Drawing method and drawing system

Abstract

A drawing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes the following four features. (1) Acquiring data regarding an external factor. (2) Acquiring a first conversion table that corresponds to the acquired data, from among a plurality of conversion tables that are in accordance with the external factor and describe correspondences between gradation values in a CMY color space and command voltage values of a light source. (3) Generating command voltage values corresponding to CMY image data that is described in the CMY color space, on the basis of the acquired first conversion table and the CMY image data. (4) Performing laser drawing on a recording medium that comprises a CMY heat-sensitive recording layer, on the basis of the generated command voltage values.

Description

Drawing method and drawing system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drawing system and a method for creating a conversion profile.

[0002] Heat-sensitive recording media using heat-sensitive color-forming compositions are becoming widespread (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Currently, two types of such recording media are commercially available: irreversible recording media, in which information cannot be erased once written, and reversible recording media, in which information can be rewritten any number of times.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-74584

[0004] However, when drawing on a thermal recording medium, faithful color reproduction is difficult due to various external factors. Here, external factors refer to factors that can affect color reproducibility, including, for example, environmental factors around the recording medium, individual differences in the recording medium, and individual differences in the device used to draw on the recording medium. It is desirable to provide a drawing method and drawing system that can faithfully reproduce colors on a thermal recording medium without being affected by at least one external factor.

[0005] The drawing method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes the following four steps: (A1) acquiring data on external factors; (A2) acquiring a first conversion table corresponding to the acquired data from among a plurality of conversion tables corresponding to the external factors, the first conversion table describing the correspondence between tone values ​​in the CMY color space and command voltage values ​​of a light source; (A3) generating command voltage values ​​corresponding to the CMY image data based on the acquired first conversion table and the CMY image data described in the CMY color space; and (A4) performing laser drawing on a recording medium having a CMY thermosensitive recording layer based on the generated command voltage values.

[0006] The drawing method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes the following five steps: (B1) acquiring data on external factors; (B2) acquiring a third conversion profile corresponding to the acquired data from among a plurality of second conversion profiles, each of which describes a correspondence relationship between a device-independent color space and a CMY color space and has a different correspondence relationship between the device-independent color space and the CMY color space depending on the external factors; (B3) converting image data described in a device-dependent color space into CMY image data described in a CMY color space using a first conversion profile describing a correspondence relationship between a device-dependent color space and a device-independent color space and the acquired third conversion profile; (B4) generating command voltage values ​​corresponding to the CMY image data based on a conversion table describing a correspondence relationship between tone values ​​in the CMY color space and command voltage values ​​of a light source and the CMY image data acquired by conversion; and (B5) performing laser drawing on a recording medium having a CMY thermosensitive recording layer based on the generated command voltage values.

[0007] A drawing system according to a third aspect of the present disclosure includes a first storage unit, a first acquisition unit, a generation unit, and a drawing unit. The first storage unit stores a plurality of conversion tables corresponding to external factors, each of which describes a correspondence between a gradation value in a CMY color space and a command voltage value for a light source. The first acquisition unit is capable of acquiring data on the external factors and acquiring a first conversion table corresponding to the acquired data from the plurality of conversion tables stored in the first storage unit. The generation unit is capable of generating command voltage values ​​corresponding to the CMY image data based on the first conversion table acquired by the first acquisition unit and the CMY image data described in the CMY color space. The drawing unit is capable of performing laser drawing on a recording medium having a CMY thermosensitive recording layer based on the command voltage values ​​generated by the generation unit.

[0008] A rendering system according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure includes a first storage unit, a second storage unit, an acquisition unit, a conversion unit, a generation unit, and a rendering unit. The first storage unit stores a conversion table describing correspondences between tone values ​​in a CMY color space and command voltage values ​​for a light source. The second storage unit stores a first conversion profile describing correspondences between a device-dependent color space and a device-independent color space, and a plurality of second conversion profiles describing correspondences between the device-independent color space and the CMY color space and having different correspondences between the device-independent color space and the CMY color space depending on an external factor. The acquisition unit is capable of acquiring data regarding the external factor and acquiring a third conversion profile corresponding to the acquired data from the plurality of second conversion profiles stored in the second storage unit. The conversion unit is capable of converting image data described in a device-dependent color space into CMY image data described in a CMY color space using the first conversion profile acquired from the second storage unit and the third conversion profile acquired by the acquisition unit. The generation unit is capable of generating command voltage values ​​corresponding to the CMY image data based on the conversion table acquired from the first storage unit and the CMY image data acquired by the conversion unit. The drawing unit is capable of performing laser drawing on a recording medium having a CMY thermosensitive recording layer based on the command voltage values ​​generated by the generation unit.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a drawing system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional configuration of the medium of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional configuration of the recording medium of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the drawing device of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the server device of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the external factor list of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the conversion table of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of a conversion table for a specific external factor included in the conversion table of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the conversion profile of FIG. 4. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the information processing unit of FIG. 4. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the drawing unit of FIG. 2. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a laser drawing procedure in the drawing system of FIG. 1. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conversion profile generation procedure in the drawing system of FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a drawing device incorporating the functions of the server device of FIG. 1. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the drawing device of FIG. 14 . FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a drawing system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the server device of FIG. 16 . FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a laser drawing procedure in the drawing system of FIG. 16 . FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a drawing device that incorporates the functions of the server device of FIG. 16 . FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the drawing device of FIG. 19 . FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a drawing system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the server device of FIG. 21 . FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a laser drawing procedure in the drawing system of FIG. 21 . FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a drawing device that incorporates the functions of the server device of FIG. 21 . FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the drawing device of FIG. 24 . FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a color correction procedure in the server device of the drawing systems according to the above embodiments. FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the schematic configuration of the media. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of a drawing device capable of reading the ID of the medium shown in FIG.FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a modified example of the functional blocks of the rendering device in each of the above embodiments.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following description is a specific example of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following aspects.

[0011] 1. First Embodiment [Configuration] A drawing system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic configuration example of the drawing system 1 according to the present embodiment. The drawing system 1 writes (draws) information to a leuco recording medium RM (described later). Specifically, the drawing system 1 converts externally input image data described in a device-dependent color space (hereinafter referred to as "input image data") into image data described in a leuco color space (hereinafter referred to as "leuco image data"). Here, the device-dependent color space is, for example, an RGB color space such as sRGB or Adobe® RGB. The leuco color space is a color space that the leuco recording medium RM possesses as a characteristic. The leuco color space is a form of the CMY color space. In CMY, C is cyan, M is magenta, and Y is yellow. The drawing system 1 further converts the leuco image data obtained by the conversion into a command voltage value for the drawing unit 160 (described below), and inputs the command voltage value obtained by the conversion to the drawing unit 160, thereby performing drawing on the leuco recording medium RM. In this manner, the drawing system 1 is provided with a color management system suitable for the leuco recording medium RM. Below, the leuco recording medium RM will be described first, and then the drawing system 1 will be described.

[0012] (Media M) FIG. 2 shows an example of the cross-sectional configuration of the media M. The media M includes a substrate 10, a spacer layer 20, a protective layer 30, and a leuco recording medium RM. The media M may be, for example, a security card, a financial settlement card, an ID card, or a personal transaction card (hereinafter referred to as a "security card, etc."). Examples of financial settlement cards include credit cards and cash cards. Examples of ID cards include driver's licenses, employee ID cards, membership cards, and student ID cards. Examples of personal transaction cards include prepaid cards and point cards.

[0013] The substrate 10 is a support that supports the leuco recording medium RM and the spacer layer 20. The substrate 10 may have a color such as white. On one main surface of the substrate 10, on which the leuco recording medium RM, the spacer layer 20, etc. are provided, a design, a picture, a photograph, text, or a combination of two or more of these (hereinafter referred to as a "design, etc.") may be printed.

[0014] The substrate 10 includes, for example, plastic. The substrate 10 may include at least one selected from the group consisting of a colorant, an antistatic agent, a flame retardant, a surface modifier, etc., as necessary. A reflective layer (not shown) may be provided on at least one main surface of the substrate 10, or the substrate 10 itself may also function as a reflective layer.

[0015] The plastic used for the substrate 10 includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of ester-based resins, amide-based resins, olefin-based resins, vinyl-based resins, acrylic-based resins, imide-based resins, styrene-based resins, engineering plastics, etc. When the substrate 11 includes two or more types of resins, the two or more types of resins may be mixed, copolymerized, or laminated.

[0016] The ester-based resin includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate-isophthalate copolymer, and terephthalic acid-cyclohexanedimethanol-ethylene glycol copolymer. The amide-based resin includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of nylon 6, nylon 66, and nylon 610. The olefin-based resin includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polymethylpentene (PMP). The vinyl-based resin includes, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0017] The acrylic resin includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), etc. The imide resin includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of polyimide (PI), polyamideimide (PAI), polyetherimide (PEI), etc. The styrene resin includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of polystyrene (PS), high-impact polystyrene, acrylonitrile-styrene resin (AS resin), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS resin), etc. The engineering plastic includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate (PC), polyarylate (PAR), polysulfone (PSF), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylene ether (PPE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherketone (PEK), polyether-etherketone (PEEK), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polyether sulfite, etc.

[0018] The spacer layer 20 is provided on one main surface of the substrate 10, and an adhesive layer is sandwiched between the substrate 10 and the spacer layer 20. The spacer layer 20 has a storage section for storing the leuco recording medium RM. The storage section is provided in a portion of the surface of the spacer layer 20. The storage section may be a through-hole that penetrates the spacer layer 20 in the thickness direction. The spacer layer 20 is intended to suppress steps formed by the leuco recording medium RM when the leuco recording medium RM is sandwiched between the substrate 10 and the protective layer 30. The spacer layer 20 has approximately the same thickness as the leuco recording medium RM, and covers the main surface of the substrate 10 except for the area where the leuco recording medium RM is provided.

[0019] The spacer layer 20 may be in the form of a film. The spacer layer 20 may be transparent. The spacer layer 20 includes a plastic. Examples of the plastic used for the spacer layer 20 include the same materials as those used for the substrate 10.

[0020] The protective layer 30 is provided on the spacer layer 20 and the leuco recording medium RM and covers them. An adhesive layer is sandwiched between the spacer layer 20 and the leuco recording medium RM and the protective layer 30. The protective layer 30 protects the internal components of the medium M (i.e., the leuco recording medium RM and the spacer layer 20) and maintains the mechanical reliability of the medium M.

[0021] The protective layer 30 is in the form of a film. The protective layer 30 is transparent. The protective layer 30 includes a plastic. Examples of the plastic used for the protective layer 30 include the same materials as those for the substrate 10. A pattern or the like may be printed on at least one main surface of the protective layer 30.

[0022] The adhesive used to bond the substrate 10 and the spacer layer 20 together, and the adhesive used to bond the spacer layer 20 and the protective layer 30 together, are transparent and include a thermal adhesive. The thermal adhesive used for these adhesives includes a thermosetting resin. Here, the thermosetting resin includes at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, epoxy-based resins and urethane-based resins. The substrate 10 and the spacer layer 20 may be fused together, or the spacer layer 20 and the protective layer 30 may be fused together, without using the above-mentioned adhesive.

[0023] (Leuco Recording Medium RM) Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of each layer included in the leuco recording medium RM. The leuco recording medium RM has multiple recording layers 13, 15, and 17 that differ from one another in color tone. The leuco recording medium RM has, for example, recording layers 13, 15, and 17 stacked in this order on a substrate 11, an intermediate layer 14 between recording layer 13 and recording layer 15, and an intermediate layer 16 between recording layer 15 and recording layer 17. The leuco recording medium RM has, for example, an underlayer 12 between the substrate 11 and recording layer 13, and a protective layer 18 on the outermost surface of the leuco recording medium RM (on top of recording layer 17).

[0024] The substrate 11 is a support for supporting the recording layers 13, 15, 17, etc. The substrate 11 is preferably made of a material that has excellent heat resistance and dimensional stability in the planar direction. The substrate 11 may be either light-transmitting or non-light-transmitting to visible light. When the substrate 11 is poorly transparent to visible light, the surface color of the substrate 11 may be, for example, white or a color other than white.

[0025] The substrate 11 may be, for example, a substrate having high rigidity such as a wafer, or may be flexible thin glass, film, or paper. By using a flexible substrate as the substrate 11, a flexible (bendable) leuco recording medium RM can be realized. Examples of materials constituting the substrate 11 include inorganic materials, metal materials, and plastics. Examples of inorganic materials include silicon (Si), silicon oxide (SiO Ｘ ), silicon nitride (SiN Ｘ ) and aluminum oxide (AlOＸ The silicon oxide includes glass and spin-on glass (SOG), etc. The metal material includes at least one selected from the group consisting of aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), stainless steel, etc.

[0026] The substrate 11 may contain, for example, plastic. If necessary, the substrate 11 may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of a colorant, an antistatic agent, a flame retardant, a surface modifier, and the like.

[0027] The plastic used for the substrate 11 includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of ester-based resins, amide-based resins, olefin-based resins, vinyl-based resins, acrylic-based resins, imide-based resins, styrene-based resins, engineering plastics, etc. When the substrate 11 includes two or more types of resins, the two or more types of resins may be mixed, copolymerized, or laminated.

[0028] The ester resin includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate-isophthalate copolymer, and terephthalic acid-cyclohexanedimethanol-ethylene glycol copolymer. The amide resin includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of nylon 6, nylon 66, and nylon 610. The olefin resin includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polymethylpentene (PMP). The vinyl resin includes, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0029] The acrylic resin includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The imide resin includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of polyimide (PI), polyamideimide (PAI), and polyetherimide (PEI). The styrene resin includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of polystyrene (PS), high-impact polystyrene, acrylonitrile-styrene resin (AS resin), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS resin). The engineering plastic includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate (PC), polyarylate (PAR), polysulfone (PSF), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylene ether (PPE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherketone (PEK), polyether-etherketone (PEEK), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), and polyether sulfite.

[0030] The underlayer 12 has the function of improving the adhesion between the recording layer 13 and the substrate 11. The underlayer 12 is made of, for example, a material that transmits visible light. A moisture-resistant barrier layer or a light-resistant barrier layer may be provided above or below the underlayer 12 or the substrate 11. A heat-insulating layer may be provided between the underlayer 12 and the recording layer 13. A reflective layer (not shown) may be provided on at least one main surface of the substrate 11, or the substrate 11 itself may also function as a reflective layer. When the substrate 11 has such a configuration, a clearer color display is possible.

[0031] The recording layers 13, 15, and 17 can reversibly change between a colored state and a colorless state. The recording layers 13, 15, and 17 are configured so that their colors in the colored states are different from each other. The recording layers 13, 15, and 17 are thermosensitive recording layers containing a color former, a photothermal conversion agent, and a color developer. The recording layers 13, 15, and 17 contain color formers that have different colors in the colored states and photothermal conversion agents that have different light absorption wavelength bands. In the recording layers 13, 15, and 17, the color former, the photothermal conversion agent, and the color developer are dispersed in a matrix resin (polymer material). The recording layers 13, 15, and 17 may each be a laminate comprising a layer containing the color former and the color developer and a layer containing the photothermal conversion agent, or may be a single-layer structure containing the color former, the photothermal conversion agent, and the color developer.

[0032] The color-developing compound may be, for example, a leuco dye. The leuco dye combines with the developer to develop a color upon heating, or separates from the developer to develop a colorless state. The color tone of the leuco dye contained in each recording layer 13, 15, and 17 differs for each recording layer 13, 15, and 17. The leuco dye contained in recording layer 13 develops a magenta color upon heating and bonding with the developer. The leuco dye contained in recording layer 15 develops a cyan color upon heating and bonding with the developer. The leuco dye contained in recording layer 17 develops a yellow color upon heating and bonding with the developer. The positional relationship of the recording layers 13, 15, and 17 is not limited to the example described above. Furthermore, the recording layers 13, 15, and 17 are transparent in the colorless state. This allows the leuco recording medium RM to record images using a wide color gamut.

[0033] Examples of leuco dyes include existing dyes for thermal paper, specifically, compounds containing an electron-donating group in the molecule, such as those shown in Chemical Formula 1 below.

[0034] The color former is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Specific examples of the color former include the compound represented by formula (1) above, as well as fluoran compounds, triphenylmethanephthalide compounds, azaphthalide compounds, phenothiazine compounds, leucoauramine compounds, and indolinophthalide compounds. Other examples include 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-di(n-butylamino)fluoran, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-n-propyl-N-methylamino)fluoran, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-isopropyl-N-methylamino)fluoran, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-isobutyl-N-methylamino)fluoran, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-n-amyl-N-methylamino)fluoran, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-sec-butyl-N-methylamino)fluoran, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-n-amyl-N-ethylamino)fluoran, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6- (N-iso-amyl-N-ethylamino)fluoran, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-n-propyl-N-isopropylamino)fluoran, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-cyclohexyl-N-methylamino)fluoran, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-ethyl-p-toluidino)fluoran, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-methyl-p-toluidino)fluoran, 2-(m-trichloromethylanilino)-3-methyl-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-(m-trifluoromethylanilino)-3-methyl-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-(m-trichloromethylanilino)-3-methyl-6-(N-cyclohexyl-N-methylamino)fluoran, 2-(2,4-dimethylanilino)-3-methyl-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-(N-ethyl-p-toluidino)-3-methyl-6-(N-ethylanilino)fluoran, 2-(N-ethyl-p-toluidino)-3-methyl-6-(N-propyl-p-toluidino)fluoran, 2-anilino-6-(N-n-hexyl-N-ethylamino)fluoran, 2-(o-chloroanilino)-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-(o-chloroanilino)-6-dibutylaminofluoran, 2-(m-trifluoromethylanilino)-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2,3-dimethyl-6-dimethylaminofluoran, 3-methyl-6-(N-ethyl-p-toluidino)fluoran, 2-chloro-6 -diethylaminofluoran, 2-bromo-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-chloro-6-dipropylaminofluoran, 3-chloro-6-cyclohexylaminofluoran, 3-bromo-6-cyclohexylaminofluoran, 2-chloro-6-(N-ethyl-N-isoamylamino)fluoran, 2-chloro-3-methyl-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-anilino-3-chloro-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-(o-chloroanilino)-3-chloro-6-cyclohexylaminofluoran, 2-(m-trifluoromethylanilino)-3-chloro-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-(2,3-dichloroanilino)-3-chloro-6-diethylaminofluoran, 1,2-benzo-6-diethylaminofluoran, 3-diethylamino-6-(m-trifluoromethylanilino)fluoran, 3 -(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-3-(2-ethoxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-4-azaphthalide, 3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-3-(2-ethoxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-7-azaphthalide, 3-(1-octyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-3-(2-ethoxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-4-azaphthalide, 3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-3-(2-methyl-4-diethylaminophenyl)-4-azaphthalide, 3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-3-(2-methyl-4-diethylaminophenyl)-7-azaphthalide, 3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-3-(4-diethylaminophenyl)-4 -azaphthalide, 3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-3-(4-N-n-amyl-N-methylaminophenyl)-4-azaphthalide, 3-(1-methyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-3-(2-hexyloxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-4-azaphthalide, 3,3-bis(2-ethoxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-4-azaphthalide, 3 , 3-bis(2-ethoxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-7-azaphthalide, 2-(p-acetylanilino)-6-(N-n-amyl-N-n-butylamino)fluoran, 2-benzylamino-6-(N-ethyl-p-toluidino)fluoran, 2-benzylamino-6-(N-methyl-2,4-dimethylanilino)fluoran, 2-benzylamino-6-(N-ethyl-2,4-dimethylanilino)fluoran, 2-benzylamino-6-(N-methyl-p-toluidino)fluoran, 2-benzylamino-6-(N-ethyl-p-toluidino)fluoran, 2-(di-p-methylbenzylamino)-6-(N-ethyl-p-toluidino)fluoran, 2-(α-phenylethylamino)-6-(N-ethyl-p-toluidino)fluoran, 2-methylamino-6-(N-methylanilino)fluoran, 2-methylamino-6-(N-ethylanilino)fluoran, 2-methylamino-6-(N-propylanilino)fluoran , 2-ethylamino-6-(N-methyl-p-toluidino)fluoran, 2-methylamino-6-(N-methyl-2,4-dimethylanilino)fluoran, 2-ethylamino-6-(N-ethyl-2,4-dimethylanilino)fluoran, 2-dimethylamino-6-(N-methylanilino)fluoran, 2-dimethylamino-6-(N-ethylanilino)fluoran, 2-diethylamino-6-(N-methyl-p-toluidino)fluoran, 2-diethylamino-6-(N-ethyl-p-toluidino)fluoran, 2-dipropylamino-6-(N-methyl p-toluidino)fluoran, 2-dipropylamino-6-(N-ethylanilino)fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-methylanilino)fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-ethylanilino)fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-propylanilino)fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-methyl-p-toluidino)fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-ethyl-p-toluidino)fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-propyl-p-toluidino)fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-methyl-p-ethylanilino)fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-ethylanilino)fluoran 2-amino-6-(N-propyl-p-ethylanilino)fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-methyl-2,4-dimethylanilino)fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-ethyl-2,4-dimethylanilino)fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-propyl-2,4-dimethylanilino)fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-methyl-p-chloroanilino)fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-ethyl-p-chloroanilino)fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-propyl-p-chloroanilino)fluoran, 1,Examples of suitable color formers include 2-benzo-6-(N-ethyl-N-isoamylamino)fluoran, 1,2-benzo-6-dibutylaminofluoran, 1,2-benzo-6-(N-methyl-N-cyclohexylamino)fluoran, and 1,2-benzo-6-(N-ethyl-N-toluidino)fluoran. Each of the recording layers 13, 15, and 17 may contain one of the above color formers alone or two or more of them.

[0035] The color developer is used to, for example, cause a colorless color former to develop a color or cause a color former to lose a color. Examples of the color developer include phenol derivatives, salicylic acid derivatives, and urea derivatives. Specifically, the color developer may contain, for example, a compound represented by Chemical Formula 2 below.

[0036] In formula (2), X 0 is a divalent group containing at least one benzene ring. 0 When Y contains at least two benzene rings, at least two benzene rings may be condensed. 01 , Y 02 are each independently a monovalent group. n01 and n02 are each independently an integer of 0 to 5. When n01 is an integer of 2 to 5, Y 01 may be the same or different. When n02 is an integer of 2 to 5, Y 02 may be the same or different. 01 , Z 02 are each independently a hydrogen-bonding group.

[0037] X 0 contains at least one benzene ring, 0 Since the melting point can be made higher than when X is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group (for example, a normal alkyl chain), the color retention properties during storage at high temperature and high humidity (hereinafter referred to as "high temperature and high humidity storage properties") can be improved. 0Preferably, the compound has at least two benzene rings. The high-temperature, high-humidity storage characteristics are, for example, storage characteristics under an environment of 80°C and 60% RH. Improved heat resistance improves the resistance of the recording medium 20 to harsh processes (for example, heat pressing or integral molding using molten resin, etc.). 0 When contains at least two benzene rings, the at least two benzene rings may be condensed, for example, naphthalene or anthracene.

[0038] Z 01 , Z 02 are each independently a hydrogen-bonding group, the color developers tend to exist in a state of being aggregated together to some extent via hydrogen bonds, thereby improving the stability of the color developers in the recording layers 13, 15, and 17. In this specification, the hydrogen-bonding group means a functional group containing an atom that can form a hydrogen bond with another functional group or an atom present in another compound, etc.

[0039] The developer may contain a compound represented by the following formula (3).

[0040] In formula (3), X 1 is a divalent group containing at least one benzene ring. 11 , Y 12 , Y 13 , Y 14 are each independently a monovalent group. 11 , Z 12 are each independently a hydrogen-bonding group.

[0041] X 1 contains at least one benzene ring, 1 In comparison with the case where X is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group (for example, a normal alkyl chain), the melting point can be made higher, and therefore the high-temperature, high-humidity storage properties can be improved. 1 Preferably, X contains at least two benzene rings. 1 When contains at least two benzene rings, the at least two benzene rings may be condensed, for example, naphthalene or anthracene.

[0042] Z 11 , Z 12 are each independently a hydrogen-bonding group, the color developers tend to exist in a state of being solidified to some extent via hydrogen bonds, and the stability of the color developers in the recording layers 13, 15, and 17 is improved.

[0043] When formula (2) and formula (3) contain a hydrocarbon group, the hydrocarbon group is a general term for a group composed of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H), and may be a saturated hydrocarbon group or an unsaturated hydrocarbon group. A saturated hydrocarbon group is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group that does not have a carbon-carbon multiple bond, and an unsaturated hydrocarbon group is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group that has a carbon-carbon multiple bond (a carbon-carbon double bond or a carbon-carbon triple bond).

[0044] When formula (2) and formula (3) contain a hydrocarbon group, the hydrocarbon group may be a chain or may contain one or more rings. The chain may be a straight chain or a branched chain having one or more side chains.

[0045] (X containing one benzene ring 0 , X １ ) X in formula (2) 0 and X in formula (3) 1 is, for example, a divalent group containing one benzene ring. The divalent group is, for example, represented by the following formula (4):

[0046] In formula (4), X 21 It doesn't matter if it's there or not, X 21 If there is X 21 is a divalent group. 22 It doesn't matter if it's there or not, X 22 If there is X 22 is a divalent group. 21 is a monovalent group. n21 is an integer of 0 to 4. When n21 is an integer of 2 to 4, R 21 may be the same or different. * indicates a bond.

[0047] In formula (4), X to the benzene ring 21and X 22 The bonding position of X to the benzene ring is not limited. 21 and X 22 The bonding position may be any of the ortho, meta and para positions.

[0048] The divalent group containing one benzene ring is preferably represented by the following formula (5) from the viewpoint of improving high-temperature, high-humidity storage properties.

[0049] In formula (5), R 22 is a monovalent group. n22 is an integer of 0 to 4. When n22 is an integer of 2 to 4, R 22 may be the same or different. * indicates a bond.

[0050] X in formula (2) 0 is a divalent group containing one benzene ring, in formula (5), Z 01 and Z 02 The bonding position of Z to the benzene ring is not limited. 01 and Z 02 The bonding position may be any of the ortho, meta and para positions.

[0051] X in formula (3) 1 is a divalent group containing one benzene ring, in formula (5), Z 11 and Z 12 The bonding position of Z to the benzene ring is not limited. 11 and Z 12 The bonding position may be any of the ortho, meta and para positions.

[0052] (X 21 , X 22 ) X in formula (4) 21 , X 22are each independently a divalent group and are not particularly limited, but an example is a hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent. The hydrocarbon group is preferably chain-like. When the hydrocarbon group is chain-like, the melting point of the color developer can be lowered, so that the color developer melts upon irradiation with laser light, making it easier for the color former to develop color. From the viewpoint of lowering the melting point of the color developer, a normal alkyl chain is particularly preferred among chain-like hydrocarbon groups.

[0053] The hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent has, for example, 1 to 15 carbon atoms, 1 to 13 carbon atoms, 1 to 12 carbon atoms, 1 to 10 carbon atoms, 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

[0054] X in formula (4) 21 , X 22 When is a normal alkyl group, the number of carbon atoms in the normal alkyl group is preferably 8 or less, more preferably 6 or less, even more preferably 5 or less, and particularly preferably 3 or less, from the viewpoint of high-temperature storage stability. When the normal alkyl group has 8 or less carbon atoms, the normal alkyl group is short in length, so that thermal disturbance is unlikely to occur in the color developer during high-temperature storage, and it is thought that the site that interacted with the color former such as a leuco dye during color development is unlikely to be dissociated. Therefore, the color former such as a leuco dye is unlikely to fade during high-temperature storage, improving high-temperature storage stability.

[0055] Examples of the substituent that the hydrocarbon group may have include a halogen group (e.g., a fluorine group) or an alkyl group having a halogen group (e.g., a fluorine group), etc. The hydrocarbon group that may have a substituent may be one in which some of the carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon group (e.g., some of the carbon atoms in the main chain of the hydrocarbon group) have been substituted with an element such as oxygen.

[0056] (R 21 ) R in formula (4) 21 is a monovalent group and is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include a halogen group or an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group. Examples of the halogen group include a fluorine group (-F), a chlorine group (-Cl), a bromine group (-Br), and an iodine group (-I).

[0057] The number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon group, which may have a substituent, is, for example, 1 to 15, 1 to 13, 1 to 12, 1 to 10, 1 to 6, or 1 to 3. Examples of the substituent that the hydrocarbon group may have include a halogen group (e.g., a fluorine group) or an alkyl group having a halogen group (e.g., a fluorine group). The hydrocarbon group, which may have a substituent, may be one in which some of the carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon group (e.g., some of the carbon atoms contained in the main chain of the hydrocarbon group) have been substituted with an element such as oxygen.

[0058] (R 22 ) R in formula (5) 22 is not particularly limited as long as it is a monovalent group, but examples thereof include a halogen group and a hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent. The halogen group and the hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent are respectively represented by R 21 is the same as:

[0059] (X containing two benzene rings 0 , X 1 ) X in formula (2) 0 and X in formula (3) 1 is, for example, a divalent group containing two benzene rings. The divalent group is, for example, represented by the following formula (6):

[0060] In formula (6), X 31 It doesn't matter if it's there or not, X 31 If there is X 31 is a divalent group. 32 It doesn't matter if it's there or not, X 32 If there is X 32 is a divalent group. 33 It doesn't matter if it's there or not, X 33 If there is X 33 is a divalent group. 31 , R 32 are each independently a monovalent group. n31 and n32 are each independently an integer of 0 to 4. When n31 is an integer of 2 to 4, R 31 may be the same or different. When n32 is an integer of 2 to 4, R32 may be the same or different. * indicates a bond.

[0061] In formula (6), X to the benzene ring 31 and X 32 The bonding position of X to the benzene ring is not limited. 31 and X 32 The bonding position of X to the benzene ring in formula (6) may be any of the ortho, meta and para positions. 32 and X 33 The bonding position of X to the benzene ring is not limited. 32 and X 33 The bonding position may be any of the ortho, meta and para positions.

[0062] The divalent group containing two benzene rings is preferably represented by the following formula (7) from the viewpoint of improving high-temperature, high-humidity storage properties.

[0063] In formula (7), X 34 is a divalent group. 33 , R 34 are each independently a monovalent group. n33 and n34 are each independently an integer of 0 to 4. When n33 is an integer of 2 to 4, R 33 may be the same or different. When n34 is an integer of 2 to 4, R 34 may be the same or different. * indicates a bond.

[0064] X in formula (2) 0 is a divalent group containing two benzene rings, Z 01 and X 34 The bonding position of Z to the benzene ring is not limited. 01 and X 34 The bonding position of may be any of the ortho, meta and para positions. 02 and X 34The bonding position of Z to the benzene ring is not limited. 02 and X 34 The bonding position may be any of the ortho, meta and para positions.

[0065] X in formula (3) 1 is a divalent group containing two benzene rings, Z 11 and X 34 The bonding position of Z to the benzene ring is not limited. 11 and X 34 The bonding position of may be any of the ortho, meta and para positions. 12 and X 34 The bonding position of Z to the benzene ring is not limited. 12 and X 34 The bonding position may be any of the ortho, meta and para positions.

[0066] (X 31 , X 32 , X 33 ) X in formula (6) 31 , X 32 , X 33 are each independently a divalent group, and are not particularly limited, but an example thereof is a hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent. 21 , X 22 is the same as:

[0067] (X 34 ) X in formula (7) 34 is not particularly limited as long as it is a divalent group, but an example thereof is a hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent. The hydrocarbon group is the X in the above formula (4). 21 , X 22 is the same as:

[0068] (R 31 , R 32 ) R in formula (6) 31 , R 32is not particularly limited as long as it is a monovalent group, but examples thereof include a halogen group and a hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent. The halogen group and the hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent are each represented by R in the above formula (4). 21 is the same as:

[0069] (R 33 , R 34 ) R in formula (7) 33 , R 34 is not particularly limited as long as it is a monovalent group, but examples thereof include a halogen group and a hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent. The halogen group and the hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent are each represented by R in the above formula (4). 21 is the same as:

[0070] (Y 01 , Y 02 ) Y in formula (2) 01 , Y 02 are each independently, for example, a hydrogen group (-H), a hydroxy group (-OH), a halogen group (-X), a carboxy group (-COOH), an ester group (-COOR), or a hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent. Examples of halogen groups include a fluorine group (-F), a chlorine group (-Cl), a bromine group (-Br), or an iodine group (-I).

[0071] The number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon group, which may have a substituent, is, for example, 1 to 15, 1 to 13, 1 to 12, 1 to 10, 1 to 6, or 1 to 3. Examples of the substituent that the hydrocarbon group may have include a halogen group (e.g., a fluorine group) or an alkyl group having a halogen group (e.g., a fluorine group). The hydrocarbon group, which may have a substituent, may be one in which some of the carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon group (e.g., some of the carbon atoms contained in the main chain of the hydrocarbon group) have been substituted with an element such as oxygen.

[0072] In formula (2), (Y 01 ) n01 and / or (Y 02 ) n02 It is preferred that one of the groups Y is a hydroxy group (—OH). 01 ) n01and / or (Y 02 ) n02 When one of the groups is a hydroxy group (—OH), the display quality and light resistance can be improved.

[0073] (Y 11 , Y 12 , Y 13 , Y 14 In formula (3), Y relative to the benzene ring 11 and Y 12 The bonding position of Y to the benzene ring is not limited. 11 and Y 12 The bonding position of Y may be any of the ortho, meta and para positions. 13 and Y 14 The bonding position of Y to the benzene ring is not limited. 13 and Y 14 The bonding position of Y to one benzene may be any of the ortho, meta and para positions. 11 and Y 12 and the bonding position of Y to the other benzene 13 and Y 14 may be the same as or different from the binding position of

[0074] Y in formula (3) 11 , Y 12 , Y 13 , Y 14 are each independently, for example, a hydrogen group (-H), a hydroxy group (-OH), a halogen group, a carboxy group (-COOH), an ester group (-COOR), or a hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent. The halogen group and the hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent are each represented by Y 01 , Y 02 is the same as:

[0075] In formula (3), Y 11 and / or Y 13 is preferably a hydroxy group (—OH). 11 and / or Y 13When the group is a hydroxy group (—OH), the display quality and light resistance can be improved.

[0076] (Z 01 , Z 02 ) Z in formula (2) 01 , Z 02 are each independently, for example, a urea bond (-NHCONH-), an amide bond (-NHCO-, -OCHN-) or a hydrazide bond (-NHCOCONH-). 01 , Z 02 is preferably a urea bond. 01 When Z is an amide bond, the nitrogen contained in the amide bond may be bonded to benzene, or the carbon contained in the amide bond may be bonded to benzene. 02 is an amide bond, the nitrogen contained in the amide bond may be bonded to benzene, or the carbon contained in the amide bond may be bonded to benzene.

[0077] (Z 11 , Z 12 ) Z in formula (3) 11 , Z 12 are each independently, for example, a urea bond (-NHCONH-), an amide bond (-NHCO-, -OCHN-) or a hydrazide bond (-NHCOCONH-). 11 , Z 12 is preferably a urea bond. 11 When Z is an amide bond, the nitrogen contained in the amide bond may be bonded to benzene, or the carbon contained in the amide bond may be bonded to benzene. 12 is an amide bond, the nitrogen contained in the amide bond may be bonded to benzene, or the carbon contained in the amide bond may be bonded to benzene.

[0078] (Specific Examples of Color Developers) Other examples of color developers include 4,4'-isopropylidenebisphenol, 4,4'-isopropylidenebis(o-methylphenol), 4,4'-secondary butylidenebisphenol, 4,4'-isopropylidenebis(2-tertiary butylphenol), zinc p-nitrobenzoate, 1,3,5-tris(4-tertiary butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)isocyanuric acid, 2,2-(3,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl)propane, bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)sulfide, 4-{β- (p-methoxyphenoxy)ethoxy}salicylic acid, 1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenylthio)-3,5-dioxaheptane, 1,5-bis(4-hydroxyphenithio)-5-oxapentane, phthalic acid monobenzyl ester monocalcium salt, 4,4'-cyclohexylidene diphenol, 4,4'-isopropylidenebis(2-chlorophenol), 2,2'-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 4,4'-butylidenebis(6-tert-butyl-2-methyl)phenol, 1,1,3-tris( 2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-tert-butylphenyl)butane, 1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-cyclohexylphenyl)butane, 4,4'-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-2-methyl)phenol, 4,4'-diphenol sulfone, 4-isopropoxy-4'-hydroxydiphenyl sulfone (4-hydroxy-4'-isopropoxydiphenyl sulfone), 4-benzyloxy-4'-hydroxydiphenyl sulfone, 4,4'-diphenol sulfoxide, isopropyl p-hydroxybenzoate , benzyl p-hydroxybenzoate, benzyl protocatechuate, stearyl gallate, lauryl gallate, octyl gallate, 1,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenylthio)-propane, N,N'-diphenylthiourea, N,N'-di(m-chlorophenyl)thiourea, salicylanilide, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetic acid methyl ester, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetic acid benzyl ester, 1,3-bis(4-hydroxycumyl)benzene, 1,4-bis(4-hydroxycumyl)benzene, 2,4'-diphenol sulfone, 2,2'-Diallyl-4,4'-diphenol sulfone, 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-4'-methyldiphenyl sulfone, zinc 1-acetyloxy-2-naphthoate, zinc 2-acetyloxy-1-naphthoate, zinc 2-acetyloxy-3-naphthoate, α,α-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-α-methyltoluene, antipyrine complex of zinc thiocyanate, tetrabromobisphenol A, tetrabromobisphenol S, 4,4'-thiobis(2-methylphenol), 4,4'-thiobis(2-chlorophenol), dodecylphosphonic acid, tetradecylphosphonic acid, hexadecylphosphonic acid, octadecylphosphonic acid, eicosylphosphonic acid, docosylphosphonic acid, tetracosylphosphonic acid, hexacosylphosphonic acid, octacosylphosphonic acid, α-hydroxydodeca Examples of the developer include silphosphonic acid, α-hydroxytetradecylphosphonic acid, α-hydroxyhexadecylphosphonic acid, α-hydroxyoctadecylphosphonic acid, α-hydroxyeicosylphosphonic acid, α-hydroxydocosylphosphonic acid, α-hydroxytetracosylphosphonic acid, dihexadecylphosphate, dioctadecylphosphate, dieicosylphosphate, didocosylphosphate, monohexadecylphosphate, monooctadecylphosphate, monoeicosylphosphate, monodocosylphosphate, methylhexadecylphosphate, methyloctadecylphosphate, methyleicosylphosphate, methyldocosylphosphate, amylhexadecylphosphate, octylhexadecylphosphate, and laurylhexadecylphosphate. The recording layers 13, 15, and 17 may contain the above compounds as the developer either singly or in combination of two or more. ,

[0079] The photothermal conversion agent absorbs, for example, light in a predetermined wavelength range in the near-infrared region and generates heat. As the photothermal conversion agent, it is preferable to use a near-infrared absorbing dye that has an absorption peak in the wavelength range of 700 nm to 2500 nm and has almost no absorption in the visible region. Specific examples include compounds having a phthalocyanine skeleton (phthalocyanine dyes), compounds having a naphthalocyanine skeleton (naphthalocyanine dyes), compounds having a squarylium skeleton (squaryllium dyes), metal complexes such as dithio complexes, diimonium salts, aminium salts, and inorganic compounds. Examples of inorganic compounds include graphite, carbon black, metal powder particles, metal oxides such as tricobalt tetroxide, iron oxide, chromium oxide, copper oxide, titanium black, and ITO, metal nitrides such as niobium nitride, metal carbides such as tantalum carbide, metal sulfides, and various magnetic powders. In addition, compounds having a cyanine skeleton (cyanine dyes) with excellent light resistance and heat resistance may also be used.

[0080] It is preferable to select a photothermal conversion agent that has a narrow light absorption band, for example, in the wavelength range of 700 nm to 2000 nm, and whose light absorption bands do not overlap with each other in the recording layers 13, 15, and 17. This makes it possible to selectively color a desired layer among the recording layers 13, 15, and 17.

[0081] The term "excellent light resistance" means that the compound does not decompose upon laser irradiation. The term "excellent heat resistance" means that the maximum absorption peak value of the absorption spectrum does not change by 20% or more when the compound is formed into a film together with a matrix resin (polymer material) and stored at 150°C for 30 minutes. Compounds having such a cyanine skeleton include those containing SbF ６ , P.F. ６ , BF ４ , ClO ４ , C.F. ３ SO ３ and (CF ６ SO ３ ) ２ and at least one of a counter ion of any of N and a methine chain containing a five-membered ring or a six-membered ring.

[0082] It is preferable that the cyanine dye has both one of the above counter ions and a cyclic structure such as a five-membered ring or a six-membered ring in the methine chain, but sufficient light resistance and heat resistance are ensured if it has at least one of them. Materials with excellent light resistance and heat resistance do not decompose upon laser irradiation, as described above. Light resistance can be confirmed, for example, by measuring the peak change in the absorption spectrum during a xenon lamp irradiation test. If the rate of change after 30 minutes of irradiation is 20% or less, the light resistance can be determined to be good. Heat resistance can be confirmed, for example, by measuring the peak change in the absorption spectrum during storage at 150°C. If the rate of change after 30 minutes of testing is 20% or less, the heat resistance can be determined to be good.

[0083] The matrix resin (polymer material) is preferably one that allows the color former, color developer, and photothermal conversion agent to be uniformly dispersed. Furthermore, the matrix resin (polymer material) preferably has high transparency to ensure high visibility of information written to the recording layers 13, 15, and 17, and is preferably one that is highly soluble in organic solvents, for example. Examples of the matrix resin (polymer material) include at least one selected from the group consisting of thermosetting resins and thermoplastic resins. Specific examples include at least one selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride resins, polyvinyl acetate resins, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resins, ethyl cellulose resins, polystyrene resins, styrene copolymer resins, phenoxy resin resins, polyester resins, aromatic polyester resins, polyurethane resins, polycarbonate resins, polyacrylic acid ester resins, polymethacrylic acid ester resins, acrylic acid copolymer resins, maleic acid polymer resins, polyvinyl alcohol resins, modified polyvinyl alcohol resins, hydroxyethyl cellulose resins, carboxymethyl cellulose resins, and starch.

[0084] The matrix polymer preferably contains a polycarbonate-based resin. By containing a polycarbonate-based resin in the matrix polymer, the light resistance of the background of the leuco recording medium RM can be improved. Here, the polycarbonate-based resin is a resin having at least a carbonate group (—O—(C═O)—O—) as a structural unit in the main chain. Therefore, the main chain may contain other structural units in addition to the carbonate group.

[0085] The underlayer 12 is provided between the substrate 11 and the recording layer 13. The intermediate layer 14 is provided between the recording layer 13 and the recording layer 15. The intermediate layer 16 is provided between the recording layer 15 and the recording layer 17. The underlayer 12 and the intermediate layers 14 and 16 may be able to insulate the layers and suppress diffusion of the constituent materials.

[0086] The underlayer 12 and the intermediate layers 14, 16 include, for example, a typical light-transmitting polymer material. Specific examples of the material include at least one selected from the group consisting of acrylic resins, polyvinyl chloride resins, polyvinyl acetate resins, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resins, ethyl cellulose resins, polystyrene resins, styrene copolymer resins, phenoxy resin resins, polyester resins, aromatic polyester resins, polyurethane resins, polycarbonate resins, polyacrylic ester resins, polymethacrylic ester resins, acrylic acid copolymer resins, maleic acid polymer resins, polyvinyl alcohol resins, modified polyvinyl alcohol resins, hydroxyethyl cellulose resins, carboxymethyl cellulose resins, and starch. The underlayer 12 and the intermediate layers 14, 16 may also include various additives, such as ultraviolet absorbers.

[0087] The underlayer 12 and the intermediate layers 14 and 16 may be ultraviolet-curable resin layers. The ultraviolet-curable resin layer includes an ultraviolet-curable resin composition that has undergone a polymerization reaction and solidified. More specifically, for example, the ultraviolet-curable resin layer includes a polymer of a polymerizable compound and a polymer that has undergone a structural change due to the generation of active species by a polymerization initiator upon irradiation with external energy (ultraviolet rays). The ultraviolet-curable resin composition includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of radical polymerization-type ultraviolet-curable resin compositions and cationic polymerization-type ultraviolet-curable resin compositions. The ultraviolet-curable resin composition may optionally include at least one selected from the group consisting of a sensitizer, a filler, a stabilizer, a leveling agent, an antifoaming agent, a viscosity adjuster, and the like. The ultraviolet-curable resin composition may be an ultraviolet-curable resin composition for hard coating. The ultraviolet-curable resin composition may also be an acrylic ultraviolet-curable resin composition.

[0088] The base layer 12 and the intermediate layers 14, 16 may contain a translucent inorganic material. For example, porous silica, alumina, titania, carbon, or a composite of these materials is preferable because it has low thermal conductivity and high heat insulating properties. The base layer 12 and the intermediate layers 14, 16 can be formed by, for example, a sol-gel method.

[0089] By adjusting the thickness of the intermediate layers 14, 16, the thickness of the leuco recording medium RM can be made equal to the depth of the recesses formed in the medium M, thereby suppressing the occurrence of physical steps on the surface of the medium M. The thickness of the intermediate layers 14, 16 is preferably 3 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and more preferably 5 μm or more and 50 μm or less. When the thickness of the intermediate layers 14, 1 is 3 μm or more, a sufficient heat insulating effect can be obtained. On the other hand, when the thickness of the intermediate layers 14, 1 is 100 μm or less, a decrease in light transmittance can be suppressed. Furthermore, a decrease in the bending resistance of the leuco recording medium RM can be suppressed, making it less likely for defects such as cracks to occur.

[0090] The pencil hardness of the surfaces of the underlayer 12 and the intermediate layers 14, 16 is preferably 2B or higher, more preferably H or higher. When the pencil hardness of the surfaces of the underlayer 12 and the intermediate layers 14, 16 is 2B or higher, the underlayer 12 and the intermediate layers 14, 16 are highly dense, and diffusion of substances through the underlayer 12 and the intermediate layers 14, 16 can be further suppressed. For example, when the pencil hardness of the surfaces of the underlayer 12 and the intermediate layers 14, 16 is 2B or higher, diffusion of the color former through the underlayer 12 and the intermediate layers 14, 16 can be further suppressed. Therefore, hue changes in the recording layers 13, 15, 17 during long-term storage, etc. can be further suppressed. As the underlayer 12 and the intermediate layers 14, 16 having the above-mentioned pencil hardness, ultraviolet-curable resin layers are preferred.

[0091] The pencil hardness of the surface of the intermediate layer 14 is measured as follows. First, the leuco recording medium RM is decomposed to expose the surface of the intermediate layer 14. Next, the pencil hardness of the surface of the intermediate layer 14 is measured in accordance with JIS K5600-5-4. This measurement is performed in a standard atmosphere of a temperature of 23±1°C and a relative humidity of 50±5%. The pencil hardness of the surface of the intermediate layer 14 is measured in the same manner as the pencil hardness of the surface of the base layer 12.

[0092] The protective layer 18 is intended to protect the surface of the leuco recording medium RM and is formed using, for example, at least one of an ultraviolet-curable resin and a thermosetting resin. The protective layer 18 may be a hard coat layer. To impart physical resistance, the protective layer 18 may be made of a matrix polymer or a plastic film similar to that of the substrate 11. To combine protective functions, multiple protective layers may be bonded together using, for example, an adhesive. The thickness of the protective layer 18 is, for example, 0.1 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0093] In the leuco recording medium RM, an adhesive layer may be provided between the substrate 11 and the underlayer 12, between the underlayer 12 and the recording layer 13, between the recording layer 13 and the intermediate layer 14, between the intermediate layer 14 and the recording layer 15, between the recording layer 15 and the intermediate layer 16, and between the intermediate layer 16 and the recording layer 17. The adhesive layer contains an adhesive. The adhesive contains, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of an acrylic resin, a silicone resin, a urethane resin, an epoxy resin, and an elastomer material.

[0094] (Drawing System 1) Next, the drawing system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0095] 1, the drawing system 1 includes a drawing device 100 and a server device 200. The drawing device 100 and the server device 200 are connected to a communication network 300 and are capable of communicating with each other via the communication network 300. The communication network 300 includes, for example, the Internet, a cloud network, or a network specific to a business operator.

[0096] (Rendering Device 100) The rendering device 100 includes, for example, a communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a display unit 130, a storage unit 140, an information processing unit 150, and a rendering unit 160, as shown in FIG.

[0097] The communication unit 110 communicates with the server device 200. For example, the communication unit 110 receives various data input to the input unit 120 (input image data I １ , a media ID, a device ID, and temperature data obtained from a thermometer 67 (to be described later) can be transmitted to the server device 200. １ is data in which the gradation value of each pixel is described in a device-dependent color space. １In the above, the gradation value of each pixel is composed of, for example, an 8-bit red gradation, an 8-bit green gradation, and an 8-bit blue gradation. The media ID is an identifier of the medium M. The device ID is an identifier of the drawing device 100. The communication unit 110 acquires a voltage value file 42 (described below) from the server device 200 in response to the transmission of various data. The communication unit 110 outputs the voltage value file 42 acquired from the server device 200 to the information processing unit 150. The communication unit 110 may acquire, for example, the device lot number of the drawing device 100, environmental factor data at the time of drawing (e.g., temperature), and the lot number of the medium M from the server device 200. At this time, the communication unit 110 outputs the data acquired from the server device 200 to the information processing unit 150.

[0098] The input unit 120 receives inputs (e.g., execution instructions, data inputs, etc.) from a user. １ When the input interface for the media ID, the device ID, and the temperature data is displayed, it is possible to input information in response to an input request from the displayed interface. The input unit 120 receives information input by the user (for example, input image data I １ , media ID, device ID, and temperature data) to the information processing unit 150. The display unit 130 is capable of displaying a screen based on various screen data created by the information processing unit 150. The display unit 130 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel.

[0099] The storage unit 140 includes, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) that stores various programs executed by the microcomputer, and a random access memory (RAM) that stores various parameters, calculation results, sensor values, etc. The storage unit 140 may also be implemented by a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, or a magneto-optical storage device. The storage unit 140 stores, for example, a drawing program 43. The storage unit 140 stores, for example, external factor data 41 and a voltage value file 42. The external factor data 41 includes, for example, at least one external factor (e.g., the temperature data) selected from the group consisting of a media ID, a device ID, and the temperature data. Here, the external factor refers to a factor that may affect color reproducibility. The media ID is information regarding individual differences between leuco recording media RM. The device ID is information regarding individual differences between the drawing unit 160. The external factor data 41 is, for example, data input by a user via the input unit 120. The voltage value file 42 is data obtained from the server device 200. The drawing program 43 is a program in which a series of procedures for laser drawing in the drawing unit 160 are written.

[0100] The voltage value file 42 contains leuco image data I described in the leuco color space. ３ (described later) and a conversion table 22 (described later). ３ The gradation value of each pixel (L Ｍｉ , L Ｃｉ , L Ｙｉ ) (i is the pixel address) Ｍｉ , D Ｃｉ , D Ｙｉ ) in the voltage value file 42. That is, the voltage value file 42 is a list of a plurality of command voltage values ​​(D Ｍｉ , D Ｃｉ , D Ｙｉ ) Leuco image data I ３ is the input image data I described in a device-dependent color space. １ is generated based on

[0101] The information processing unit 150 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and is capable of executing a program (for example, a drawing program 43) stored in the storage unit 140. For example, the information processing unit 150 is capable of executing a series of procedures for laser drawing in the drawing unit 160 by loading the drawing program 43. The information processing unit 150 receives, for example, various data (for example, input image data I) obtained via the input unit 120. １ , media ID, device ID, and temperature data) to the server device 200 via the communication unit 110. The information processing unit 150 outputs the voltage value file 42 acquired via the communication unit 110 to the drawing unit 160, for example.

[0102] Next, an example of a schematic configuration of the drawing unit 160 is shown. The drawing unit 160 reads the voltage value file 42 (command voltage value (D Ｍｉ , D Ｃｉ , D Ｙｉ 5, the drawing unit 160 includes a signal processing circuit 61, a laser driving circuit 62, a light source unit 63, an adjustment mechanism 64, a scanner driving circuit 65, a scanner unit 66, and a thermometer 67. The drawing unit 160 performs laser drawing on the leuco recording medium RM based on the voltage value file 42 (command voltage value (D Ｍｉ , D Ｃｉ , D Ｙｉ )) the output of the light source unit 63 is controlled based on the list of the light sources 63, thereby performing drawing on the leuco recording medium RM.

[0103] The signal processing circuit 61 receives the voltage value file 42 (command voltage value (D Ｍｉ , D Ｃｉ , D Ｙｉ) list) as an image signal Din. The signal processing circuit 61 generates, for example, a pixel signal Dout corresponding to the scanner operation of the scanner unit 66 from the image signal Din. The pixel signal Dout is used to generate a command voltage value (D Ｍｉ , D Ｃｉ , D Ｙｉ The signal processing circuit 61, together with the laser drive circuit 62, controls the peak value of the current pulse applied to the light source unit 63 (for example, each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C) in accordance with the pixel signal Dout.

[0104] The laser drive circuit 62 drives the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C of the light source unit 63, for example, in accordance with the pixel signal Dout. The laser drive circuit 62 controls the brightness (brightness) of the laser light to draw an image corresponding to the pixel signal Dout. The laser drive circuit 62 includes, for example, a drive circuit 62A that drives the light source 63A, a drive circuit 62B that drives the light source 63B, and a drive circuit 62C that drives the light source 63C. The light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C are driven by a command voltage value (D Ｍｉ , D Ｃｉ , D Ｙｉ ) to the leuco recording medium RM, thereby performing drawing on the leuco recording medium RM. The light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C emit laser light in the near-infrared region. The light source 63A is, for example, a semiconductor laser that emits laser light La with an emission wavelength λ1. The light source 63B is, for example, a semiconductor laser that emits laser light Lb with an emission wavelength λ2. The light source 63C is, for example, a semiconductor laser that emits laser light Lc with an emission wavelength λ3. The emission wavelengths λ1, λ2, and λ3 satisfy, for example, the following formulas (1), (2), and (3).

[0105] λa1-20nm<λ1<λa1+20nm…(1) λa2-20nm<λ2<λa2+20nm…(2) λa3-20nm<λ3<λa3+20nm…(3)

[0106] Here, λa1 is, for example, the absorption wavelength (peak absorption wavelength) of the recording layer 13, and is, for example, 915 nm. λa2 is, for example, the absorption wavelength (peak absorption wavelength) of the recording layer 15, and is, for example, 860 nm. λa3 is, for example, the absorption wavelength (peak absorption wavelength) of the recording layer 17, and is, for example, 760 nm. Note that "±20 nm" in formulas (1), (2), and (3) indicates an allowable error range. When the emission wavelengths λ1, λ2, and λ3 satisfy formulas (1), (2), and (3), the emission wavelength λ1 is, for example, 915 nm, the emission wavelength λ2 is, for example, 860 nm, and the emission wavelength λ3 is, for example, 760 nm.

[0107] The light source unit 63 has a plurality of light sources with different emission wavelengths in the near-infrared region. The light source unit 63 has, for example, three light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C. The light source unit 63 further has, for example, an optical system that combines laser beams emitted from the plurality of light sources (for example, the three light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C). As such an optical system, the light source unit 63 has, for example, two reflecting mirrors 63a and 63d, two dichroic mirrors 63b and 63c, and a lens 63e.

[0108] The laser beams La and Lb emitted from the two light sources 63A and 63B are converted into substantially parallel beams (collimated beams) by, for example, a collimating lens. Thereafter, for example, the laser beam La is reflected by the reflecting mirror 63a and also by the dichroic mirror 63b, and the laser beam Lb passes through the dichroic mirror 63b, whereby the laser beam La and the laser beam La are combined. The combined beam of the laser beam La and the laser beam La passes through the dichroic mirror 63c.

[0109] The laser light Lc emitted from the light source 63C is converted into a substantially parallel beam (collimated beam) by, for example, a collimating lens. The laser light Lc is then reflected by, for example, a reflecting mirror 63d and a dichroic mirror 63c. As a result, the combined beam transmitted through the dichroic mirror 63c and the laser light Lc reflected by the dichroic mirror 63c are combined. The light source unit 63 outputs, for example, combined beam Lm obtained by combining by the optical system to the scanner unit 66.

[0110] The adjustment mechanism 64 is a mechanism for adjusting the focus of the combined light Lm emitted from the light source unit 63. The adjustment mechanism 64 is, for example, a mechanism for adjusting the position of the lens 63e by manual operation by a user. Note that the adjustment mechanism 64 may also be a mechanism for adjusting the position of the lens 63e by mechanical operation.

[0111] The scanner drive circuit 65 drives the scanner unit 66 in synchronization with, for example, a projection video clock signal input from the signal processing circuit 61. Furthermore, when a signal regarding the irradiation angle of a biaxial scanner 66A (described later) or the like is input from the scanner unit 66, the scanner drive circuit 65 drives the scanner unit 66 based on the signal so as to achieve a desired irradiation angle.

[0112] The scanner unit 66, for example, raster-scans the combined light Lm incident from the light source unit 63 on the surface of the leuco recording medium RM. The scanner unit 66 includes, for example, a biaxial scanner 66A and an fθ lens 66B. The biaxial scanner 66A is, for example, a galvanometer mirror. The fθ lens 66B converts the uniform rotational motion of the biaxial scanner 66A into uniform linear motion of a spot moving on the focal plane (the surface of the leuco recording medium RM). The scanner unit 66 may also be composed of a uniaxial scanner and an fθ lens. In this case, it is preferable to provide a uniaxial stage that displaces the leuco recording medium RM in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction of the uniaxial scanner.

[0113] The thermometer 67 measures the temperature around the leuco recording medium RM (ambient temperature of the leuco recording medium RM). When the leuco recording medium RM is placed in a closed space (closed space), the thermometer 67 measures the temperature of the closed space. When the leuco recording medium RM is placed in an open space (open space), the thermometer 67 measures the temperature near the leuco recording medium RM in the open space. The thermometer 67 displays the temperature data obtained by the measurement. Note that when the thermometer 67 measures the temperature around the leuco recording medium RM in an open space, the drawing unit 160 may be placed far away from the user. In this case, the module including the input unit 120 and the display unit 130 may be configured to be able to communicate with the information processing unit 150 via some kind of communication network. Furthermore, the module including the communication unit 110, the input unit 120, the display unit 130, the memory unit 140, and the information processing unit 150 may be configured to be able to communicate with the drawing unit 160 via some kind of communication network.

[0114] (Server Device 200) The server device 200 includes, for example, a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and an information processing unit 230, as shown in FIG.

[0115] The communication unit 210 communicates with the drawing device 100. For example, the communication unit 210 receives input image data I １ and acquires external factor data 41 (e.g., media ID, device ID, and temperature data). The storage unit 220 includes, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) that stores various programs executed by the microcomputer, and a random access memory (RAM) that stores various parameters, calculation results, sensor values, etc. The storage unit 220 may be configured, for example, by a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, a magneto-optical storage device, or the like.

[0116] The storage unit 220 stores, for example, an external factor list 21, multiple conversion tables 22, a conversion profile 23, multiple conversion profiles 24, and a generation program 25. The external factor list 21 is a list in which multiple external factors are described. The external factor list 21 includes data on media, rendering devices, and temperatures as external factors. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , the external factor list 21 includes three external factors: media lot data (Ma, Mb, ..., Mz), rendering device serial data (Aa, Ab, ..., Az), and temperature data (Ta, Tb, ..., Tz).

[0117] Each conversion table 22 is a gradation value (L Ｍ , L Ｃ , L Ｙ ) and the gradation value (L Ｍ , L Ｃ , L Ｙ ) corresponding to each command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) and the gradation value L Ｍ is, for example, 0, 1, ..., 244, 255. Ｃ is, for example, 0, 1, ..., 244, 255. Ｙ is, for example, 0, 1, ..., 244, 255. Ｍ For example, V Ｍ 0, V Ｍ 1, ..., V Ｍ 244,V Ｍ The command voltage value D is 255. Ｃ For example, V Ｃ 0, V Ｃ 1, ..., V Ｃ 244,V Ｃ The command voltage value D is 255. Ｙ For example, V Ｙ 0, V Ｙ 1, ..., V Ｙ 244,V Ｙ The number is 255.

[0118] Each conversion table 22 further includes a command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ, D Ｙ ) is used to perform gradation drawing for each of M, C, and Y on the leuco recording medium RM, and the measured value of the color information of the gradation value for each drawing coordinate (B Ｍ , B Ｃ , B Ｙ ) in the conversion table 22. That is, each conversion table 22 contains the command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) and the corresponding measurement values ​​(B Ｍ , B Ｃ , B Ｙ ) in the leuco color space. Ｍ , L Ｃ , L Ｙ ) and the command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) and the measured value of the color information of the gradation value (B Ｍ , B Ｃ , B Ｙ ) is a table that describes the correspondence between

[0119] The storage unit 220 stores a plurality of conversion tables 22, each having a different correspondence relationship depending on the external factor. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, the storage unit 220 stores a conversion table 22 for each combination of a plurality of external factors listed in the external factor list 21. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, the storage unit 220 lists the following combinations of three external factors (media lot data, rendering device serial data, and temperature data): Ma·Aa·Ta, Ma·Aa·Tb, Ma·Aa·Tc, ..., Ma·Aa·Tz, Ma·Ab·Ta, Ma·Ab·Tb, Ma·Ab·Tc, ..., Ma·Ab·Tz, ..., Mz·Az·Ta, Mz·Az·Tb, Mz·Az·Tc, ..., Mz·Az·Tz).

[0120] 9, for example, the conversion table 22 describes the correspondence between the gradation value, the command voltage value, and the measured value of the color information of the gradation value for each of M, C, and Y in the combination of three external factors (e.g., Ma, As, and Ta) described in the external factor list 21. The color information of the gradation value is a value obtained by measuring the surface of the leuco recording medium RM on which drawing has been performed. The color information of the gradation value is, for example, L ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ , c ＊ , h, ΔE, ΔC, transmittance, reflectance, absorbance, absorbance, X, Y, Z, u ＊ , v ＊ , or at least one of these. Note that in FIG. 9, L ＊ Values ​​are illustrated.

[0121] The conversion profile 23 and the plurality of conversion profiles 24 are so-called ICC (International Color Consortium) profiles, which are a set of data that characterize color-related input / output devices and color spaces in accordance with standards published by the ICC in color management.

[0122] The conversion profile 23 is an input profile for color management. The conversion profile 23 describes (maps) the relationship between a device-dependent color space and a device-independent color space. Here, the device-dependent color space is, for example, an RGB color space such as sRGB or Adobe (registered trademark) RGB. The device-independent color space is, for example, L ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ It is a color space.

[0123] Each conversion profile 24 is an output profile in color management. Each conversion profile 24 describes (maps) the relationship between a device-independent color space and a leuco color space. The storage unit 220 stores a plurality of conversion profiles 24, each having a different correspondence relationship depending on an external factor. The storage unit 220 stores a conversion profile 24 for each combination of a plurality of external factors listed in the external factor list 21. As shown in FIG. 10, the storage unit 220 stores, for example, combinations of three external factors (media lot data, drawing device serial data, and temperature data), such as Ma·Aa·Ta, Ma·Aa·Tb, Ma·Aa·Tc, ..., Ma·Aa·Tz, Ma·Ab·Ta, Ma·Ab·Tb, Ma·Ab·Tc, ..., Ma·Ab·Tz, ..., Mz·Az·Ta, Mz·Az·Tb, Mz·Az·Tc, ..., Mz·Az·Tz).

[0124] The conversion profile 24 is configured to include a conversion profile for each of M, C, and Y in a combination of external factors. Each conversion profile 24 is generated in a generation process described below.

[0125] The generation program 25 converts input image data I described in a device-dependent color space using the conversion profile 23 and one of the multiple conversion profiles 24 stored in the storage unit 220. １ is expressed as intermediate image data I ２ Leuco image data I described in the leuco color space via ３ The generating program 25 converts the leuco image data I ３ The generation process of this is part of the generation process described below.

[0126] The information processing unit 230 is a color management system optimized for the leuco recording medium RM, constructed by adapting conversion profiles 23 and 24, which are a type of ICC profile. Important functions of the color management system are understanding the color space of the leuco recording medium RM and color space compression (mapping) from various color spaces (e.g., RGB color spaces such as sRGB and Adobe® RGB). These functions can be easily managed between color-related input and output devices using the conversion profiles 23 and 24, which are a type of ICC profile. The conversion profiles 23 and 24, which are a type of ICC profile, allow the exchange of color information (gamut mapping / color space compression) between input and output devices, based on the color gamuts of each device and on color reproduction.

[0127] The information processing unit 230 includes, for example, a CPU and a GPU, and is capable of executing a program (for example, a generation program 25) stored in the storage unit 220. For example, when the generation program 25 is loaded, the information processing unit 230 converts the input image data I into a conversion profile 23 read from the storage unit 220. １ the intermediate image data I ２ The intermediate image data I ２ is data in which the values ​​of each drawing coordinate are described in a device-independent color space. ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ Color space. Intermediate image data I ２ In the above, the values ​​of the drawing coordinates are converted by the conversion profile 23. ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ It is made up of values.

[0128] The information processing unit 230 further generates the intermediate image data I by using one of the conversion profiles 24 read from the storage unit 220, for example, by loading the generation program 25. ２ , leuco image data I ３The information processing unit 230 selects one conversion profile 24 corresponding to the external factor data 41 from among the plurality of conversion profiles 24 stored in the storage unit 220, based on, for example, the external factor data 41 (e.g., a media ID, a device ID, and temperature data) obtained from the drawing device 100. The information processing unit 230 converts the intermediate image data I into ２ , leuco image data I ３ Convert to.

[0129] Leuco image data I ３ is data in which the gradation values ​​of each drawing coordinate are described in a leuco color space. The leuco color space is configured, for example, by 8-bit magenta gradation, 8-bit cyan gradation, and 8-bit yellow gradation. The information processing unit 230 further processes, for example, the leuco image data I ３ Based on this, the command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) for each drawing coordinate, thereby generating a voltage value file 42. The information processing unit 230 transmits the generated voltage value file 42 to the drawing device 100 via the communication unit 210.

[0130] 11 shows an example of functional blocks of the information processing unit 230. The information processing unit 230 has, for example, a color space conversion unit 31 and a command voltage value calculation unit 32, which execute the generation process.

[0131] The color space conversion unit 31 receives the input image data I via the communication unit 210. １ When the input image data I is input, the conversion profile 23 read from the storage unit 220 is used to convert the input image data I １ The intermediate image data I ２ The input image data I １ is described in the Adobe (registered trademark) RGB color space, the color space conversion unit 31 converts the Adobe (registered trademark) RGB color space described in the conversion profile 23 to L ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ Using a conversion profile to a color space, the input image data I １To, L ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ Intermediate image data I described in color space ２ Convert to.

[0132] Furthermore, when external factor data 41 (for example, a media ID, a device ID, and temperature data) is input via the communication unit 210, the color space conversion unit 31 reads out from the storage unit 220 a conversion profile 24 corresponding to the input external factor data 41. The color space conversion unit 31 converts the intermediate image data I into a color space using the conversion profile 24 for a specific combination of external factors read out from the storage unit 220. ２ Leuco image data I ３ The intermediate image data I ２ L ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ If the conversion profile 24 is described in a color space, the color space conversion unit 31 converts the L ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ Using a conversion profile from the color space to the Leuco color space, the intermediate image data I ２ is expressed as leuco image data I ３ The color space conversion unit 31 converts the leuco image data I ３ is transmitted to the command voltage value calculation unit 32.

[0133] The command voltage value calculation unit 32 calculates the leuco image data I input from the color space conversion unit 31 based on the drawing coordinates, one of the conversion tables 22 read from the storage unit 220, and the ３ Based on this, the command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) for each drawing coordinate. For example, based on the external factor data 41 (e.g., a media ID, a device ID, and temperature data) obtained from the drawing device 100, the command voltage value calculation unit 32 selects one conversion table 22 corresponding to the external factor data 41 from among the multiple conversion tables 22 stored in the storage unit 220. The command voltage value calculation unit 32 selects one conversion table 22 corresponding to the external factor data 41 from the drawing coordinate, the selected conversion table 22, and the leuco image data I３ Based on this, the command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) for each drawing coordinate. The command voltage value calculation unit 32 calculates the derived command voltage value Dv(D Ｍｉ , D Ｃｉ , D Ｙｉ ) (voltage value file 42) to the drawing device 100 via the communication unit 210.

[0134] Next, an example of writing information in the drawing system 1 will be described.

[0135] [Writing] First, the user prepares an uncolored leuco recording medium RM and sets it on the stage. Next, the user inputs input image data I described in the RGB color space via the input unit 120. １ and external factor data 41 are input to the drawing device 100. The drawing device 100 converts the input image data I １ and external factor data 41 are acquired, the acquired input image data I １ and external factor data 41 to the server device 200. The server device 200 receives the input image data I from the drawing device 100. １ and external factor data 41 are acquired, the acquired input image data I １ and external factor data 41 to execute the following generation and drawing processes.

[0136] 12 shows an example of a laser drawing procedure in the drawing system 1. First, the drawing device 100 receives input image data I via the input unit 120. １ (Step S101). The drawing device 100 also acquires external factor data 41 (media ID, device ID, temperature data) via the input unit 120 (Step S102). The drawing device 100 acquires the acquired input image data I １ The external factor data 41 is then transmitted to the server device 200 (step S103).

[0137] The server device 200 receives input image data I １and external factor data 41 from the drawing device 100 (step S201). At this time, the server device 200 determines whether each external factor included in the external factor data 41 is included in the external factor list 21. For example, if the external factors included in the external factor data 41 are medium Ma, device As, and temperature Ta, the server device 200 determines whether medium Ma, device As, and temperature Ta are included in the external factor list 21.

[0138] As a result, if each external factor included in the external factor data 41 is included in the external factor list 21, the server device 200 reads out the conversion table 22 and conversion profile 24 corresponding to the external factor data 41 from the storage unit 220 (step S202). The server device 200 further reads out the conversion profile 23 from the storage unit 220 (step S203). On the other hand, if at least one external factor included in the external factor data 41 is not included in the external factor list 21, the server device 200 transmits an error message to the drawing device 100. When the drawing device 100 receives the error message from the server device 200, it stops the laser drawing process and displays the error message on the display 130.

[0139] After executing step S203, the server device 200 converts the input image data I １ Leuco image data I ３ (Step S204). The server device 200 generates the input image data I using, for example, the conversion profile 23. １ To, L ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ Intermediate image data I described in color space ２ The server device 200 converts the intermediate image data I into the intermediate image data I using, for example, the conversion profile 24 corresponding to the external factor data 41. ２ Leuco image data I ３ The server device 200 converts, for example, the conversion table 22 corresponding to the external factor data 41 and the leuco image data I ３ Based on this, the command voltage value (D Ｍ , DＣ , D Ｙ ) for each drawing coordinate, and thereby generate a voltage value file 42 (step S205). The server device 200 transmits the generated voltage value file 42 to the drawing device 100 (step S206). Note that the server device 200 may also transmit drawing conditions of the drawing unit 160 to the drawing device 100.

[0140] The drawing device 100 receives the voltage value file 42 from the server device 200 (step S104). The drawing device 100 uses the voltage value file 42 to draw with a laser on the leuco recording medium RM (step S105). When the drawing device 100 receives drawing conditions for the drawing unit 160 from the server device 200, the drawing device 100 may set the drawing conditions for the drawing unit 160 to the drawing unit 160 and then draw with a laser on the leuco recording medium RM. １ may be input directly to the server device 200.

[0141] The signal processing circuit 61 generates a pixel signal Dout based on the voltage value file 42 input from the information processing unit 150. Together with the laser driving circuit 62, the signal processing circuit 61 controls the peak value of a current pulse applied to the light source unit 63 (e.g., each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C) in accordance with the pixel signal Dout. The laser driving circuit 62 drives the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C of the light source unit 63 in accordance with the pixel signal Dout. At this time, the laser driving circuit 62 causes at least one of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C to emit laser light and scan the leuco recording medium RM.

[0142] As a result, for example, laser light La with an emission wavelength of 915 nm is absorbed by the photothermal conversion agent in the recording layer 13, and the heat generated by the photothermal conversion agent causes the leuco dye in the recording layer 13 to reach the write temperature and combine with the developer to produce magenta. The color density of the magenta color depends on the intensity of the laser light La with an emission wavelength of 915 nm. Similarly, for example, laser light Lb with an emission wavelength of 860 nm is absorbed by the photothermal conversion agent in the recording layer 15, and the heat generated by the photothermal conversion agent causes the leuco dye in the recording layer 15 to reach the write temperature and combine with the developer to produce cyan. The color density of the cyan color depends on the intensity of the laser light Lb with an emission wavelength of 860 nm. Furthermore, for example, laser light Lc having an emission wavelength of 760 nm is absorbed by the photothermal conversion agent in the recording layer 17, and the heat generated by the photothermal conversion agent causes the leuco dye in the recording layer 17 to reach the writing temperature and combine with the color developer to produce a yellow color. The density of the yellow color development depends on the intensity of the laser light Lc having an emission wavelength of 760 nm. As a result, the desired color is developed by mixing magenta, cyan, and yellow. In this manner, information is written to the leuco recording medium RM.

[0143] Next, an example of a procedure for creating the conversion table 22 and conversion profile 24 required for writing information in the drawing system 1 will be described.

[0144] [Creating the Conversion Table 22 and the Conversion Profile 24] FIG. 13 shows an example of a procedure for creating the conversion table 22 and the conversion profile 24. First, the user prepares a leuco recording medium RM and places it in the drawing unit 160. Next, the user operates the input unit 120 to request the display of an interface for creating the conversion table 22 and the conversion profile 24. In response to the request, the information processing unit 150 transmits screen data for creating the conversion table 22 and the conversion profile 24 to the display unit 130. The display unit 130 displays the interface for creating the conversion table 22 and the conversion profile 24 based on the screen data created by the information processing unit 150. Next, the user operates the input unit 120 based on the display of the interface for creating the conversion table 22 and the conversion profile 24 to instruct the creation of the conversion table 22 and the conversion profile 24. The information processing unit 150 then executes the creation of the conversion table 22 and the conversion profile 24 in accordance with the instruction.

[0145] First, the information processing unit 150 generates the conversion table 22 (step S301). In generating the conversion table 22, the information processing unit 150 first calculates the command voltage values ​​(D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) (hereinafter simply referred to as "command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ Specifically, the information processing unit 150 displays the command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ The user operates the input unit 120 to input the maximum value of the command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) is input. At this time, it is preferable that the user input a value within a range in which no drawing defects occur. When the user inputs a value within the range in which no drawing defects occur, the information processing unit 150 sets the command voltage value (D Ｍ , DＣ , D Ｙ ) to create the conversion table 22. For example, the information processing unit 150 converts the values ​​input to the input unit 120 into gradation values ​​(L Ｍ , M Ｃ , L Ｙ ) is 0, the command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) and the gradation value in the Leuco color space (L Ｍ , M Ｃ , L Ｙ ) is 255, the command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) to 0.

[0146] The information processing unit 150 calculates, for example, the gradation value (L Ｍ , M Ｃ , L Ｙ ) command voltage value when 1 to 254 (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) is set by performing interpolation processing on the gradation value (L Ｍ , M Ｃ , L Ｙ ) and the command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) corresponds to the gradation value of each color (L Ｍ , L Ｃ , L Ｙ ) are equal to each other, the color development of the leuco recording medium RM becomes gray scale.

[0147] Next, the information processing unit 150 calculates the command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) to the drawing unit 160. Then, the drawing unit 160 outputs a list of the command voltage values ​​(D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ) on the leuco recording medium RM, gradation drawing is performed for each of M, C, and Y. The user measures the surface of the leuco recording medium RM on which gradation drawing has been performed for each of M, C, and Y, and obtains the measured values ​​of the color information of the gradation values ​​(B Ｍ , B Ｃ , B Ｙ The user obtains the measured value of the color information of the obtained gradation value (B Ｍ , B Ｃ , B Ｙ ) is input to the drawing device 100 via the input unit 120. The information processing unit 150 calculates the gradation value (L Ｍ , L Ｃ , L Ｙ ) and the command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) and the measured value of the color information of the gradation value (B Ｍ , B Ｃ , B Ｙ ) and a conversion table 22 is created.

[0148] The user repeats the above-described procedure by, for example, changing the ambient temperature of the leuco recording medium RM or by changing the lot of the leuco recording medium RM. As a result, the information processing unit 150 generates a conversion table 22 for each combination of multiple external factors and stores the conversion table 22 in the memory unit 220 of the server device 200 via the communication unit 110. In this way, multiple conversion tables 22 such as those shown in FIG. 8 are generated.

[0149] Next, the information processing unit 150 calculates the gradation value (L Ｍ , L Ｃ , L Ｙ ) combination (leuco combination list 71) based on the conversion table 22 for a specific combination of a plurality of external factors (step S302). Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ) combinations (voltage combination list 72) for specific combinations of a plurality of external factors (step S303). Next, the information processing unit 150 generates a color list 73 that describes the correspondence between the leuco combination list 71 and the voltage combination list 72 for a specific combination of a plurality of external factors (step S304). The information processing unit 150 transfers the generated color list 73 to the drawing unit 160.

[0150] When the signal processing circuit 61 of the drawing unit 160 receives the color list 73 from the information processing unit 150, it draws on the leuco recording medium RM based on the color list 73 for a specific combination of multiple external factors (step S305). This forms a color chart on the leuco recording medium RM. The user measures the color of the color chart on the leuco recording medium RM (step S306). Specifically, the user measures the color chart on the leuco recording medium RM with a spectrophotometer to obtain the spectral reflectance.

[0151] Thereafter, the user operates the input unit 120 to request input of the spectral reflectance. In response to the request, the information processing unit 150 transmits screen data for inputting the spectral reflectance to the display unit 130. The display unit 130 displays an interface for inputting the spectral reflectance based on the screen data created by the information processing unit 150. Next, the user operates the input unit 120 based on the display of the interface for inputting the spectral reflectance, thereby inputting the spectral reflectance to the drawing system 1 via the communication unit 110. Then, the information processing unit 150 calculates the L ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ The information processing unit 150 calculates the L value of the color chart obtained by the calculation. ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ A conversion profile 24 is generated (step S307) that describes the correspondence between the values ​​and the gradation values ​​in the leuco color space included in the color list 73. In this way, the conversion profile 24 is generated for a specific combination of multiple external factors.

[0152] The user repeats the above-described procedure, for example, by changing the ambient temperature of the leuco recording medium RM or by changing the lot of the leuco recording medium RM. This causes the information processing unit 150 to generate a conversion profile 24 for each combination of external factors, and stores the generated profile in the storage unit 220 of the server device 200 via the communication unit 110. In this manner, for example, multiple conversion profiles 24 such as those shown in FIG. 10 are generated. Alternatively, an external device other than the rendering device 100 and the server device 200 may generate the conversion table 22 and the conversion profile 24, and store them in the storage unit 220 of the server device 200 via the network 300.

[0153] [Effects] Next, the effects of the drawing system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0154] In this embodiment, among the plurality of conversion tables 22 having different correspondence relationships depending on the external factors, the conversion table 22 corresponding to the external factor data 41 and the leuco image data I ３ Based on this, the leuco image data I ３ A voltage value file 42 corresponding to the above is generated. Laser drawing is then performed on the leuco recording medium RM based on the generated voltage value file 42. As a result, even if the laser drawing characteristics of the leuco recording medium RM change due to external factors such as ambient temperature, the voltage value file 42 is generated taking such changes into account. As a result, colors can be faithfully reproduced on the leuco recording medium RM regardless of external factors such as ambient temperature.

[0155] In this embodiment, the input image data I is converted using the conversion profile 23 and, among the multiple conversion profiles 24, the conversion profile 24 corresponding to the external factor data 41. １ Leuco image data I ３ In this way, even if the laser drawing characteristics for the leuco recording medium RM change due to external factors such as ambient temperature, the voltage value file 42 is generated taking such changes into consideration. As a result, colors can be faithfully reproduced on the leuco recording medium RM regardless of external factors such as ambient temperature.

[0156] In this embodiment, the external factor data 41 includes, for example, at least one of a media ID, a device ID, and the above-mentioned temperature data (for example, the above-mentioned temperature data). This allows for the generation of a voltage value file 42 that takes into account changes in the laser drawing characteristics of the leuco recording medium RM due to external factors such as ambient temperature. As a result, faithful color reproduction can be achieved on the leuco recording medium RM, regardless of external factors such as ambient temperature.

[0157] In this embodiment, external factor data 41 is input to the drawing device 100 via the input unit 120. As a result, a voltage value file 42 is generated using a conversion table 22 corresponding to the external factor data 41 and a conversion profile 24 corresponding to the external factor data 41. As a result, even if the laser drawing characteristics for the leuco recording medium RM change due to an external factor such as ambient temperature, a voltage value file 42 is generated that takes such changes into account. Therefore, colors can be faithfully reproduced on the leuco recording medium RM regardless of external factors such as ambient temperature.

[0158] 2. Modifications of the First Embodiment [Modification A] In the above-described embodiment, the rendering device 100 may be configured to execute at least a part of the series of processes (e.g., the processes shown in FIG. 12 ) executed by the server device 200. Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0159] [Variation B] An embodiment of the present disclosure may be realized by, for example, a drawing device 400 as shown in FIG. 14 , instead of the drawing system 1. The drawing device 400 is a standalone device. The drawing device 400 has a function to execute the series of processes executed by the drawing device 100, as well as a function to execute the series of processes executed by the server device 200.

[0160] 15 , the drawing device 400 includes an input unit 120, a display unit 130, a storage unit 140, an information processing unit 410, and a drawing unit 160. In this modification, the storage unit 140 stores, for example, a drawing program 43, an external factor list 21, a plurality of conversion tables 22, a conversion profile 23, a plurality of conversion profiles 24, and a generation program 25. The storage unit 140 stores, for example, external factor data 41 and a voltage value file 42. The information processing unit 410 includes, for example, a CPU and a GPU, and is capable of executing the series of processes executed by the information processing devices 150, 230 according to the above embodiments.

[0161] In this modification, the series of processes executed by the drawing device 100 and the series of processes executed by the server device 200 are executed by the drawing device 400. Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0162] 3. Second Embodiment [Configuration] A drawing system 2 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic configuration example of the drawing system 2 according to this embodiment. The drawing system 2 writes (draws) information to a leuco recording medium RM. Specifically, the drawing system 2 converts externally input image data (input image data) described in a device-dependent color space into image data (leuco image data) described in a leuco color space. The drawing system 2 further converts the leuco image data obtained by the conversion into output setting values ​​for the drawing unit 160 and inputs the output setting values ​​obtained by the conversion to the drawing unit 160, thereby performing drawing on the leuco recording medium RM. In this way, the drawing system 2 is equipped with a color management system suitable for the leuco recording medium RM.

[0163] 16 , the drawing system 2 includes a drawing device 100 and a server device 500. The drawing device 100 and the server device 500 are connected to a communication network 300 and are capable of communicating with each other via the communication network 300.

[0164] The server device 200 includes, for example, a communication unit 210, a storage unit 520, and an information processing unit 530, as shown in FIG.

[0165] The storage unit 520 includes, for example, a ROM that stores various programs executed by the microcomputer, and a RAM that stores various parameters, calculation results, sensor values, etc. The storage unit 520 may also be implemented by a magnetic storage device such as an HDD, a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, or a magneto-optical storage device. The storage unit 520 stores, for example, an external factor list 21, multiple conversion tables 22, a conversion profile 23, a reference conversion profile 24, and a generation program 25. The reference conversion profile 24 is a file obtained at a reference temperature (e.g., 25°C). The multiple conversion tables 22 include a conversion table 22 (hereinafter referred to as the "reference conversion table 22") obtained at the same reference temperature (e.g., 25°C) as the reference conversion profile 24.

[0166] The information processing unit 530 is a color management system optimized for the leuco recording medium RM, constructed by adapting conversion profiles 23 and 24, which are a type of ICC profile. Important functions of the color management system are understanding the color space of the leuco recording medium RM and color space compression (mapping) from various color spaces (e.g., RGB color spaces such as sRGB and Adobe® RGB). These functions can be easily managed between color-related input and output devices using the conversion profiles 23 and 24, which are a type of ICC profile. The conversion profiles 23 and 24, which are a type of ICC profile, allow the exchange of color information (gamut mapping / color space compression) between input and output devices, based on the color gamuts of each device and on the premise of color reproduction.

[0167] The information processing unit 530 includes, for example, a CPU and a GPU, and is capable of executing a program (for example, the generation program 25) stored in the storage unit 220. For example, when the generation program 25 is loaded, the information processing unit 530 converts the input image data I into a digital image using the conversion profile 23 read from the storage unit 220.１ the intermediate image data I ２ The intermediate image data I ２ is data in which the values ​​of each drawing coordinate are described in a device-independent color space. ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ Color space. Intermediate image data I ２ In the above, the values ​​of the drawing coordinates are converted by the conversion profile 23. ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ It is made up of values.

[0168] The information processing unit 530 further loads the generation program 25, and uses the reference conversion profile 24 read from the storage unit 220 to generate the intermediate image data I. ２ , leuco image data I ３ The information processing unit 530 further converts, for example, the leuco image data I ３ Based on this, the command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) for each drawing coordinate, thereby generating a voltage value file 42. The information processing unit 530 transmits the generated voltage value file 42 to the drawing device 100 via the communication unit 210.

[0169] 18 shows an example of a laser drawing procedure in the drawing system 2. First, the drawing device 100 receives input image data I via the input unit 120. １ (Step S101). The drawing device 100 also acquires external factor data 41 (media ID, device ID, temperature data) via the input unit 120 (Step S102). The drawing device 100 acquires the acquired input image data I １ The external factor data 41 is then transmitted to the server device 200 (step S103).

[0170] The server device 500 receives input image data I １and external factor data 41 from the drawing device 100 (step S401). At this time, if the temperature data included in the external factor data 41 is different from the above-mentioned reference temperature, the server device 500 reads out the reference conversion table 22 and the conversion table 22 corresponding to the external factor data 41 from the storage unit 220 (step S402). On the other hand, if the temperature data included in the external factor data 41 is the same as the above-mentioned reference temperature, the server device 500 reads out the conversion table 22 corresponding to the external factor data 41 from the storage unit 220. The server device 200 further reads out the conversion profiles 23 and 24 from the storage unit 220 (step S403).

[0171] If the temperature data included in the external factor data 41 is different from the above-mentioned reference temperature, the server device 500 corrects the command voltage value included in the conversion table 22 corresponding to the external factor data 41 so that the measured value of the color information of the gradation value included in the conversion table 22 corresponding to the external factor data 41 becomes the same as or closer to the measured value of the color information of the gradation value included in the reference conversion table 22 (step S404). At this time, the color information of the gradation value is, for example, L ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ , c ＊ , h, ΔE, ΔC, transmittance, reflectance, absorbance, absorbance, X, Y, Z, u ＊ , v ＊ , or a numerical value calculated from at least one of them. On the other hand, if the temperature data included in the external factor data 41 is the same as the reference temperature, the server device 500 uses the conversion table 22 read from the storage unit 220 as is without correcting it.

[0172] If the temperature data included in the external factor data 41 is different from the reference temperature, the server device 500 converts the input image data I into a temperature data I using the conversion profile 23 and the reference conversion profile 24. １ Leuco image data I ３ (Step S405). The server device 500 generates the input image data I using, for example, the conversion profile 23. １ To, L ＊ , a ＊ , b＊ Intermediate image data I described in color space ２ The server device 500 converts the intermediate image data I into the standard conversion profile 24. ２ Leuco image data I ３ Convert to.

[0173] On the other hand, if the temperature data included in the external factor data 41 is the same as the reference temperature, the server device 500 converts the input image data I １ Leuco image data I ３ The server device 500 generates the input image data I using, for example, the conversion profile 23. １ To, L ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ Intermediate image data I described in color space ２ The server device 500 converts the intermediate image data I into the intermediate image data I using, for example, the conversion profile 24 corresponding to the external factor data 41. ２ Leuco image data I ３ Convert to.

[0174] Next, if the temperature data included in the external factor data 41 is different from the above-mentioned reference temperature, the server device 500 uses the conversion table 22 obtained by the correction to convert the leuco image data I ３ From this, the command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) for each drawing coordinate, and thereby generate a voltage value file 42 (step S406). On the other hand, if the temperature data included in the external factor data 41 is the same as the reference temperature, the server device 500 uses the conversion table 22 corresponding to the external factor data 41 to convert the leuco image data I ３ From this, the command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) for each drawing coordinate, thereby generating the voltage value file 42. The server device 500 transmits the generated voltage value file 42 to the drawing device 100 (step S407).

[0175] The drawing device 100 receives the voltage value file 42 from the server device 500 (step S104). The drawing device 100 uses the voltage value file 42 to draw with the laser on the leuco recording medium RM (step S105).

[0176] As described above, in this embodiment, when the temperature data included in the external factor data 41 differs from the above-mentioned reference temperature, the command voltage value included in the conversion table 22 corresponding to the external factor data 41 is corrected so that the measurement value of the color information of the gradation value included in the conversion table 22 corresponding to the external factor data 41 becomes the same as the measurement value of the color information of the gradation value included in the reference conversion table 22. As a result, the reference conversion profile 24 is used as the conversion profile 24 to convert the intermediate image data I ２ Leuco image data I ３ As a result, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of conversion profiles 24 having different correspondence relationships depending on external factors, and therefore it is possible to save the effort and cost required to prepare a plurality of conversion profiles 24 having different correspondence relationships depending on external factors.

[0177] 4. Modifications of the Second Embodiment [Modification C] In the second embodiment, the rendering device 100 may be configured to execute at least a part of the series of processes (e.g., the processes shown in FIG. 18 ) executed by the server device 500. Even in this case, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained.

[0178] [Modification D] An embodiment of the present disclosure may be realized by, for example, a drawing device 600 as shown in FIG. 19 , instead of the drawing system 2. The drawing device 600 is a standalone device. The drawing device 600 has a function to execute the series of processes executed by the drawing device 100, as well as a function to execute the series of processes executed by the server device 500.

[0179] 20 , the drawing device 600 includes an input unit 120, a display unit 130, a storage unit 140, an information processing unit 610, and a drawing unit 160. In this modification, the storage unit 140 stores, for example, a drawing program 43, an external factor list 21, a plurality of conversion tables 22, a conversion profile 23, a reference conversion profile 24, and a generation program 25. The storage unit 140 stores, for example, external factor data 41 and a voltage value file 42. The information processing unit 610 includes, for example, a CPU and a GPU, and is capable of executing the series of processes executed by the information processing devices 150 and 530 according to the second embodiment.

[0180] In this modification, the series of processes executed by the drawing device 100 and the series of processes executed by the server device 500 are executed by the drawing device 600. Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0181] 5. Third Embodiment [Configuration] A drawing system 3 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 21 illustrates a schematic configuration example of the drawing system 3 according to this embodiment. The drawing system 3 writes (draws) information to a leuco recording medium RM. Specifically, the drawing system 3 converts image data (input image data) input from the outside and described in a device-dependent color space into image data (leuco image data) described in a leuco color space. The drawing system 3 further converts the leuco image data obtained by the conversion into output setting values ​​for the drawing unit 160 and inputs the output setting values ​​obtained by the conversion to the drawing unit 160, thereby performing drawing on the leuco recording medium RM. In this way, the drawing system 3 includes a color management system suitable for the leuco recording medium RM.

[0182] 21 , the drawing system 3 includes a drawing device 100 and a server device 700. The drawing device 100 and the server device 700 are connected to a communication network 300 and are capable of communicating with each other via the communication network 300.

[0183] The server device 700 includes, for example, a communication unit 210, a storage unit 720, and an information processing unit 730, as shown in FIG.

[0184] The storage unit 720 includes, for example, a ROM for storing various programs executed by the microcomputer, and a RAM for storing various parameters, calculation results, sensor values, etc. The storage unit 720 may also be implemented by a magnetic storage device such as an HDD, a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, or a magneto-optical storage device. The storage unit 720 stores, for example, an external factor list 21, a reference conversion table 22, a conversion profile 23, multiple conversion profiles 24, and a generation program 25. The reference conversion table 22 is a file obtained at a reference temperature (e.g., 25°C). The multiple conversion profiles 24 include a conversion profile 24 (hereinafter referred to as the "reference conversion profile 24") obtained at the same reference temperature (e.g., 25°C) as the reference conversion table 22.

[0185] The information processing unit 730 is a color management system optimized for the leuco recording medium RM, constructed by adapting conversion profiles 23 and 24, which are a type of ICC profile. Important functions of the color management system are understanding the color space of the leuco recording medium RM and color space compression (mapping) from various color spaces (e.g., RGB color spaces such as sRGB and Adobe® RGB). These functions can be easily managed between color-related input and output devices using the conversion profiles 23 and 24, which are a type of ICC profile. The conversion profiles 23 and 24, which are a type of ICC profile, allow the exchange of color information (gamut mapping / color space compression) between input and output devices, based on the color gamuts of each device and on color reproduction.

[0186] The information processing unit 730 includes, for example, a CPU and a GPU, and is capable of executing a program (for example, the generation program 25) stored in the storage unit 720. For example, when the generation program 25 is loaded, the information processing unit 730 converts the input image data I into a digital image using the conversion profile 23 read from the storage unit 720.１ the intermediate image data I ２ The intermediate image data I ２ is data in which the values ​​of each drawing coordinate are described in a device-independent color space. ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ Color space. Intermediate image data I ２ In the above, the values ​​of the drawing coordinates are converted by the conversion profile 23. ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ It is made up of values.

[0187] The information processing unit 730 further generates the intermediate image data I by using one of the conversion profiles 24 read from the storage unit 720, for example, by loading the generation program 25. ２ , leuco image data I ３ The information processing unit 730 selects one conversion profile 24 corresponding to the external factor data 41 from among the multiple conversion profiles 24 stored in the storage unit 720, based on the external factor data 41 (e.g., a media ID, a device ID, and temperature data) obtained from the drawing device 100. The information processing unit 730 converts the intermediate image data I into ２ , leuco image data I ３ Convert to.

[0188] The information processing unit 730 further processes, for example, leuco image data I ３ Based on this, the command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) for each drawing coordinate, thereby generating a voltage value file 42. The information processing unit 530 transmits the generated voltage value file 42 to the drawing device 100 via the communication unit 210.

[0189] 23 shows an example of a laser drawing procedure in the drawing system 3. First, the drawing device 100 receives input image data I via the input unit 120. １(Step S101). The drawing device 100 also acquires external factor data 41 (media ID, device ID, temperature data) via the input unit 120 (Step S102). The drawing device 100 acquires the acquired input image data I １ The external factor data 41 is then transmitted to the server device 200 (step S103).

[0190] The server device 700 receives input image data I １ and external factor data 41 from the rendering device 100 (step S501). Next, the server device 700 reads the conversion profile 24 corresponding to the external factor data 41 from the storage unit 720. The server device 700 further reads the conversion table 22 and the conversion profile 23 from the storage unit 720 (step S503).

[0191] The server device 500 converts the input image data I using the conversion profiles 23 and 24 read from the storage unit 720. １ Leuco image data I ３ (Step S504). The server device 700 generates the input image data I using, for example, the conversion profile 23. １ To, L ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ Intermediate image data I described in color space ２ The server device 700 converts the intermediate image data I into the intermediate image data I using, for example, the conversion profile 24 corresponding to the external factor data 41. ２ Leuco image data I ３ Convert to.

[0192] The server device 700 converts the leuco image data I into the standard conversion table 22. ３ From this, the command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) for each drawing coordinate, and generates a voltage value file 42 (step S505). The server device 700 transmits the generated voltage value file 42 to the drawing device 100 (step S506).

[0193] The imaging device 100 receives the voltage value file 42 from the server device 700 (step S104). The imaging device 100 uses the voltage value file 42 to perform imaging with the laser on the leuco recording medium RM (step S105).

[0194] In this manner, in this embodiment, the input image data I is converted using the conversion profile 23 and, of the multiple conversion profiles 24, the conversion profile 24 corresponding to the external factor data 41. １ Leuco image data I ３ In this way, even if the laser drawing characteristics for the leuco recording medium RM change due to external factors such as ambient temperature, the voltage value file 42 is generated taking such changes into consideration. As a result, colors can be faithfully reproduced on the leuco recording medium RM regardless of external factors such as ambient temperature.

[0195] 6. Modifications of the Third Embodiment [Modification E] In the third embodiment, the rendering device 100 may be configured to execute at least a part of the series of processes (e.g., the processes shown in FIG. 23 ) executed by the server device 700. Even in this case, the same effects as those of the third embodiment can be obtained.

[0196] [Modification F] An embodiment of the present disclosure may be realized by, for example, a drawing device 800 as shown in FIG. 24 , instead of the drawing system 3. The drawing device 800 is a standalone device. The drawing device 800 has a function to execute the series of processes executed by the drawing device 100, as well as a function to execute the series of processes executed by the server device 700.

[0197] 25 , the drawing device 800 includes an input unit 120, a display unit 130, a storage unit 140, an information processing unit 810, and a drawing unit 160. In this modification, the storage unit 140 stores, for example, a drawing program 43, an external factor list 21, a reference conversion table 22, a conversion profile 23, a plurality of conversion profiles 24, and a generation program 25. The storage unit 140 stores, for example, external factor data 41 and a voltage value file 42. The information processing unit 810 includes, for example, a CPU and a GPU, and is capable of executing the series of processes executed by the information processing devices 150 and 730 according to the third embodiment.

[0198] In this modification, the series of processes executed by the drawing device 100 and the series of processes executed by the server device 700 are executed by the drawing device 800. Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0199] 7. Modifications Common to Each Embodiment and Their Modifications> [Modification G] In each embodiment and their modification, the server devices 200, 400, and 700 convert the intermediate image data I into a .DELTA.D image data using the conversion profiles 23 and 24, as shown in FIG. 26, for example. ２ Leuco image data I ３ After converting it into leuco image data I ３ In this case, for example, the leuco image data I ３ On the other hand, when a color specific to the leuco recording medium RM occurs, the server devices 200, 400, and 700 can perform correction to alleviate the specific color, thereby enabling faithful color reproduction on the leuco recording medium RM.

[0200] [Variation H] In each of the embodiments and their variations, the medium M may include a recording medium Mid on which an identifier of the medium M is recorded, as shown in Fig. 27. The recording medium Mid is configured, for example, by an IC chip including a nonvolatile memory, or a chip including a memory having a configuration common to the leuco recording medium RM. When the recording medium Mid has a configuration common to the leuco recording medium RM, the recording medium Mid may be provided within the leuco recording medium RM.

[0201] When the medium M has such a configuration, the drawing device 100 may include, for example, a reading unit 170 that reads the identifier of the medium M from the recording medium Mid, as shown in Fig. 28. The reading unit 170 is capable of reading the identifier of the medium M from the recording medium Mid using a reading method that corresponds to the configuration of the recording medium Mid. The reading unit 170 is capable of outputting the read identifier to the information processing unit 150 as a media ID.

[0202] In this modification, a recording medium Mid is provided on the medium M. This allows the reading unit 170 to obtain a media ID from the recording medium Mid. As a result, the user does not have to go through the trouble of inputting the media ID via the input unit 120.

[0203] [Variation I] In each of the embodiments and their variations, storage unit 140 may store an identifier (device ID 44) of drawing device 100, for example, as shown in Fig. 29. In this case, the user does not need to input the device ID from input unit 120.

[0204] [Modification J] In each of the embodiments and their modifications, the thermometer 67 may be configured to output temperature data obtained by measurement to the information processing unit 150. In this case, the user does not need to input the temperature data from the input unit 120.

[0205] [Variation K] In each of the embodiments and their variations, the ambient temperature of the medium M (or leuco recording medium RM) is used as one of the external factors. However, in each of the embodiments and their variations, an environmental factor around the medium M (or leuco recording medium RM) may also be used as one of the external factors. In addition to the ambient temperature of the medium M (or leuco recording medium RM), examples of environmental factors around the medium M (or leuco recording medium RM) include the humidity around the medium M (or leuco recording medium RM).

[0206] Note that the effects described in this specification are merely examples. The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects described in this specification. The present disclosure may have effects other than the effects described in this specification.

[0207] Furthermore, for example, the present disclosure can be configured as follows: (1) A drawing method including: acquiring data on an external factor; acquiring a first conversion table corresponding to the acquired data from among a plurality of conversion tables corresponding to the external factor, the first conversion table describing a correspondence relationship between gradation values ​​in a CMY color space and command voltage values ​​of a light source; generating command voltage values ​​corresponding to the CMY image data based on the acquired first conversion table and the CMY image data described in the CMY color space; and performing laser drawing on a recording medium having a CMY thermosensitive recording layer based on the generated command voltage values. (2) The drawing method according to (1), further comprising: acquiring a third conversion profile corresponding to the acquired data from among a plurality of second conversion profiles, the second conversion profile describing a correspondence relationship between a device-independent color space and the CMY color space, and the second conversion profile having different correspondence relationships between the device-independent color space and the CMY color space depending on the external factor; and converting the image data described in the device-dependent color space into the CMY image data described in the CMY color space using a first conversion profile describing the correspondence relationship between a device-dependent color space and the device-independent color space and the acquired third conversion profile. (3) The drawing method according to (1), further comprising: correcting command voltage values ​​in the first conversion table based on the acquired data, and generating command voltage values ​​corresponding to the CMY image data based on the CMY image data and the corrected conversion table obtained thereby. (4) The drawing method according to (3), wherein the conversion table describes a correspondence relationship between the gradation value, the command voltage value, and color information of the gradation value, and further includes correcting the command voltage value of the first conversion table so that the color information of the first conversion table becomes the same as color information of a second conversion table serving as a reference among the plurality of conversion tables, or becomes a value closer to the color information of the second conversion table. (5) The color information of the gradation value is L ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ , c ＊ , h, ΔE, ΔC, transmittance, reflectance, absorbance, absorbance, X, Y, Z, u＊ ,v ＊or a numerical value calculated from at least one of them. (6) The drawing method according to any one of (3) to (5), further comprising converting the image data described in the device-dependent color space into the CMY image data described in the CMY color space using a first conversion profile describing a correspondence relationship between a device-dependent color space and a device-independent color space and a second conversion profile describing a correspondence relationship between the device-independent color space and the CMY color space. (7) The drawing method according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the external factor is at least one of environmental factors surrounding the recording medium, information regarding individual differences between the recording medium, and information regarding individual differences between the drawing unit. (8) The drawing method according to any one of (1) to (7), further comprising accepting data regarding the external factor by user input. (9) The drawing method according to any one of (1) to (7), further comprising acquiring data regarding the external factor by sensing with a sensor. (10) A drawing method comprising: acquiring data on an external factor; acquiring a third conversion profile corresponding to the acquired data from among a plurality of second conversion profiles, each of which describes a correspondence relationship between a device-independent color space and a CMY color space and has a different correspondence relationship between the device-independent color space and the CMY color space depending on the external factor; converting image data described in the device-dependent color space into CMY image data described in the CMY color space using a first conversion profile describing the correspondence relationship between a device-dependent color space and a device-independent color space and the acquired third conversion profile; generating command voltage values ​​corresponding to the CMY image data based on a conversion table describing a correspondence relationship between tone values ​​in the CMY color space and command voltage values ​​of a light source and the CMY image data acquired by conversion; and performing laser drawing on a recording medium having a CMY thermosensitive recording layer based on the generated command voltage values.(11) A drawing system comprising: a first storage unit that stores a plurality of conversion tables corresponding to external factors, each of which describes a correspondence relationship between a gradation value in a CMY color space and a command voltage value of a light source; a first acquisition unit that acquires data about the external factors and acquires a first conversion table corresponding to the acquired data from the plurality of conversion tables stored in the first storage unit; a generation unit that generates command voltage values ​​corresponding to the CMY image data based on the first conversion table acquired by the first acquisition unit and the CMY image data described in the CMY color space; and a drawing unit that performs laser drawing on a recording medium having a CMY thermosensitive recording layer based on the command voltage values ​​generated by the generation unit. (12) The drawing system according to (11), further comprising: a second storage unit that stores a first conversion profile describing a correspondence relationship between a device-dependent color space and a device-independent color space; and a plurality of second conversion profiles that describe a correspondence relationship between the device-independent color space and the CMY color space and that have different correspondence relationships between the device-independent color space and the CMY color space depending on the external factor; a second acquisition unit that is capable of acquiring a third conversion profile that corresponds to data on the external factor acquired by the first acquisition unit from the plurality of second conversion profiles stored in the second storage unit; and a conversion unit that is capable of converting image data described in the device-dependent color space into the CMY image data described in the CMY color space using the first conversion profile acquired from the second storage unit and the third conversion profile acquired by the second acquisition unit. (13) The drawing system described in (11) further includes a correction unit capable of correcting a command voltage value in the first conversion table acquired by the first acquisition unit based on data about the external factor acquired by the first acquisition unit, and the generation unit is capable of generating a command voltage value corresponding to the CMY image data based on the corrected conversion table obtained by correction by the correction unit and the CMY image data.(14) The conversion table describes a correspondence relationship between the gradation value, the command voltage value, and color information of the gradation value, and the correction unit is capable of correcting the command voltage value of the first conversion table so that the color information of the first conversion table becomes the same as color information of a second conversion table serving as a reference among the plurality of conversion tables stored in the first storage unit, or becomes a value closer to the color information of the second conversion table. (15) The drawing system described in (13). ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ , c ＊ , h, ΔE, ΔC, transmittance, reflectance, absorbance, absorbance, X, Y, Z, u ＊ , v ＊or a numerical value calculated from at least one of them. (16) The drawing system according to any one of (13) to (15), further comprising: a second storage unit that stores a first conversion profile describing a correspondence relationship between a device-dependent color space and a device-independent color space, and a second conversion profile describing a correspondence relationship between the device-independent color space and the CMY color space; and a conversion unit that is capable of converting image data described in the device-dependent color space into the CMY image data described in the CMY color space using the first conversion profile and the second conversion profile acquired from the second storage unit. (17) The drawing system according to (11), wherein the external factor is at least one of environmental factors surrounding the recording medium, information regarding individual differences between the recording medium, and information regarding individual differences between the drawing unit. (18) The drawing system according to (17), further comprising: a receiving unit that receives data regarding the external factor by user input. (19) The drawing system according to (17), further comprising a sensor unit capable of acquiring data on the external factor by sensing.(20) A first storage unit that stores a conversion table describing a correspondence relationship between a gradation value in a CMY color space and a command voltage value of a light source; a second storage unit that stores a first conversion profile describing a correspondence relationship between a device-dependent color space and a device-independent color space, and a plurality of second conversion profiles that describe the correspondence relationship between the device-independent color space and the CMY color space and have different correspondence relationships between the device-independent color space and the CMY color space depending on an external factor; an acquisition unit that acquires data about the external factor and acquires a third conversion profile corresponding to the acquired data from the plurality of second conversion profiles stored in the second storage unit; and a conversion unit that converts image data described in the device-dependent color space into CMY image data described in the CMY color space using the first conversion profile acquired from the second storage unit and the third conversion profile acquired by the acquisition unit. a generation unit capable of generating command voltage values ​​corresponding to the CMY image data based on the conversion table acquired from the first storage unit and the CMY image data acquired by the conversion unit; and a drawing unit capable of performing laser drawing on a recording medium having a CMY thermosensitive recording layer based on the command voltage values ​​generated by the generation unit.

[0208] In a drawing method according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a first conversion table corresponding to data regarding an acquired external factor is acquired from among a plurality of conversion tables having different correspondence relationships depending on the external factor. Command voltage values ​​corresponding to the CMY image data are generated based on the acquired first conversion table and CMY image data described in the CMY color space. Laser drawing is then performed on a recording medium having a CMY thermosensitive recording layer based on the generated command voltage values. As a result, even if the laser drawing characteristics of the recording medium change due to at least one external factor, command voltage values ​​that take the change into account are generated. As a result, faithful color reproduction can be achieved on a thermal recording medium without being dependent on at least one external factor.

[0209] In a drawing method according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a third conversion profile corresponding to data regarding an acquired external factor is acquired from among a plurality of second conversion profiles, each having a different correspondence relationship depending on an external factor. Furthermore, image data described in a device-dependent color space is converted into CMY image data described in a CMY color space using a first conversion profile describing the correspondence relationship between a device-dependent color space and a device-independent color space and the acquired third conversion profile. Then, command voltage values ​​corresponding to the CMY image data are generated based on the conversion table and the CMY image data acquired through the conversion. Laser drawing is performed on a recording medium having a CMY thermosensitive recording layer based on the generated command voltage values. As a result, even if the laser drawing characteristics of the recording medium change due to at least one external factor, command voltage values ​​that take that change into account are generated. As a result, faithful color reproduction is possible on a thermal recording medium, regardless of at least one external factor.

[0210] In a drawing device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a first conversion table corresponding to data regarding an acquired external factor is acquired from among a plurality of conversion tables having different correspondence relationships depending on the external factor, and command voltage values ​​corresponding to the CMY image data are generated based on the acquired first conversion table and CMY image data described in the CMY color space. Laser drawing is then performed on a recording medium having a CMY thermosensitive recording layer based on the generated command voltage values. As a result, even if the laser drawing characteristics of the recording medium change due to at least one external factor, command voltage values ​​that take that change into account are generated. As a result, faithful color reproduction can be achieved on a thermal recording medium without being dependent on at least one external factor.

[0211] In a drawing device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a third conversion profile corresponding to data regarding the acquired external factor is acquired from among a plurality of second conversion profiles having different correspondence relationships depending on the external factor. Furthermore, image data described in a device-dependent color space is converted into CMY image data described in a CMY color space using a first conversion profile describing the correspondence relationship between a device-dependent color space and a device-independent color space and the acquired third conversion profile. Then, command voltage values ​​corresponding to the CMY image data are generated based on the conversion table and the CMY image data acquired through the conversion. Laser drawing is performed on a recording medium having a CMY thermosensitive recording layer based on the generated command voltage values. As a result, even if the laser drawing characteristics of the recording medium change due to at least one external factor, command voltage values ​​that take that change into account are generated. As a result, faithful color reproduction is possible on a thermal recording medium, regardless of at least one external factor.

[0212] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-144772, filed on September 6, 2023, in the Japan Patent Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0213] Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, combinations, subcombinations, and variations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors, and are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A drawing method comprising: acquiring data on an external factor; acquiring a first conversion table corresponding to the acquired data from among a plurality of conversion tables corresponding to external factors, the first conversion table describing the correspondence between tone values ​​in a CMY color space and command voltage values ​​of a light source; generating command voltage values ​​corresponding to the CMY image data based on the acquired first conversion table and the CMY image data described in the CMY color space; and performing laser drawing on a recording medium having a CMY thermosensitive recording layer based on the generated command voltage values.

2. The drawing method according to claim 1, further comprising: acquiring a third conversion profile corresponding to the acquired data from among a plurality of second conversion profiles in which a correspondence relationship between a device-independent color space and the CMY color space is described and in which the correspondence relationship between the device-independent color space and the CMY color space differs depending on the external factor; and converting the image data described in the device-dependent color space into the CMY image data described in the CMY color space using a first conversion profile in which a correspondence relationship between a device-dependent color space and the device-independent color space is described and the acquired third conversion profile.

3. The drawing method according to claim 1, further comprising: correcting a command voltage value in the first conversion table based on the acquired data; and generating a command voltage value corresponding to the CMY image data based on the corrected conversion table obtained thereby and the CMY image data.

4. The drawing method according to claim 3, further comprising: a conversion table describing a correspondence relationship between the gradation value, the command voltage value, and color information of the gradation value; and correcting the command voltage value of the first conversion table so that the color information of the first conversion table is the same as color information of a reference second conversion table among the plurality of conversion tables, or is closer to the color information of the second conversion table.

5. The color information of the gradation value is L ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ , c ＊ , h, ΔE, ΔC, transmittance, reflectance, absorbance, absorbance, X, Y, Z, u ＊ , v ＊ The drawing method according to claim 4 , wherein the distance is a distance between the first pixel and the second pixel, or a numerical value calculated from at least one of these.

6. The drawing method according to claim 3, further comprising converting the image data described in the device-dependent color space into the CMY image data described in the CMY color space using a first conversion profile that describes the correspondence between a device-dependent color space and a device-independent color space, and a second conversion profile that describes the correspondence between the device-independent color space and the CMY color space.

7. The drawing method according to claim 1, wherein the external factors are at least one of environmental factors surrounding the recording medium, information regarding individual differences of the recording medium, and information regarding individual differences of the drawing unit.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising accepting data on the external factors by user input.

9. The drawing method according to claim 7, further comprising obtaining data on the external factor by sensing with a sensor.

10. A drawing method comprising: acquiring data on an external factor; acquiring a third conversion profile corresponding to the acquired data from among a plurality of second conversion profiles, in which a correspondence relationship between a device-independent color space and a CMY color space is described and in which the correspondence relationship between the device-independent color space and the CMY color space differs depending on the external factor; converting image data described in the device-dependent color space into CMY image data described in the CMY color space using a first conversion profile in which a correspondence relationship between a device-dependent color space and a device-independent color space is described and the acquired third conversion profile; generating command voltage values ​​corresponding to the CMY image data based on a conversion table in which a correspondence relationship between gradation values ​​in the CMY color space and command voltage values ​​of a light source is described and the CMY image data acquired by conversion; and performing laser drawing on a recording medium having a CMY thermosensitive recording layer based on the generated command voltage values.

11. A drawing system comprising: a first memory unit that stores a plurality of conversion tables corresponding to external factors, in which the correspondence between gradation values ​​in a CMY color space and command voltage values ​​of a light source is described; a first acquisition unit that is capable of acquiring data on the external factors and acquiring a first conversion table corresponding to the acquired data from the plurality of conversion tables stored in the first memory unit; a generation unit that is capable of generating command voltage values ​​corresponding to the CMY image data based on the first conversion table acquired by the first acquisition unit and the CMY image data described in the CMY color space; and a drawing unit that is capable of performing laser drawing on a recording medium having a CMY thermosensitive recording layer based on the command voltage values ​​generated by the generation unit.

12. The drawing system according to claim 11, further comprising: a second memory unit that stores a first conversion profile describing a correspondence between a device-dependent color space and a device-independent color space; and a plurality of second conversion profiles describing a correspondence between the device-independent color space and the CMY color space and having mutually different correspondences between the device-independent color space and the CMY color space depending on the external factor; a second acquisition unit that is capable of acquiring a third conversion profile corresponding to data regarding the external factor acquired by the first acquisition unit from the plurality of second conversion profiles stored in the second memory unit; and a conversion unit that is capable of converting image data described in the device-dependent color space into the CMY image data described in the CMY color space using the first conversion profile acquired from the second memory unit and the third conversion profile acquired by the second acquisition unit.

13. The drawing system described in claim 11, further comprising a correction unit capable of correcting a command voltage value in the first conversion table acquired by the first acquisition unit based on data regarding the external factor acquired by the first acquisition unit, and the generation unit is capable of generating a command voltage value corresponding to the CMY image data based on the corrected conversion table obtained by correction by the correction unit and the CMY image data.

14. The drawing system according to claim 13, wherein the conversion table describes a correspondence relationship between the gradation value, the command voltage value, and color information of the gradation value, and the correction unit is capable of correcting the command voltage value of the first conversion table so that the color information of the first conversion table becomes the same as color information of a second conversion table serving as a reference among the multiple conversion tables stored in the first storage unit, or becomes a value closer to the color information of the second conversion table.

15. The color information of the gradation value is L ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ , c ＊ , h, ΔE, ΔC, transmittance, reflectance, absorbance, absorbance, X, Y, Z, u ＊ , v ＊ 15. The drawing system according to claim 14, wherein the first and second values ​​are the same or a numerical value calculated from at least one of them.

16. The drawing system according to claim 13, further comprising: a second memory unit that stores a first conversion profile describing the correspondence between a device-dependent color space and a device-independent color space, and a second conversion profile describing the correspondence between the device-independent color space and the CMY color space; and a conversion unit that is capable of converting image data described in the device-dependent color space into the CMY image data described in the CMY color space using the first conversion profile and the second conversion profile acquired from the second memory unit.

17. The drawing system according to claim 11, wherein the external factors are at least one of environmental factors surrounding the recording medium, information relating to individual differences of the recording medium, and information relating to individual differences of the drawing unit.

18. The drawing system according to claim 17, further comprising a reception unit that receives data on the external factor through a user input.

19. The drawing system according to claim 17, further comprising a sensor unit capable of acquiring data on the external factor by sensing.

20. A first storage unit that stores a conversion table describing the correspondence between tone values ​​in a CMY color space and command voltage values ​​of a light source; a second storage unit that stores a first conversion profile describing the correspondence between a device-dependent color space and a device-independent color space, and a plurality of second conversion profiles describing the correspondence between the device-independent color space and the CMY color space and having different correspondences between the device-independent color space and the CMY color space depending on an external factor; an acquisition unit that acquires data regarding the external factor and acquires a third conversion profile corresponding to the acquired data from the plurality of second conversion profiles stored in the second storage unit; a conversion unit that converts image data described in the device-dependent color space into CMY image data described in the CMY color space using the first conversion profile acquired from the second storage unit and the third conversion profile acquired by the acquisition unit; a generation unit capable of generating command voltage values ​​corresponding to the CMY image data based on the conversion table acquired from the first memory unit and the CMY image data acquired by the conversion unit; and a drawing unit capable of performing laser drawing on a recording medium having a CMY thermosensitive recording layer based on the command voltage values ​​generated by the generation unit.

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