheet 3 may be printed by a melt-type thermal transfer method, as in the case of printing a sample pattern, without producing a cylinder for gravure printing. In this case, the manufacturing cost of the decorative sheet 3 can be further reduced.

[0122] Here, the pattern of the decorative sheet 3 may be printed using ink containing a metallic pigment or a pearl pigment. For example, it is preferable to print the pattern of the decorative sheet 3 using the ink used when preparing the sample. This allows the design of the decorative sheet 3 to be as close as possible to the design of the sample. This prevents the design of the decorative sheet 3 from deviating from the intended design. Note that if the evaluated image data is three-dimensional data containing information on not only the pattern of the decorative sheet 3 but also the uneven structure of the surface, the uneven structure may be imparted to the surface of the decorative sheet 3 based on the three-dimensional data. For example, the uneven structure can be reproduced on the surface of the decorative sheet 3 using a 3D printer or a 2.5D printer.

[0123] In this way, the decorative sheet 3 is mass-produced.

[0124] As described above, according to this embodiment, the image evaluation system 20 includes the first terminal 30 that provides the storage unit 40 with image data of the decorative sheet 3, and the second terminal 50 that can display the multiple image data provided from the first terminal 30. The storage unit 40 selects predetermined image data from the multiple image data based on a signal from the second terminal 50 and transmits the selected image data to the second terminal 50. This allows the user who receives the decorative sheet 3 to evaluate the design of the decorative sheet 3 before actually producing the decorated molded product 1. In particular, the storage unit 40 selects predetermined image data from the multiple image data based on a signal from the second terminal 50 and transmits the selected image data to the second terminal 50. This allows the user who receives the decorative sheet 3 to evaluate the design of the decorative sheet 3 based on the design concept desired by the user. Furthermore, the user who receives the decorative sheet 3 evaluates the design of the decorative sheet 3 displayed on the second terminal 50. This allows the user who receives the decorative sheet 3 to evaluate the design of the decorative sheet 3 without the user who provides the decorative sheet 3 meeting face-to-face, thereby improving the efficiency of design development.

[0125] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the storage unit 40 classifies and stores multiple image data provided from the first terminal 30 into multiple groups. This allows the storage unit 40 to easily select the design desired by the user who will be provided with the decorative sheet 3. This allows the user who will be provided with the decorative sheet 3 to easily evaluate the desired design. As a result, design development can be carried out more efficiently.

[0126] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the display conditions under which the second terminal 50 displays image data are determined based on the display conditions under which the first terminal 30 displays image data. This allows the display mode of the image data displayed on the display unit 51 of the second terminal 50 to be closer to the display mode of the image data displayed on the display unit 31 of the first terminal 30. Therefore, for example, when processing image data, the corrections required by the user who will be provided with the decorative sheet 3 can be accurately communicated to the user who will be providing the decorative sheet 3. As a result, the user who will be provided with the decorative sheet 3 can easily obtain the desired image data.

[0127] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the image evaluation system 20 further includes a processing unit 60 that processes image data. This allows, for example, image data to be easily corrected.

[0128] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, data regarding the manufacturing conditions of the decorative sheet 3 is stored in the storage unit 40, and the processing unit 60 changes at least one of the pattern, color, and texture of the image data based on a signal from the second terminal 50 so as to satisfy the manufacturing conditions. This allows the user who provides the decorative sheet 3 to provide the user who receives the decorative sheet 3 with image data of the decorative sheet 3 that can actually be manufactured. This makes it possible to further improve the efficiency of design development.

[0129] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the second terminal 50 provides the first terminal 30 with 3D CAD data related to the decorated molded product 1 to be produced using the decorative sheet 3 via the storage unit 40. The first terminal 30 also creates simulation data verifying the elongation of the decorative sheet 3 during molding based on the 3D CAD data. The first terminal 30 then provides the simulation data to the second terminal 50 via the storage unit 40. This allows the user who receives the decorative sheet 3 to evaluate the elongation of the decorative sheet 3 when producing the decorated molded product 1 before actually producing the decorated molded product 1. This reduces the risk of the decorated molded product 1 being imparted with a design that differs from the intended design, while reducing the time and cost required to produce the decorated molded product 1.

[0130] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the image evaluation method includes a step of acquiring image data of the decorative sheet 3 from the first terminal 30, a step of providing the image data to the second terminal 50 based on a signal from the second terminal 50, and a step of acquiring an evaluation result of the image data from the second terminal 50. In this case as well, the user who is provided with the decorative sheet 3 can evaluate the design of the decorative sheet 3 before actually producing the decorated molded product 1. In particular, the user who is provided with the decorative sheet 3 can evaluate the design of the decorative sheet 3 based on the design concept desired by the user who is provided with the decorative sheet 3. As a result, the efficiency of design development can be improved.

[0131] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the image evaluation method further includes the steps of creating first processed data by processing the image data with the processing unit 60 based on the evaluation results of the image data, acquiring the created first processed data from the processing unit 60, providing the first processed data to the second terminal 50, and acquiring the evaluation results of the first processed data from the second terminal 50. This allows the process from providing the image data to provisionally determining the decorative sheet 3 to be used when producing the decorated molded product 1 to be carried out smoothly. This makes it possible to further improve the efficiency of design development.

[0132] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the image evaluation method further includes the steps of acquiring, from the second terminal 50, three-dimensional CAD data related to the decorated molded product 1 to be produced using the decorative sheet 3, providing the three-dimensional CAD data to the first terminal 30, creating, by the first terminal 30, simulation data verifying the elongation of the decorative sheet 3 during molding based on the three-dimensional CAD data, acquiring the created simulation data from the first terminal 30, providing the simulation data to the second terminal 50, and acquiring evaluation results of the simulation data from the second terminal 50. This allows the user who receives the decorative sheet 3 to evaluate the elongation of the decorative sheet 3 when producing the decorated molded product 1 before actually producing the decorated molded product 1. This reduces the risk of the decorated molded product 1 being imparted with a design different from the intended design, while reducing the time and cost required to produce the decorated molded product 1.

[0133] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the image evaluation method further includes the steps of: creating second processed data by processing image data with the processing unit 60 based on the evaluation results of the simulation data; acquiring the created second processed data from the processing unit 60; providing the second processed data to the second terminal 50; and acquiring the evaluation results of the second processed data from the second terminal 50. This allows for smooth execution of the process from providing the simulation data to final determination of the decorative sheet 3 to be used when producing the decorated molded product 1. This makes it possible to further improve the efficiency of design development.

[0134] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a manufacturing method for a decorative sheet sample includes a step of evaluating image data using the image evaluation method of this embodiment, a step of creating sample print data from the evaluated image data, and a step of manufacturing a sample of the decorative sheet 3 based on the sample print data. The sample of the decorative sheet 3 may be manufactured by a printing method using an inkjet system or a hot-melt thermal transfer system. An advantage of manufacturing a sample by a printing method using an inkjet system or a hot-melt thermal transfer system is that there are no restrictions on cylinder conditions (cylinder circumference or width) as with gravure printing, and for example, it is possible to manufacture a long sample longer than the cylinder circumference of gravure printing. In this embodiment, in the step of manufacturing the sample of the decorative sheet 3, the sample design is printed by a hot-melt thermal transfer system. In this way, when printing the design of the sample of the decorative sheet 3 by a hot-melt thermal transfer system, the same ink as that used for mass-producing the decorative sheet 3 by gravure printing can be used. For example, inks similar to the special color inks used in automotive interior parts, including metallic pigments such as gold or silver, or luster pigments such as pearlescent pigments, can be used in a hot-melt thermal transfer printing device. Furthermore, when printing the sample design of the decorative sheet 3 using the hot-melt thermal transfer method, the sample of the decorative sheet 3 can be produced without producing a cylinder. This allows the design of the sample of the decorative sheet 3 to be as close as possible to the design of the mass-produced decorative sheet 3, while also reducing the manufacturing cost of the sample.

[0135] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the manufacturing method of the decorative sheet includes the steps of: producing a sample of the decorative sheet 3 by the manufacturing method of a decorative sheet sample according to this embodiment; evaluating the produced sample; creating print data for the decorative sheet from the sample print data of the evaluated sample; and manufacturing the decorative sheet 3 based on the print data for the decorative sheet. This makes it possible to prevent the design of the decorative sheet 3 from deviating from the intended design.

[0136] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in the process of producing the decorative sheet 3, the pattern of the decorative sheet 3 is printed using ink containing a metallic pigment or a pearl pigment. This makes it possible to make the design of the decorative sheet 3 as close as possible to the design of the sample. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent the design of the decorative sheet 3 from differing from the intended design.

[0137] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a sample of the decorative sheet 3 is produced has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, print data for the decorative sheet may be created from the evaluated image data without producing a sample of the decorative sheet 3. In other words, the image data for the decorative sheet 3 that has been finally determined may be used as the print data for the decorative sheet.

[0138] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the image evaluation method includes a step of acquiring image data of the decorative sheet 3 from the first terminal 30, a step of providing the image data to the second terminal 50 based on a signal from the second terminal 50, and a step of acquiring an evaluation result of the image data from the second terminal 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, when provisionally determining the decorative sheet 3 to be used in producing the decorated molded product 1, the image data of the decorative sheet 3 may first be acquired from the second terminal 50.

[0139] In this case, first, the storage unit 40 acquires image data of the decorative sheet 3 from the second terminal 50 (reference numeral S101 in FIG. 9). At this time, the image data stored in the memory unit 53 of the second terminal 50 is provided to the storage unit 40 (reference numeral S121 in FIG. 9). Then, the image data is stored in the memory unit 42 of the storage unit 40.

[0140] Next, the storage unit 40 provides the image data to the first terminal 30 (reference numeral S102 in FIG. 9). At this time, the processing unit 43 of the storage unit 40 transmits the image data to the first terminal 30. In this manner, the first terminal 30 acquires the image data from the storage unit 40 (reference numeral S111 in FIG. 9). Although not shown, the second terminal 50 may transmit the image data directly to the first terminal 30.

[0141] Next, the image data is processed by the processing unit 60 to create first processed data (reference numeral S131 in FIG. 9). In this case, for example, the user operating the first terminal 30 may operate the processing unit 60 to process the color or shape of the image of the image data.

[0142] Next, the storage unit 40 acquires the created first processed data from the processing unit 60 (reference numeral S103 in FIG. 9). At this time, the first processed data created by the processing unit 60 is provided to the storage unit 40 (reference numeral S132 in FIG. 9). Then, the first processed data is saved in the memory unit 42 of the storage unit 40.

[0143] Next, the storage unit 40 provides the first processed data to the second terminal 50 (reference numeral S104 in FIG. 9). At this time, the processing unit 43 of the storage unit 40 transmits the first processed data to the second terminal 50. In this way, the second terminal 50 acquires the first processed data from the storage unit 40 (reference numeral S122 in FIG. 9).

[0144] Next, the storage unit 40 acquires the evaluation result of the first processed data from the second terminal 50 (reference numeral S105 in FIG. 9). At this time, first, a user operating the second terminal 50 views the first processed data provided to the second terminal 50 and evaluates the first processed data. Then, the user who has viewed the first processed data operates the operation unit 55 of the second terminal 50 to input the evaluation result of the first processed data (reference numeral S123 in FIG. 9). Then, the storage unit 40 acquires the evaluation result from the second terminal 50 (reference numeral S105 in FIG. 9).

[0145] Next, the evaluation result is transmitted from the storage unit 40 to the first terminal 30 (reference numeral S106 in FIG. 9), and the first terminal 30 acquires the evaluation result (reference numeral S112 in FIG. 9).

[0146] Then, if the pattern of the first processing data is satisfactory (YES in S113 of Figure 9), the decorative sheet 3 having that first processing data may be provisionally determined as the decorative sheet 3 to be used when producing the decorated molded product 1.

[0147] On the other hand, if the user operating the second terminal 50 determines that the image in the first processed data is not satisfactory (NO at S113 in Figure 9), the steps indicated by symbols S131, S132, S103, S104, S122, S123, S105, S106, and S112 in Figure 9 described above are repeated until the user operating the second terminal 50 determines that the image in the first processed data is satisfactory.

[0148] Then, the decorative sheet 3 to be used when producing the decorated molded article 1 is provisionally determined.

[0149] In this modified example, the user who receives the decorative sheet 3 can evaluate the design of the decorative sheet 3 before actually producing the decorated molded product 1, thereby making design development more efficient.

[0150] The components disclosed in the above-described embodiment and each modification may be combined as needed, or some components may be omitted from all the components shown in the above-described embodiment and each modification.

[0151] The image evaluation system according to this embodiment is an image evaluation system for evaluating images of decorative sheets to be used in interior or exterior parts of automobiles between a decorative sheet provider and a customer, and may include a storage unit that stores image data of the decorative sheets to be used in interior or exterior parts of automobiles, a first terminal that can provide image data to the storage unit and display the image data stored in the storage unit, and a second terminal that can display the image data stored in the storage unit. The system may further include a processing unit that processes the image data at the request of the first terminal and / or the second terminal.

[0152] The design determination method for a decorative sheet to be applied to an interior or exterior part of an automobile according to this embodiment may include the steps of: providing image data relating to the decorative sheet to a customer; receiving an evaluation result of the image data from the customer; creating processed data in which at least one of the color, pattern, and texture of the image data is changed based on the evaluation result of the image data, and providing the processed data to the customer; receiving the evaluation result of the processed data from the customer; creating simulation data that verifies the elongation of the decorative sheet during molding for at least one of the image data and the processed data, and providing the simulation data to the customer; and receiving the evaluation result of the simulation data from the customer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 1 Decorative molding products 2 Molding section 3 Decorative sheet 20 Image Evaluation System 30 Terminal 1 40 Storage area 50 Terminal 2 60 Processing Department

Claims

1. An image evaluation system for a decorative sheet for producing a decorated molded product, comprising: a first terminal that provides image data to a storage unit by scanning a sample of the decorative sheet before it is stretched by decorative molding; a second terminal capable of displaying the plurality of image data provided from the first terminal; The storage unit selects predetermined image data from the plurality of image data based on a signal from the second terminal, and transmits the selected image data to the second terminal.

2. the first terminal is capable of displaying the image data; a display condition when the second terminal displays the image data is determined based on a display condition when the first terminal displays the image data, 2. The image evaluation system according to claim 1, wherein the display conditions are determined based on the resolution, color, and brightness of a display that displays the image data.

3. The image evaluation system according to claim 1 , further comprising a processing unit that processes the image data.

4. The storage unit stores data on manufacturing conditions of the decorative sheet, The processing unit changes at least one of the pattern, color, and texture of the image data based on the signal from the second terminal so as to satisfy the specifications of the decorative sheet that can be produced for each molding method among the manufacturing conditions, and 4. The image evaluation system according to claim 3, wherein the molding method includes any one of an insert molding method, a thermoject molding method, and an in-mold molding method.

5. the first terminal creates simulation data verifying the elongation of the decorative sheet during molding based on three-dimensional CAD data relating to a decorated molded product produced using the decorative sheet, and provides the simulation data to the second terminal via the storage unit; 2. The image evaluation system according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional CAD data is created in accordance with a molding method of the decorated molded product.

6. 6. The image evaluation system according to claim 5, wherein the second terminal provides the three-dimensional CAD data to the first terminal via the storage unit.

7. The image evaluation system according to claim 5 , wherein the decorated molded product is used as an exterior or interior part of a moving body.

8. A method for evaluating an image of a decorative sheet for producing a decorated molded product, comprising: a step in which the storage unit acquires image data created by scanning a sample of the decorative sheet before it is stretched by decorative molding from the first terminal; providing the image data to a second terminal by the storage unit based on a signal from the second terminal; The image evaluation method includes a step in which the storage unit acquires an evaluation result of the image data from the second terminal.

9. creating first processed data by processing the image data using a processing unit based on an evaluation result of the image data; acquiring the created first processing data from the processing unit; providing the first processed data to a second terminal; The image evaluation method according to claim 8 , further comprising the step of acquiring an evaluation result of the first processed data from the second terminal.

10. A method for evaluating an image of a decorative sheet for producing a decorated molded product, comprising: a step in which the storage unit acquires image data of the decorative sheet before being stretched by decorative molding from a second terminal; a step of creating first processed data by a processing unit by processing the image data; The storage unit acquires the created first processing data from the processing unit; a step in which the storage unit provides the first processed data to a second terminal; The image evaluation method includes a step in which the storage unit acquires an evaluation result of the first processed data from the second terminal.

11. the processing unit changes at least one of the pattern, color, and texture of the image data based on the signal from the second terminal so as to satisfy the specifications of the decorative sheet that can be produced for each molding method among the manufacturing conditions of the decorative sheet; The image evaluation method according to claim 9 , wherein the molding method includes any one of an insert molding method, a thermoject molding method, and an in-mold molding method.

12. The image evaluation method according to claim 9 , wherein a resolution of the image data provided to the second terminal is lower than a resolution of the first processed data provided to the second terminal.

13. a step of creating simulation data by a first terminal, which verifies the elongation of the decorative sheet during molding, based on three-dimensional CAD data of a decorated molded product produced using the decorative sheet; acquiring the created simulation data from the first terminal; providing the simulation data to a second terminal; acquiring an evaluation result of the simulation data from the second terminal; 9. The image evaluation method according to claim 8, wherein the three-dimensional CAD data is created in accordance with a molding method of the decorated molded product.

14. acquiring, from the second terminal, the three-dimensional CAD data of a decorated molded product produced using the decorative sheet; The image evaluation method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of providing the three-dimensional CAD data to a first terminal.

15. creating second processed data by processing the image data using a processing unit based on an evaluation result of the simulation data; acquiring the created second processing data from the processing unit; providing the second processed data to a second terminal; The image evaluation method according to claim 13 , further comprising the step of acquiring an evaluation result of the second processed data from the second terminal.

16. The image evaluation method according to claim 13, wherein the decorated molded product is used as an exterior or interior part of a moving body.

17. evaluating the image data by the image evaluation method according to claim 8; creating sample print data from the evaluated image data; and creating a sample of the decorative sheet based on the sample print data, In the step of preparing the sample, the pattern of the sample is printed by a fusion type thermal transfer method.

18. evaluating the image data by the image evaluation method according to claim 8; creating print data for a decorative sheet from the evaluated image data; and producing the decorative sheet based on the decorative sheet print data.

19. a step of producing a sample of a decorative sheet by the method for producing a sample of a decorative sheet according to claim 17; evaluating the prepared sample; creating print data for a decorative sheet from the print data for the evaluated sample; and producing the decorative sheet based on the decorative sheet print data.

20. The method for producing a decorative sheet according to claim 19, wherein in the step of producing the decorative sheet, the pattern of the decorative sheet is printed using ink containing a metallic pigment or a pearl pigment.

21. a step of evaluating image data by the image evaluation method according to claim 13; a step of creating sample print data from the evaluated image data; and a step of producing a sample of the decorative sheet based on the sample print data, wherein in the step of producing the sample, a pattern of the sample is printed by a fusion type thermal transfer method; acquiring corrected 3D CAD data created by correcting the 3D CAD data from the second terminal; a step of producing a molded part using the corrected three-dimensional CAD data; and applying a sample of the decorative sheet to the surface of the molded part.

Images