Drawing system

Abstract

A drawing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a light source unit, a scanning unit, and a laser driving unit. The light source unit has a plurality of laser light sources having different emission wavelengths. The scanning unit can scan, with a plurality of laser beams emitted from the plurality of laser light sources, a recording medium having a plurality of thermal recording layers corresponding to the emission wavelengths of the plurality of laser beams, and thus draw a color image on the recording medium. The laser driving unit can drive each laser light source on the basis of output setting values, which are set for the respective laser light sources on the basis of image data, and emission timing data, in which emission timings are set for the respective laser light sources.

Description

Drawing System

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drawing system.

[0002] In recent years, in order to improve security for various ID cards such as passports and driver's licenses, it has been considered to provide an internal recording medium on which any image can be drawn without contact. Currently, recording media that are commercially available for such purposes are mainly those that can draw in a single color. Note that, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for drawing an image on a recording medium using a laser beam.

[0003] International Publication No. WO2020 / 054330

[0004] In order to further improve security, there is a demand for color recording media. However, color recording media have a problem in that image quality is inferior to existing inkjet and thermal transfer methods. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a drawing system that can obtain high-quality color images.

[0005] A drawing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a light source unit, a scanning unit, and a laser driving unit. The light source unit has a plurality of laser light sources with different emission wavelengths. The scanning unit is capable of drawing a color image on a recording medium having a plurality of thermal recording layers corresponding to the emission wavelengths of the plurality of laser light sources by scanning the recording medium with a plurality of laser light beams emitted from the plurality of laser light sources. The laser driving unit is capable of driving each laser light source based on an output setting value of each laser light source set based on image data and emission timing data that sets the emission timing of each laser light source.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a drawing system according to an 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 leuco recording medium of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the drawing device of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of emission timing data of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the drawing unit of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the server device of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the information processing unit of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a laser drawing procedure in the drawing system of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a procedure for generating the conversion profile of FIG. 7. FIG. 11(A) is a diagram illustrating an example of the position of the irradiation spot before correction. FIG. 11(B) is a diagram illustrating an example of the position of the irradiation spot after correction. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a procedure for generating the emission timing data of FIG. 4. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the functional blocks of the drawing device of FIG. 1. FIG. 14(A) is a diagram showing an example of the position of the irradiation spot before offset in the column direction. FIG. 14(B) is a diagram showing an example of the position of the irradiation spot after offset in the column direction. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a modified laser drawing procedure in the drawing system of FIG. 1. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a modified functional block of the drawing device of FIG. 1. FIG. 17(A) is a diagram showing an example of the position of the irradiation spot before aberration correction. FIG. 17(B) is a diagram showing an example of the position of the irradiation spot after aberration correction. FIG. 18 is a diagram conceptually showing an example of the aberration correction data of FIG. 16. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a modified laser drawing procedure in the drawing system of FIG. 1. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a modified functional block of the drawing device of FIG. 1. FIG. 21(A) is a diagram showing an example of a drawn image before aberration correction. FIG. 21(B) is a diagram showing an example of a drawn image after aberration correction. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a modified laser drawing procedure in the drawing system of FIG. 1. FIG. 23(A) is a diagram showing an example of a drawn image before aberration correction. Fig. 23(B) is a diagram showing an example of a drawn image after aberration correction. Fig. 24 is a diagram showing a modified example of the functional blocks of the drawing device of Fig. 1. Fig. 25(A) is a diagram showing an example of the distribution of laser power density before correction.FIG. 25(B) is a diagram showing an example of the distribution of laser power density and correction coefficients after correction. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a modified laser drawing procedure in the drawing system of FIG. 1. FIG. 27(A) is a diagram showing an example of the distribution of L* values ​​before correction. FIG. 27(B) is a diagram showing an example of the distribution of L* values ​​and correction coefficients after correction. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of contrast before and after correction. FIG. 29(A) is a diagram showing an example of the printing range and scanning range before correction. FIG. 29(B) is a diagram showing an example of the printing range and scanning range after correction. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a modified laser drawing procedure in the drawing system of FIG. 1. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a modified functional block of the drawing device of FIG. 1. FIG. 32 is a diagram conceptually showing an example of the irradiation spot diameter data of FIG. 31. FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a modified laser drawing procedure in the drawing system of FIG. 1. FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a drawing device incorporating the functions of the server device of FIG. 1. FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of the functional blocks of the rendering device of FIG. 34 . FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a modified example of the functional blocks of the rendering device of FIG. 34 . FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a modified example of the functional blocks of the rendering device of FIG. 34 . FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a modified example of the functional blocks of the rendering device of FIG. 34 . FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a modified example of the functional blocks of the rendering device of FIG. 34 . FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a modified example of the functional blocks of the rendering device of FIG. 34 . FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a modified example of the processing procedure in the server device of FIG. 1 or the rendering device of FIG. 34 . FIG. 42(A) is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the gradation of the center pixel and the drawing voltage corresponding to the gradation value in a reference machine. FIG. 42(B) is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the gradation of the center pixel and the brightness of the center pixel of an image on a medium drawn with the drawing voltage in a reference machine. FIG. 42(C) is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the gradation of the center pixel and the brightness of the center pixel of an image on a medium drawn with the drawing voltage in machine A, machine B, and machine C. Fig. 43(A) is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between gradation and drawing voltage for a reference machine, machine A, machine B, and machine C. Fig. 43(B) is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between gradation and the brightness of the central pixel of an image on a medium drawn with the drawing voltage.Fig. 44 is a diagram showing an example of a method for calculating correction values ​​and correction output setting values ​​in a drawing device. Fig. 45 is a diagram showing an example of a printing range on a leuco recording medium. Fig. 46 is a diagram showing an example of a method for calculating correction values ​​and correction output setting values ​​in a drawing device. Fig. 47 is a diagram explaining weighting according to distance using the correction values ​​of four adjacent pixel regions. Fig. 48 is a diagram showing an example of multiple L* maps and multiple correction value maps. Fig. 49 is a diagram showing an example of multiple L* maps and multiple correction value maps.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 1. Embodiment [Configuration] A drawing system 1 according to an 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 medium M (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 characteristic of a leuco recording medium RM. The leuco color space is a form of the CMY color space. In CMY, C stands for cyan, M for magenta, and Y for 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 medium M. In this manner, the drawing system 1 is provided with a color management system suitable for the medium M. Below, the medium M will be described first, and then the drawing system 1 will be described.

[0009] (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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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).

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] The spacer layer 20 is 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The protective layer 30 may be 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] (Leuco Recording Medium RM) The leuco recording medium RM includes, for example, a plurality of recording layers 13, 15, and 17 that differ from one another in color tone, as shown in Fig. 3. The leuco recording medium RM includes, 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 includes, 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).

[0021] 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 have either optical transparency or non-optical transparency to visible light. When the substrate 11 has poor transparency to visible light, the surface color of the substrate 11 may be, for example, white or a color other than white. The substrate 11 may be omitted as needed.

[0022] 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 (AlO Ｘ 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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).

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 on or under 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. The substrate 11 having such a configuration enables a clearer color display. The underlayer 12 may be omitted if necessary.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The developer may contain a compound represented by the following formula (3).

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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).

[0041] 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.

[0042] (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):

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] (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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] (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).

[0054] 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.

[0055] (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:

[0056] (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):

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] (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:

[0064] (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:

[0065] (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:

[0066] (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:

[0067] (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).

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] (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

[0071] 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:

[0072] 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.

[0073] (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.

[0074] (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.

[0075] (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. ,

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] The medium M may include a laser marking layer at any location. The laser marking layer may be a known laser marking sheet. A known laser marking sheet is a sheet that becomes absorbent in the visible light range when irradiated with laser light. The laser marking layer is configured to be laser markable by, for example, at least one of the following methods (1) to (5). However, the laser marking layer may also be configured to be laser markable by a method other than the following methods (1) to (5).

[0092] (1) A method of foaming a resin material to develop color. (2) A method of adding an additive that absorbs laser light to a resin material, causing the additive itself to develop color. (3) A method of adding an additive that absorbs laser light to a resin material, causing the additive to heat up and carbonize the surrounding resin material, resulting in color development. (4) A method of etching the surface of a resin layer by irradiating it with a laser, utilizing changes in the surface condition. (5) A method of marking by irradiating a black or dark colored resin material with laser light, causing the colorant (carbon black) to sublimate (decompose) and decolorize (exposing the base color of the resin material).

[0093] Specifically, the laser marking layer includes, for example, a light-to-heat conversion agent and a resin material. The light-to-heat conversion agent includes, for example, carbon. The resin material includes, for example, a polycarbonate resin.

[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 (for example, input image data I １ ) 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. １ In 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. In response to the transmission of various data, the communication unit 110 acquires a voltage value file 42 (described below) from the server device 200. The communication unit 110 outputs the voltage value file 42 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 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 a user (for example, input image data I １) 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 by, for example, 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 realized 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, etc. The storage unit 140 stores, for example, emission timing data 41 and a drawing program 43. The storage unit 140 also stores, for example, a voltage value file 42.

[0100] The emission timing data 41 specifies correction values ​​for the emission timing of each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C, which are used to reduce misalignment in the scanning direction of the irradiation spots of each laser beam generated on the leuco recording medium RM when the laser beams are emitted from each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C, described below, with the scanning of the scanner unit 66, described below, stopped. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the emission timing data 41 specifies the correction values ​​for the emission timing of each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C. 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 described.

[0101] The voltage value file 42 contains leuco image data I described in the leuco color space. ３ (described later) and the conversion table 21 (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

[0102] 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 ) 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.

[0103] 6 shows an example of the schematic configuration of the drawing unit 160. The drawing unit 160 reads the voltage value file 42 (command voltage value (D Ｍｉ , D Ｃｉ , D Ｙｉ ) list) to perform laser drawing on the medium M (leuco recording medium RM). The drawing unit 160 has, for example, a signal processing circuit 61, a laser driving circuit 62, a light source unit 63, an adjustment mechanism 64, a scanner driving circuit 65, and a scanner unit 66, as shown in FIG. 6. The drawing unit 160 uses the voltage value file 42 (command voltage value (D Ｍｉ , D Ｃｉ , D Ｙｉ )) and controls the output of the light source unit 63 based on the list of the light sources 63 to perform drawing on the medium M (leuco recording medium RM).

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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).

[0106] λa1-20nm<λ1<λa1+20nm…(1) λa2-20nm<λ2<λa2+20nm…(2) λa3-20nm<λ3<λa3+20nm…(3)

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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 (movable 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 configured with 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.

[0114] The leuco recording medium RM may be arranged in a closed space (closed space), or may be arranged in an open space (open space).

[0115] (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.

[0116] The communication unit 210 communicates with the drawing device 100. For example, the communication unit 210 receives input image data I １ 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 also be configured with, for example, 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.

[0117] The storage unit 220 stores, for example, a conversion table 21, conversion profiles 22 and 23, and a generation program 24. Each conversion table 21 stores 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, VＣ 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] The conversion profiles 22 and 23 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.

[0119] The conversion profile 22 is an input profile for color management. The conversion profile 22 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 ＊ The conversion profile 23 is an output profile in color management. The conversion profile 23 describes (maps) the relationship between the device-independent color space and the Leuco color space.

[0120] The generation program 24 converts input image data I described in a device-dependent color space using the conversion profiles 22 and 23. １ is expressed as intermediate image data I ２ Leuco image data I described in the leuco color space via ３ The generating program 24 converts the leuco image data I ３ The generation process of this is part of the generation process described below.

[0121] The information processing unit 230 is a color management system optimized for the leuco recording medium RM, constructed by adapting conversion profiles 22 and 23, 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 22 and 23, which are a type of ICC profile. The conversion profiles 22 and 23, 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 assuming color reproduction.

[0122] The information processing unit 230 includes, for example, a CPU and a GPU, and is capable of executing a program (for example, the generation program 24) stored in the storage unit 220. For example, when the generation program 24 is loaded, the information processing unit 230 converts the input image data I into a digital image using the conversion profile 22 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 22 into L ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ It is made up of values.

[0123] The information processing unit 230 further converts the intermediate image data I into a conversion profile 23 read from the storage unit 220 by loading the generation program 24, for example. ２ , leuco image data I ３ Convert to Leuco image data I ３is 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.

[0124] 8 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.

[0125] The color space conversion unit 31 receives the input image data I via the communication unit 210. １ When input, the input image data I is converted using the conversion profile 22 read from the storage unit 220. 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 22 to L ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ Using a conversion profile to a color space, the input image data I １ To, L ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊ Intermediate image data I described in color space ２ Convert to.

[0126] The color space conversion unit 31 converts the intermediate image data I into a color space using the conversion profile 23 read from the storage unit 220. ２ Leuco image data I ３ The intermediate image data I ２ L ＊ , a ＊ , b ＊If the conversion profile 23 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.

[0127] The command voltage value calculation unit 32 calculates the drawing coordinates, the conversion table 21 read from the storage unit 220, and the leuco image data I input from the color space conversion unit 31. ３ Based on this, the command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ The command voltage value calculation unit 32 derives the command voltage value I for each of the drawing coordinates, the conversion table 21, and the leuco image data I. ３ 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.

[0128] Next, an example of writing information in the drawing system 1 will be described.

[0129] [Writing] First, the user prepares a medium M having 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 is input to the drawing device 100. The drawing device 100 converts the input image data I １ When the input image data I １ The server device 200 receives the input image data I from the drawing device 100. １ When the input image data I １The following generation and drawing processes are performed using

[0130] 9 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 acquires the acquired input image data I １ is transmitted to the server device 200 (step S102).

[0131] The server device 200 receives input image data I １ The server device 200 receives the input image data I from the drawing device 100 (step S201). Then, the server device 200 reads the conversion table 21 and the conversion profiles 22 and 23 from the storage unit 220 (step S202). Next, the server device 200 converts the input image data I into the conversion table 21 and the conversion profiles 22 and 23. １ Leuco image data I ３ (Step S203). The server device 200 generates the input image data I using, for example, the conversion profile 22. 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 following image data using, for example, the conversion profile 23. ２ Leuco image data I ３ Next, the server device 200 converts, for example, the conversion table 21 and the leuco image data I ３ Based on this, the command voltage value (D Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) for each drawing coordinate, and generates a voltage value file 42 (step S204). The server device 200 transmits the generated voltage value file 42 to the drawing device 100 (step S205).

[0132] The imaging device 100 receives the voltage value file 42 from the server device 200 (step S103). Then, the imaging device 100 reads the emission timing data 41 from the storage unit 140 (step S104). Next, the imaging device 100 performs laser imaging on the leuco recording medium RM based on the voltage value file 42 and the emission timing data 41 (step S105). The imaging device 100, for example, emits laser light from the light source 63A at emission timing ta, emits laser light from the light source 63B at emission timing tb, and emits laser light from the light source 63C at emission timing tc. This allows the imaging device 100 to align the position coordinates in the scanning direction of the irradiation spots of the laser light from each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] Next, an example of a procedure for creating the conversion table 21 and conversion profile 23 required for writing information in the drawing system 1 will be described.

[0136] [Creating the Conversion Table 21 and the Conversion Profile 23] FIG. 10 shows an example of a procedure for creating the conversion table 21 and the conversion profile 23. First, the user prepares a medium M having 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 21 and the conversion profile 23. In response to the request, the information processing unit 150 transmits screen data for creating the conversion table 21 and the conversion profile 23 to the display unit 130. The display unit 130 displays the interface for creating the conversion table 21 and the conversion profile 23 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 21 and the conversion profile 23 to instruct the creation of the conversion table 21 and the conversion profile 23. The information processing unit 150 then executes the creation of the conversion table 21 and the conversion profile 23 in accordance with the instruction.

[0137] First, the information processing unit 150 generates the conversion table 21 (step S301). In generating the conversion table 21, 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 (DＭ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) to create the conversion table 21. 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.

[0138] 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 a predetermined interpolation process. The predetermined interpolation process is, for example, 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.

[0139] 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 ​​(B Ｍ , B Ｃ , B Ｙ The user obtains the measurement 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 (B Ｍ , B Ｃ , B Ｙ ) and creates a conversion table 21 describing the correspondence between them.

[0140] 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 21 (step S302). Ｍ , D Ｃ , D Ｙ ) combinations (voltage combination list 72) (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 (step S304). The information processing unit 150 transfers the generated color list 73 to the drawing unit 160.

[0141] 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 (step S305). As a result, a color chart is formed 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.

[0142] 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 23 is generated (step S307) that describes the correspondence between the values ​​and the tone values ​​in the leuco color space included in the color list 73. In this way, the conversion profile 23 is generated.

[0143] Next, the positional deviation of the irradiation spots of the laser beams from the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C in the scanning direction (row direction) of the laser beams and the procedure for correcting the positional deviation will be described.

[0144] FIG. 11A is a diagram showing an example of the position of the irradiation spot before correction. FIG. 11B is a diagram showing an example of the position of the irradiation spot after correction. The installation positions of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C and the optical path lengths of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C to the media surface Sa are different from one another due to assembly errors of the imaging device 100, etc. Therefore, the irradiation spots of the laser beams of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C on the media surface Sa are likely to be misaligned in the scanning direction (row direction) of the laser beam, as shown in FIG. 11A . For example, when the position of the cyan irradiation spot is used as a reference, the yellow irradiation spot is misaligned by −Lxa in the scanning direction (row direction) of the laser beam, and the magenta irradiation spot is misaligned by +Lxc in the scanning direction (row direction) of the laser beam. However, in this embodiment, the emission timing of the laser beams of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C is adjusted using emission timing data 41. This reduces the positional deviation in the scanning direction of the irradiation spots of the laser beams generated on the leuco recording medium RM when the laser beams are emitted from the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C, for example, as shown in FIG. 11B.

[0145] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure for generating emission timing data 41. First, information processing unit 150 outputs a control signal to drawing unit 160 to stop scanning by scanner unit 66 and to instruct each of light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C to emit laser light. Drawing unit 160 then stops scanning by scanner unit 66 and emits laser light from each of light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C (steps S401 and S402).

[0146] Next, the user uses a measuring device or the like to measure the amount of misalignment of the irradiation spots of the laser light from each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C in the scanning direction (row direction) of the laser light, and inputs the thus obtained amount of misalignment to the information processing unit 150 via the input unit 120. The information processing unit 150 acquires the amount of misalignment via the input unit 120 (step S403).

[0147] The information processing unit 150 generates emission timing data 41 for each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C based on the acquired positional deviation amounts (step S404). The information processing unit 150 generates the emission timing data 41 based on, for example, the acquired positional deviation amounts and the scanning speed of the scanner unit 66. The information processing unit 150 stores the generated emission timing data 41 in the storage unit 140 (step S405). In this manner, the emission timing data 41 is generated.

[0148] [Effects] Next, the effects of the drawing system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0149] In this embodiment, the leuco image data I ３ The light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C are driven based on the voltage value file 42 for each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C, which is set based on the voltage value file 42, and the emission timing data 41, which sets the emission timing of each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C. This makes it possible to align the position coordinates in the scanning direction of the irradiation spots of the laser light from each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C. As a result, a high-quality color image can be obtained.

[0150] In this embodiment, the emission timing data 41 specifies correction values ​​for the emission timing of each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C to reduce misalignment in the scanning direction of the irradiation spots of each laser beam generated on the leuco recording medium RM when the laser beams are emitted from each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C with the scanning of the scanner unit 66 stopped. Thus, by driving each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C based on the emission timing data 41, it is possible to align the position coordinates in the scanning direction of the irradiation spots of the laser beams from each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C. As a result, a high-quality color image can be obtained.

[0151] In this embodiment, emission timing data 41 is stored in storage unit 140. This allows the position coordinates of the irradiation spots of the laser beams from light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C to be aligned in the scanning direction by driving light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C based on emission timing data 41. As a result, a high-quality color image can be obtained.

[0152] <2. Modifications> [Modification A] In the optical system of the scanner unit 66 of the above embodiment, offsets of the irradiation spots of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction of the scanner unit 66 (column direction) may be defined. In this case, the storage unit 140 of the imaging device 100 may further store column direction offset data 44, for example, as shown in Fig. 13. The column direction offset data 44 defines offsets of the irradiation spots of the laser beams generated on the leuco recording medium RM in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction (column direction) when the laser beams are emitted from the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C with the scanning of the scanner unit 66 stopped.

[0153] Next, the offset of the irradiation spots of the laser beams from the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C in the direction (column direction) perpendicular to the scanning direction of the laser beams, and laser drawing taking the offset into consideration will be described.

[0154] 14A is a diagram showing an example of the position of the irradiation spot after correction using the emission timing data 41 and before applying a column-direction offset. FIG. 14B is a diagram showing an example of the position of the irradiation spot after correction using the emission timing data 41 and after applying a column-direction offset. For example, when the irradiation spots of the laser beams from the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C overlap with each other as shown in FIG. 14A, mutual interference may occur. The mutual interference refers to the heat generated by the recording layer 13 absorbing the laser beam from the light source 63A heating the recording layer 15 and causing it to develop a color, or the heat generated by the recording layer 15 absorbing the laser beam from the light source 63B heating the recording layer 13 and causing it to develop a color. Such mutual interference results in a decrease in image quality.

[0155] However, in this modification, the optical system of the scanner unit 66 defines an offset of the illumination spots of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction of the scanner unit 66. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 14B , an offset occurs in the illumination spots of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C in the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction of the laser light (column direction). For example, when the position of the cyan illumination spot is used as a reference, the yellow illumination spot is shifted by +Lya in the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction of the laser light (column direction), and the magenta illumination spot is shifted by −Lyc in the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction of the laser light (column direction).

[0156] Furthermore, in this modification, data on the offset amount (column-direction offset data 44) is stored in the storage unit 140. The information processing unit 150 calculates the offset amount of the input image data I based on the column-direction offset data 44. １ The rendering unit 16 can correct the input image data I １ This allows laser drawing to be performed using the voltage value file 42 generated based on the offset-compatible image data. １ An image corresponding to the above can be drawn on the leuco recording medium RM.

[0157] 15 shows an example of a laser drawing procedure in the drawing system 1 according to this modification. First, the drawing device 100 receives input image data I via the input unit 120. １ and column-direction offset data 44 (step S106). Based on the column-direction offset data 44, the drawing device 100 calculates the input image data I １ (Step S107). The rendering device 100 corrects the corrected input image data I １ to the server device 200 (step S108).

[0158] The server device 200 receives input image data I １When the voltage value file 42 is received from the drawing device 100 (step S201), steps S202 to S204 described in the above embodiment are executed, and the voltage value file 42 obtained thereby is transmitted to the drawing device 100 (step S205).

[0159] The imaging device 100 receives the voltage value file 42 from the server device 200 (step S103), and then performs laser imaging on the leuco recording medium RM using the received voltage value file 42 and the emission timing data 41 read from the storage unit 140 (steps S104 and S105). This allows the imaging device 100 to align the position coordinates of the irradiation spots of the laser beams from the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C in the scanning direction, and further allows the laser beams from the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C to be irradiated at positions shifted by a predetermined offset amount in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction. As a result, a high-quality color image without mutual interference can be obtained.

[0160] [Variation B] In the above-described embodiment and its variations, the storage unit 140 of the imaging device 100 may further store aberration correction data 45, as shown in FIG. 16 . The aberration correction data 45 is data for suppressing aberration, a phenomenon in which the pitch of the laser beam irradiation spot differs when the laser beam passes near the center of the fθ lens 66B and when it passes near the edge of the fθ lens 66B. Aberration in the fθ lens 66B can cause distortion in the image drawn on the leuco recording medium RM due to the aberration of the fθ lens 66B. The degree of aberration varies depending on the wavelength of the laser beam, as shown in FIG. 17A . Therefore, the aberration correction data 45 specifies a correction value for each drawing coordinate in the voltage value file 42 so that the pitch of the CMY laser beam irradiation spot remains constant regardless of location. In other words, the aberration correction data 45 specifies distortion imparting control data that imparts distortion corresponding to the aberration of the fθ lens 66B as the correction value. 18, the aberration correction data 45 specifies, as the correction value, a correction value for the emission timing of each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C for each drawing coordinate in the voltage value file 42. By correcting the emission timing of each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C using the aberration correction data 45, the pitch of the irradiation spots of the CMY laser light becomes constant regardless of location, as shown in FIG.

[0161] 19 shows an example of a laser drawing procedure in the drawing system 1 according to this modification. First, the drawing device 100 receives input image data I via the input unit 120. １ and column-direction offset data 44 (step S106). Based on the column-direction offset data 44, the drawing device 100 calculates the input image data I １ (Step S107). The rendering device 100 corrects the corrected input image data I １ to the server device 200 (step S108).

[0162] The server device 200 receives input image data I １When the voltage value file 42 is received from the drawing device 100 (step S201), steps S202 to S204 described in the above embodiment are executed, and the voltage value file 42 obtained thereby is transmitted to the drawing device 100 (step S205).

[0163] The imaging device 100 receives the voltage value file 42 from the server device 200 (step S103) and reads the emission timing data 41 and the aberration correction data 45 from the storage unit 140 (step S109). The imaging device 100 then performs laser imaging on the leuco recording medium RM using the received voltage value file 42 and the emission timing data 41 and the aberration correction data 45 read from the storage unit 140 (step S110). For example, the imaging device 100 corrects the control data for the biaxial scanner 66A based on the aberration correction data 45 to generate distortion imparting control data that imparts distortion corresponding to the aberration of the f-theta lens 66B, and controls the operation of the biaxial scanner 66A based on the distortion imparting control data. This allows the imaging device 100 to irradiate the laser beams from the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C at timings corresponding to the aberration of the f-theta lens 66B. As a result, a high-quality color image can be obtained without (or with little) distortion caused by the aberration of the fθ lens 66B.

[0164] [Variation C] In the above-described embodiment and variations thereof, the storage unit 140 of the imaging device 100 may further store aberration correction data 46, for example, as shown in FIG. 20. The aberration correction data 46 is data for suppressing distortion that occurs in an image imaged on the leuco recording medium RM due to a phenomenon called aberration, in which the pitch of the irradiation spot of the laser light shifts when the laser light passes near the center of the fθ lens 66B and when it passes near the edge of the fθ lens 66B. The image imaged on the leuco recording medium RM becomes distorted due to the influence of aberration, for example, as shown in FIG. 21(A). The image distortion differs depending on the wavelength of the laser light. Therefore, the aberration correction data 46 corrects the input image data I so that, as a result of distortion due to the influence of aberration, an image that appears at first glance to be free from the influence of aberration, for example, as shown in FIG. 21(B), is obtained. １In other words, the aberration correction data 46 specifies, as the correction value, a correction value for correcting distortion corresponding to the aberration of the fθ lens 66B for each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C. １ By correcting the aberration, for example, as shown in FIG. 21B, an image that is not affected by the aberration can be drawn on the leuco recording medium RM.

[0165] 22 shows an example of a laser drawing procedure in the drawing system 1 according to this modification. First, the drawing device 100 receives input image data I via the input unit 120. １ The drawing device 100 obtains the column-direction offset data 44 and the aberration correction data 46 (step S111). １ (Step S112). The rendering device 100 corrects the corrected input image data I １ to the server device 200 (step S113).

[0166] The server device 200 receives the corrected input image data I １ When the voltage value file 42 is received from the drawing device 100 (step S201), steps S202 to S204 described in the above embodiment are executed, and the voltage value file 42 obtained thereby is transmitted to the drawing device 100 (step S205).

[0167] The imaging device 100 receives the voltage value file 42 from the server device 200 (step S103) and reads the emission timing data 41 from the storage unit 140 (step S104). The imaging device 100 then uses the received voltage value file 42 and the emission timing data 41 read from the storage unit 140 to perform laser imaging on the leuco recording medium RM (step S105). This allows the imaging device 100 to image an image on the leuco recording medium RM that is not affected by aberrations. As a result, a high-quality color image can be obtained.

[0168] [Modification D] In the above modification C, the aberration correction data 46 is, for example, a correction of the input image data I so as to obtain an image free from the influence of aberration as shown in FIG. 23(B). １ The data of the part where distortion due to aberration may appear is referred to as input image data I １ The aberration correction data 46 may include, for example, data that can be excluded from the input image data I １ In this modification, the information processing unit 150 uses the aberration correction data 46 to correct the input image data I １ It is possible to exclude data of portions where distortion due to aberration may appear from the image data, and set the output setting values ​​(command voltage values) of each light source 63A, 63B, 63C based on the distortion-free image data obtained. As a result, for example, as shown in Figure 23(B), an image that is not affected by aberration can be drawn on the leuco recording medium RM.

[0169] [Modification E] In the above-described embodiment and its modifications, the storage unit 140 of the imaging device 100 may further store voltage value correction data 47, for example, as shown in FIG.

[0170] 25A is a diagram showing an example of the power density distribution for one line of each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C output from the scanner unit 66 before correcting the output setting values ​​of each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C. Fig. 25A shows an example of the power density distribution for one line of each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C when the output setting values ​​for one line of each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C are all constant. Fig. 25A shows ... ３25(B) illustrates an example of the distribution of laser power density obtained when the gradation values ​​of each pixel in one row are the same value for all pixels in the row. Fig. 25(B) is a diagram showing an example of the distribution of power density for each light source 63A, 63B, and 63C for one row output from the scanner unit 66 after the output setting values ​​of each light source 63A, 63B, and 63C are corrected using the voltage value correction data 47. Fig. 25(B) illustrates an example of the distribution of power density for each light source 63A, 63B, and 63C for one row when the output setting values ​​of each light source 63A, 63B, and 63C for one row are all constant. Fig. 25(B) illustrates an example of the distribution of correction values ​​(correction coefficients) for each pixel in one row included in the voltage value correction data 47, and a distribution of laser power density obtained using the output setting values ​​of each pixel in one row obtained using the correction values ​​(correction coefficients) for each pixel in one row.

[0171] The voltage value correction data 47 specifies correction values ​​for the output setting values ​​that result in a more uniform power density distribution for one line (e.g., see FIG. 25B) compared to the power density distribution for one line of each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C output from the scanner unit 66 when the output setting values ​​of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C are not corrected (e.g., see FIG. 25A). The voltage value correction data 47 specifies, for example, correction values ​​(correction coefficients) for the output setting values ​​for one line for each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C as the correction values. In this modification, the information processing unit 150 uses the voltage value correction data 47 to correct the output setting value of at least one of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C, thereby generating a corrected output setting value.

[0172] 26 shows an example of a laser drawing procedure in the drawing system 1 according to this modification. First, the drawing device 100 receives input image data I via the input unit 120. １ and column-direction offset data 44 (step S106). Based on the column-direction offset data 44, the drawing device 100 calculates the input image data I １ (Step S107). The rendering device 100 corrects the corrected input image data I １ to the server device 200 (step S108).

[0173] The server device 200 receives input image data I １ When the voltage value file 42 is received from the drawing device 100 (step S201), steps S202 to S204 described in the above embodiment are executed, and the voltage value file 42 obtained thereby is transmitted to the drawing device 100 (step S205).

[0174] The imaging device 100 receives the voltage value file 42 from the server device 200 (step S103) and reads the emission timing data 41 and the voltage value correction data 47 from the storage unit 140 (step S114). The imaging device 100 then corrects the voltage value file 42 based on the voltage value correction data 47 read from the storage unit 140 (step S115). For example, the imaging device 100 corrects the output setting value of each imaging pixel listed in the voltage value file 42, corresponding to at least one of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C, based on the voltage value correction data 47. The imaging device 100 then performs laser imaging on the leuco recording medium RM using the corrected voltage value file 42 and the emission timing data 41 read from the storage unit 140 (step S116). This allows the imaging device 100 to reduce image quality defects caused by power loss along the optical path of the laser light from each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C. As a result, a high-quality color image can be obtained.

[0175] In this modification, the drawing device 100 may correct the output setting values ​​of each drawing pixel described in the voltage value file 42 using the voltage value correction data 47, or may, if necessary, correct only the output setting values ​​of some of the drawing pixels described in the voltage value file 42 using the voltage value correction data 47. In this modification, the drawing device 100 may correct the output setting values ​​of drawing pixels at a specific location on the medium M, out of all the output setting values ​​described in the voltage value file 42, using voltage value correction data 47' that is different from the voltage value correction data 47 and that is created for a specific location on the medium M. In this case, the drawing device 100 may correct only the output setting values ​​of drawing pixels at a location on the medium M excluding the specific location on the medium M, out of all the output setting values ​​described in the voltage value file 42, using the voltage value correction data 47.

[0176] [Variation F] Fig. 27(A) is a diagram showing an example of the distribution of L* values ​​for one line of each light source 63A, 63B, 63C drawn by the scanner unit 66 before correcting the output setting values ​​of each light source 63A, 63B, 63C. The "distribution of L* values" in Fig. 27(A) corresponds to a specific example of "the distribution of gradation values ​​of an image drawn on a recording medium when the output setting values ​​of each light source 63A, 63B, 63C are not corrected" according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 27(A) shows an example of the distribution of L* values ​​for one line of each light source 63A, 63B, 63C when the output setting values ​​for one line of each light source 63A, 63B, 63C are all constant. Fig. 27(A) shows the distribution of L* values ​​for one line of each light source 63A, 63B, 63C drawn by the scanner unit 66 before correcting the output setting values ​​of each light source 63A, 63B, 63C. ３ 27(B) illustrates an example of the distribution of L* values ​​obtained when the gradation values ​​of each pixel in one row are the same value for all pixels in the row. FIG. 27(B) is a diagram showing an example of the distribution of L* values ​​for one row of each light source 63A, 63B, and 63C output from the scanner unit 66 after the output setting values ​​of each light source 63A, 63B, and 63C are corrected using the voltage value correction data 47. The "distribution of L* values" in FIG. 27(B) corresponds to a specific example of "a distribution of gradation values ​​that is more uniform than the distribution of gradation values ​​of an image drawn on a recording medium when the output setting values ​​of each light source 63A, 63B, and 63C are not corrected" according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 27(B) illustrates an example of the distribution of L* values ​​for one row of each light source 63A, 63B, and 63C when the output setting values ​​of each light source 63A, 63B, and 63C for one row are all constant. Figure 27 (B) illustrates the distribution of correction values ​​(correction coefficients) for each pixel in one row included in the voltage value correction data 47, and the distribution of L* values ​​obtained using the output setting values ​​for each pixel in one row obtained using the correction values ​​(correction coefficients) for each pixel in one row.

[0177] In the above-described modification E, the voltage value correction data 47 may specify a correction value for the output setting value that results in a more uniform distribution of L* values ​​for one line (e.g., see FIG. 27B) compared to the distribution of L* values ​​for one line of each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C drawn by the scanner unit 66 when the output setting values ​​of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C are not corrected (e.g., see FIG. 27A). The voltage value correction data 47 specifies, for example, a correction value (correction coefficient) for the output setting value for one line for each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C as the correction value. As in the above-described modification E, the information processing unit 150 can use the voltage value correction data 47 to correct the output setting value of at least one of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C, thereby generating a corrected output setting value. This allows the imaging device 100 to reduce image quality defects caused by mechanical factors such as power loss in the optical paths of the laser beams from the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C, and misalignment of the optical axes, etc. As a result, a high-quality color image can be obtained.

[0178] The voltage value correction data 47 may be defined using, for example, the a* value, the b* value, or the optical density (OD value) instead of the L* value.

[0179] In this modification, the drawing device 100 may correct the output setting values ​​of each drawing pixel described in the voltage value file 42 using the voltage value correction data 47, or may, if necessary, correct only the output setting values ​​of some of the drawing pixels described in the voltage value file 42 using the voltage value correction data 47. In this modification, the drawing device 100 may correct the output setting values ​​of drawing pixels at a specific location on the medium M, out of all the output setting values ​​described in the voltage value file 42, using voltage value correction data 47' that is different from the voltage value correction data 47 and that is created for a specific location on the medium M. In this case, the drawing device 100 may correct only the output setting values ​​of drawing pixels at a location on the medium M excluding the specific location on the medium M, out of all the output setting values ​​described in the voltage value file 42, using the voltage value correction data 47.

[0180] [Variation G] In Variation E, the voltage value correction data 47 may specify output setting value correction values ​​that result in a line of contrast greater than the contrast of one line of each light source 63A, 63B, and 63C drawn by the scanner unit 66 when the output setting values ​​of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C are not corrected (see, for example, FIG. 28). The voltage value correction data 47 may specify, for example, a correction value (correction coefficient) for the output setting value of one line for each light source 63A, 63B, and 63C as the correction value. As in Variation E, the information processing unit 150 uses the voltage value correction data 47 to correct the output setting value of at least one of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C, thereby generating a corrected output setting value that results in a contrast greater than the contrast of an image drawn on the leuco recording medium RM based on the output setting value before correction. This allows the drawing device 100 to obtain a high-contrast, high-quality color image.

[0181] The voltage value correction data 47 may also specify correction values ​​for the output setting values ​​that result in a larger color gamut than the color gamut of one line of each light source 63A, 63B, and 63C drawn by the scanner unit 66 when the output setting values ​​of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C are not corrected. For example, the voltage value correction data 47 specifies a correction value (correction coefficient) for the output setting value of one line for each light source 63A, 63B, and 63C as the correction value. The information processing unit 150 uses the voltage value correction data 47 to correct the output setting value of at least one of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C, thereby generating a corrected output setting value that results in a larger color gamut than the color gamut of the image drawn on the leuco recording medium RM based on the output setting value before correction. This enables the drawing device 100 to obtain a high-quality color image with a large color gamut.

[0182] [Modification H] Fig. 29(A) is a diagram showing an example of the printing range and scanning range before correction. Fig. 29(B) is a diagram showing an example of the printing range and scanning range after correction. In the above embodiment and its modifications, for example, as shown in Fig. 29, when the printing range α (coloring range) on the leuco recording medium RM is narrower than the scanning range β of the scanner unit 66, the information processing device 150 performs the following operation on the input image data I １ The information processing apparatus 150 may be able to set the scanning range β of the scanner unit 66 based on, for example, the input image data I. １ In this case, the scanner unit 66 scans the laser beams emitted from the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C only within the scanning range β newly set by the information processing device 150 on the surface of the leuco recording medium RM, thereby rendering an image on the leuco recording medium RM.

[0183] 30 shows an example of a laser drawing procedure in the drawing system 1 according to this modification. First, the drawing device 100 receives input image data I via the input unit 120. １ and column-direction offset data 44 (step S106). Based on the column-direction offset data 44, the drawing device 100 calculates the input image data I １ (Step S107). The rendering device 100 corrects the corrected input image data I １ to the server device 200 (step S108).

[0184] The server device 200 receives input image data I １ When the voltage value file 42 is received from the drawing device 100 (step S201), steps S202 to S204 described in the above embodiment are executed, and the voltage value file 42 obtained thereby is transmitted to the drawing device 100 (step S205).

[0185] The drawing device 100 receives the voltage value file 42 from the server device 200 (step S103), and reads out the emission timing data 41 from the storage unit 140 (step S104). １(Step S117). Then, the imaging device 100 uses the voltage value file 42 and the emission timing data 41 to perform imaging with the laser on the leuco recording medium RM in the newly set scanning range β (Step S118). This prevents the scanner unit 66 from scanning unnecessary areas, making it possible to obtain a high-quality color image in a shorter time.

[0186] [Variation I] In the above-described variation A, the storage unit 140 of the drawing device 100 may further store irradiation spot diameter data 48, for example, as shown in FIG. 31 . The irradiation spot diameter data 48 specifies the irradiation spot diameter for each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C, for example, as shown in FIG. 32 . The smaller the irradiation spot diameter, the higher the resolution of the image that can be drawn on the leuco recording medium RM. On the other hand, the larger the irradiation spot diameter, the lower the resolution of the image that can be drawn on the leuco recording medium RM. The shape of the irradiation spot may be circular, elliptical, or any other shape. The irradiation spot diameter may be specified based on a predetermined rule regardless of the shape of the irradiation spot. The irradiation spot diameter may be specified, for example, by the radius of a circle circumscribing the irradiation spot. The irradiation spot diameter may be specified, for example, by the half-width of the distribution curve of the laser beam intensity, or by the maximum value E of the laser beam intensity, where E is the spot diameter = 1 / E. ２ or may be calculated from the second moment width.

[0187] In the imaging device 100, when the resolution of an image to be imaged on the leuco recording medium RM is set according to the irradiation spot diameter, the scanning pitch of the laser light emitted from the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C changes according to the irradiation spot diameter. At this time, the number of scanning lines within the offset of the irradiation spot of each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C in the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction of the scanner unit 66 (column direction) changes according to the irradiation spot diameter. Therefore, in this modified example, the information processing device 150 calculates the input image data I based on the column direction offset data 44 and the irradiation spot diameter data 48. １ It is possible to correct this.

[0188] 33 shows an example of a laser drawing procedure in the drawing system 1 according to this modification. First, the drawing device 100 receives input image data I via the input unit 120. １ The drawing device 100 then obtains the column-direction offset data 44 and the irradiation spot diameter data 48 (step S119). １ (Step S120). The rendering device 100 corrects the corrected input image data I １ is transmitted to the server device 200 (step S121).

[0189] The server device 200 receives input image data I １ When the voltage value file 42 is received from the drawing device 100 (step S201), steps S202 to S204 described in the above embodiment are executed, and the voltage value file 42 obtained thereby is transmitted to the drawing device 100 (step S205).

[0190] The imaging device 100 receives the voltage value file 42 from the server device 200 (step S103) and reads the emission timing data 41 from the storage unit 140 (step S104). Next, the imaging device 100 uses the voltage value file 42 and the emission timing data 41 to perform laser imaging on the leuco recording medium RM (step S105). This allows an image to be imaged at a scanning pitch that corresponds to the size of the irradiation spot diameter. As a result, a high-quality color image that corresponds to the size of the irradiation spot diameter can be obtained.

[0191] [Modification J] An embodiment of the present disclosure may be realized by, for example, a drawing device 400 as shown in FIG. 34 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.

[0192] 35, 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, emission timing data 41, a drawing program 43, a generation program 24, a conversion table 21, and conversion profiles 22 and 23. The storage unit 140 stores, for example, a voltage value file 42. The information processing unit 410 is configured to include, for example, a CPU and a GPU, and is capable of executing the series of processes executed by the information processing devices 150 and 230 according to the above-described embodiments and their modifications.

[0193] 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-described embodiment and its modifications can be obtained.

[0194] [Modification K] In the above-described modification J, the storage unit 140 of the drawing device 400 may further store column-direction offset data 44, for example, as shown in Fig. 36. In this case, the same effect as that of the drawing system 1 according to modification A can be obtained.

[0195] [Modification L] In the above-described modification K, the storage unit 140 of the imaging device 400 may further store aberration correction data 45, for example, as shown in Fig. 37. In this case, the same effects as those of the imaging system 1 according to modification B can be obtained.

[0196] [Modification M] In the above-described modification K, the storage unit 140 of the imaging device 400 may further store aberration correction data 46, for example, as shown in Fig. 38. In this case, the same effects as those of the imaging system 1 according to modification C or modification D can be obtained.

[0197] [Modification N] In the above-described modification K, the storage unit 140 of the imaging device 400 may further store voltage value correction data 47, for example, as shown in Fig. 39. In this case, the same effects as those of the imaging system 1 according to modification E, modification F, or modification G can be obtained.

[0198] [Modification O] In the above modifications J to N, for example, as shown in FIG. 29, when the printing range α (coloring range) on the leuco recording medium RM is narrower than the scanning range β of the scanner unit 66, the information processing device 410 １ The information processing device 410 may be configured to set the scanning range β of the scanner unit 66 based on, for example, the input image data I. １ The printing range α may be set to coincide with the printing range α of the leuco recording medium RM. In this case, the scanner unit 66 scans the laser light emitted from each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C only within the scanning range β of the surface of the leuco recording medium RM, which is newly set by the information processing device 410, thereby rendering an image on the leuco recording medium RM. This prevents the scanner unit 66 from scanning unnecessary areas, making it possible to obtain a high-quality color image in a shorter time.

[0199] [Modification P] In the above-described modification K, the storage unit 140 of the imaging device 400 may further store irradiation spot diameter data 48, for example, as shown in Fig. 40. In this case, the same effects as those of the imaging system 1 according to modification I can be obtained.

[0200] [Modification Q] In the above embodiment and modifications A to I, the rendering device 100 may be configured to execute at least a part of the series of processes (e.g., the processes described in steps S202 to S204) executed by the server device 200. Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above embodiment and modifications A to I can be obtained.

[0201] [Modification R] In the above embodiment and its modifications, the server device 200 or the rendering device 400 converts the intermediate image data I into a 3D image data using the conversion profiles 22 and 23 as shown in FIG. 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 ３On the other hand, when a color specific to the leuco recording medium RM occurs, the server device 200 or the rendering device 400 can perform correction to alleviate the specific color, thereby enabling faithful color reproduction on the leuco recording medium RM.

[0202] [Variation S] In Variation E, the voltage value correction data 47 may specify a correction value for the output setting value so that the distribution of power densities of all pixels drawn with the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C becomes more uniform than when the output setting value is not corrected. Also, in Variation F, the voltage value correction data 47 may specify a correction value for the output setting value so that the distribution of L* values ​​of all pixels drawn with the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C becomes more uniform than when the output setting value is not corrected. Also, in Variation F, the voltage value correction data 47 may specify a correction value for the output setting value so that the distribution of a* values ​​of all pixels drawn with the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C becomes more uniform than when the output setting value is not corrected. Also, in Variation F, the voltage value correction data 47 may specify a correction value for the output setting value so that the distribution of b* values ​​of all pixels drawn with the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C becomes more uniform than when the output setting value is not corrected. Furthermore, in the above-described modification F, the voltage value correction data 47 may specify a correction value for the output setting value so that the distribution of the optical density (OD value) of all pixels drawn with each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C becomes more uniform compared to when the output setting value is not corrected. In this modification, the "distribution of the L* values ​​of all pixels drawn with each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C," the "distribution of the a* values ​​of all pixels drawn with each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C," the "distribution of the b* values ​​of all pixels drawn with each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C," and the "distribution of the optical density (OD value) of all pixels drawn with each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C" correspond to a specific example of the "distribution of the gradation values ​​of an image drawn on a recording medium when the output setting value of each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C is not corrected" according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0203] In the voltage value correction data 47 according to this modification, a correction value (correction coefficient) for the output setting value of each pixel is specified for each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C as the correction value. The correction values ​​(correction coefficients) corresponding to the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C may be calculated based on an evaluation of a common power density or a common gradation (L*, a*, b*, or optical density (OD value)) measurement value. The correction values ​​(correction coefficients) corresponding to the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C may be calculated based on an evaluation of a power density or a gradation (L*, a*, b*, or optical density (OD value)) measurement value appropriate for each of the light sources 63A, 63B, and 63C.

[0204] Next, the correction value of the output setting value and the corrected output setting value will be described. The correction value of the output setting value and the corrected output setting value are set for one or more pixels, and further set for each light source 63A, 63B, 63C (e.g., magenta, cyan, yellow). When deriving the correction value of the output setting value and the corrected output setting value, any of the power density, L* value, a* value, b* value, and optical density (OD value) may be used. The measured values ​​of the gradation used when deriving the correction value of the output setting value and the corrected output setting value are not limited to the L* value, a* value, b* value, and optical density (OD value).

[0205] The following describes a method for deriving the correction value of the output setting value and the corrected output setting value using the L* value (lightness). Ｃｊ (0≦j≦255) Ｃｊ ) correction value α Ｃｊ and the corrected output set value D' Ｃｊ The upper limit of j is not limited to 255.

[0206] Correction value α Ｃｊ is the gradation Lc of the central pixel (Xc, Yc) ｊ The drawing voltage (output setting value Dc ｊ ) is the correction value. Ｃｊ includes the correction values ​​for each color (e.g., magenta, cyan, and yellow).ｊ contains the respective power settings for each color (e.g., magenta, cyan, and yellow). ｊ is the output setting value Dc at the center pixel (Xc, Yc) so that the drawing characteristics (brightness characteristics) approach the drawing characteristics (brightness characteristics) of the standard device. ｊ Correction value αc ｊ The corrected output set value D'c is the output set value obtained by correcting the ｊ contains the corrected power settings for each color (e.g., magenta, cyan, and yellow).

[0207] FIG. 42A shows the gradation L of the center pixel (Xc, Yc) in the reference machine of the rendering unit 160. Ｃｊ and the gradation value L Ｃｊ The drawing voltage (output setting value D Ｃｊ 42B shows an example of the relationship between the gradation value L of the center pixel (Xc, Yc) in the reference machine of the rendering unit 160. Ｃｊ and the drawing voltage (output setting value D Ｃｊ ) and the lightness L* (measured value) of the center pixel (Xc, Yc) of the image of the medium M (leuco recording medium RM) drawn by the reference machine. Ｃｊ The reference machine refers to a drawing unit 160 having a drawing characteristic (brightness characteristic) that changes linearly with respect to the gradation value L*. Ｃｊ It is not necessary for the drawing characteristic (brightness characteristic) to change completely linearly with respect to the gradation value L Ｃｊ The drawing characteristics (brightness characteristics) may have a slight nonlinearity with respect to the color.

[0208] FIG. 42C shows the gradation value L of the center pixel (Xc, Yc) in units A, B, and C of the rendering unit 160. Ｃｊ and the drawing voltage (output setting value D Ｃｊ 10 shows an example of the relationship between the lightness L* (measured value) of the center pixel (Xc, Yc) of an image drawn on a medium M (leuco recording medium RM) using the luminance L* (measured value) of the center pixel (Xc, Yc).

[0209] In the reference machine, machine A, machine B, and machine C, multiple drawing voltages (output setting value D of the center pixel (Xc, Yc) Ｃｊ) of the center pixel (Xc, Yc) stored in the voltage value files 42 of the storage units 140 of the reference machine, machine A, machine B, and machine C. Ｃｊ ) is shown as an example. Units A, B, and C have an output setting value D Ｃｊ When drawing is performed using the gradation value L Ｃｊ In other words, the characteristics of the lightness L* for the gradation value L do not match the drawing characteristics (lightness characteristics) of the reference machine. Ｃｊ There are differences in the characteristics of lightness L* relative to the reference machine. Machines A, B, and C are introduced for the sake of convenience in explaining the differences between the machines, and the number of machines compared to the reference machine is not limited to three.

[0210] In the A-type machine, two types of setting values ​​(multiple output setting values ​​Dc ｊ , and a plurality of corrected output set points D' Ｃ _A ｊ ), and a voltage value file 42 including the correction values ​​(multiple correction values ​​α Ｃ _A ｊ ) and voltage value correction data 47 including the two types of setting values ​​(multiple output setting values ​​Dc ｊ , and a plurality of corrected output set points D' Ｃ _B ｊ ), and a voltage value file 42 including the correction values ​​(multiple correction values ​​α Ｃ _B ｊ ) is stored in the storage unit 140. The C-unit has two types of setting values ​​(multiple output setting values ​​Dc ｊ , and a plurality of corrected output set points D' Ｃ _C ｊ ), and a voltage value file 42 including the correction values ​​(multiple correction values ​​α Ｃ _C ｊ ) and voltage value correction data 47 including the voltage value correction data 47 are stored in the storage unit 140.

[0211] Corrected output set value D' Ｃ _A ｊ is the output setting value Dc so that the drawing characteristics (brightness characteristics) of the A-type machine approach the drawing characteristics (brightness characteristics) of the standard machine. ｊ is the correction value α Ｃ _A ｊ The corrected output set value D' is the output set value obtained by correcting the output set value D' using the following formula: Ｃ _B ｊ is the output setting value Dc so that the drawing characteristics (brightness characteristics) of the B-type machine approach the drawing characteristics (brightness characteristics) of the standard machine. ｊ is the correction value α Ｃ _B ｊ The corrected output set value D' is the output set value obtained by correcting the output set value D'. Ｃ _C ｊ is the output setting value Dc so that the drawing characteristics (brightness characteristics) of the C-type machine approach the drawing characteristics (brightness characteristics) of the standard machine. ｊ is the correction value α Ｃ _C ｊ The output setting value is obtained by correcting the

[0212] FIG. 43A shows the gradation value L Ｃｊ and the drawing voltage (output setting value Dc ｊ , corrected output set value D' Ｃ _A ｊ , D' Ｃ _B ｊ , D' Ｃ _C ｊ ) and the gradation value L Ｃｊ and the drawing voltage (output setting value D Ｃｊ , corrected output set value D' Ｃ _A ｊ , D' Ｃ _B ｊ , D' Ｃ _C ｊ 43(B) shows an example of the relationship between the lightness L* (measured value) of the central pixel (Xc, Yc) of an image on a medium M (leuco recording medium RM) drawn by the luminance L* (measured value) of the central pixel (Xc, Yc) of the image drawn by the luminance L* (measured value) of the standard machine. The drawing characteristics (lightness characteristics) of the machines A, B, and C shown in FIG. 43(B) are closer to the drawing characteristics of the standard machine than the drawing characteristics (lightness characteristics) of the machines A, B, and C shown in FIG.

[0213] Next, the correction value αc ｊ and the correction output set value D'c ｊ (corrected output set value D' Ｃ _A ｊ , D' Ｃ _B ｊ , D' Ｃ _C ｊ ) in the drawing apparatus 100, 400. ｊ and the correction output setting value D Ｃｊ 10 shows an example of a method for calculating the

[0214] The voltage value file 42 contains a plurality of output setting values ​​D of the center pixel (Xc, Yc). Ｃｊ The drawing devices 100 and 400 (information processing units 150 and 410) first obtain from the storage unit 140 a plurality of output setting values ​​Dc of the center pixel (Xc, Yc) included in the voltage value file 42. ｊ (For example, four output setting values ​​Dc ａ , Dc ｂ , Dc ｃ , Dc ｄ ) is acquired (step S301). ａ is, for example, 1.8 V. ｂ is, for example, 2.5 V. ｃ is, for example, 3.5 V. ｄ is, for example, 4.5V.

[0215] Next, the rendering device 100, 400 calculates the output setting values ​​Dc of the center pixel (Xc, Yc). ｊ to each of the rendering units 160 (unit A, unit B, and unit C) in time order. As a result, each of the rendering units 160 (unit A, unit B, and unit C) outputs a plurality of magenta output setting values ​​Dc ｊ As a result, each of the drawing units 160 (unit A, unit B, unit C) draws magenta in different gradations at a location corresponding to the central pixel (Xc, Yc) of each of the plurality of media M (leuco recording media RM) (step S302).

[0216] Similarly, each of the drawing units 160 (unit A, unit B, and unit C) sequentially irradiates each of the plurality of media M (leuco recording media RM) with laser light of an output corresponding to each of the plurality of cyan output setting values ​​Dc, so that each of the drawing units 160 (unit A, unit B, and unit C) draws different gradations of cyan at locations corresponding to the center pixels (Xc, Yc) of each of the plurality of media M (leuco recording media RM) (step S302).

[0217] Similarly, each of the drawing units 160 (machine A, machine B, machine C) sets a plurality of yellow output setting values ​​Dc for each of the plurality of media M (leuco recording media RM). ｊ As a result, each of the drawing units 160 (unit A, unit B, unit C) draws different shades of yellow at locations corresponding to the central pixel (Xc, Yc) of each of the plurality of media M (leuco recording media RM) (step S302).

[0218] Next, the user uses a measuring device capable of measuring lightness L* to measure the lightness L* at the location (drawing location) corresponding to the center pixel (Xc, Yc) of each medium M (leuco recording medium RM). Next, the drawing device 100, 400, through the user's operation of the input unit 120, acquires, for each color, multiple lightness L* values ​​(measured values ​​L*_1) obtained by measurement and multiple lightness L* values ​​(measured values ​​L*_2) of the image obtained by drawing with a standard device (step S303). The multiple lightness L* values ​​(measured values ​​L*_2) are, for example, values ​​that change linearly with the gradation Lcj, as shown in FIG. 42(B). The multiple lightness L* values ​​(measured values ​​L*_2) need not be values ​​that change linearly with the gradation Lcj, as long as they are correlated with the gradation Lcj.

[0219] The drawing devices 100 and 400 are ｊ In this case, the lightness L* (measured value L*_1), the lightness L* (measured value L*_2) and the output setting value Dc are set so that the lightness L* (measured value L*_1) approaches the lightness L* (measured value L*_2). ｊ By calculating based on ｊ Correction value αc ｊ(step S304). The rendering apparatus 100, 400 derives, for example, the output setting value Dc ａ In this case, when the measured value L*_1 is lower than the measured value L*_2, the output setting value Dc is adjusted so that the measured value L*_1 approaches the measured value L*_2. ａ A correction value αc greater than 1 ａ The rendering apparatus 100, 400 derives, for example, the output setting value Dc ｂ In this case, when the measured value L*_1 is higher than the measured value L*_2, the output setting value Dc is adjusted so that the measured value L*_1 approaches the measured value L*_2. ｂ A correction value αc smaller than 1 ｂ The rendering apparatus 100 and 400 derive the correction value αc ｊ The output setting value Dc ｊ By applying this, the corrected output set value D'c ｊ is derived (step S304).

[0220] Next, the drawing devices 100 and 400 calculate a plurality of corrected output setting values ​​D'c for the center pixel (Xc, Yc). ｊ to each of the rendering units 160 (unit A, unit B, and unit C) in time order. As a result, each of the rendering units 160 (unit A, unit B, and unit C) outputs a plurality of magenta color corrected output setting values ​​D'c for each of the plurality of media M (leuco recording media RM). ｊ As a result, each of the drawing units 160 (unit A, unit B, unit C) draws magenta in different gradations at the locations corresponding to the central pixels (Xc, Yc) of the plurality of media M (leuco recording media RM) (step S305).

[0221] Similarly, each of the drawing units 160 (machine A, machine B, machine C) sets a plurality of cyan correction output setting values ​​D'c for each of the plurality of media M (leuco recording media RM). ｊ As a result, each of the drawing units 160 (unit A, unit B, unit C) draws different tones of cyan at locations corresponding to the central pixels (Xc, Yc) of the plurality of media M (leuco recording media RM) (step S305).

[0222] Similarly, each of the drawing units 160 (machine A, machine B, machine C) sets a plurality of yellow corrected output setting values ​​D'c for each of the plurality of media M (leuco recording media RM). ｊ As a result, each of the drawing units 160 (unit A, unit B, unit C) draws different shades of yellow at the locations corresponding to the central pixels (Xc, Yc) of the plurality of media M (leuco recording media RM) (step S305).

[0223] Next, the user uses a measuring device capable of measuring the lightness L* to calculate the corrected output setting value D'c ｊ Then, the lightness L* of each of the portions (drawing portions) corresponding to the center pixel (Xc, Yc) of each of the media M (leuco recording media RM) drawn using the above is measured. Next, the drawing devices 100 and 400 acquire multiple lightness L* values ​​(measured values ​​L*_3) of each color obtained by measurement in response to a user operation of the input unit 120 (step S306).

[0224] The rendering device 100, 400 determines whether the difference in lightness L* between the A, B, C, and standard models at each gradation of each color is equal to or less than a specified threshold value ΔLg (step S307). Specifically, the rendering device 100, 400 determines whether the difference ΔLa between the lightness L* (measured value L*_3) and the lightness L* (measured value L*_2) at each gradation is equal to or less than the specified threshold value ΔLg. If the difference in lightness L* between the A, B, C, and standard models at each gradation of each color is not equal to or less than the specified threshold value ΔLg (step S307; N), the rendering device 100, 400 returns to step S304 and calculates the correction value αc ｊ If the difference in lightness L* between the A, B, C models and the standard model is equal to or less than the specified threshold value ΔLg (step S307; Y), the rendering device 100, 400 recalculates the correction value αc ｊ The writing apparatus 100, 400 further stores the correction value αc in the voltage value correction data 47 of the storage unit 140 (step S308). ｊ The output setting value Dc ｊ By applying this, the corrected output set value D'c ｊThe drawing apparatus 100, 400 derives the derived corrected output setting value D'c ｊ are stored in the voltage value file 42 of the storage unit 140 (step S308). As a result, the voltage value correction data 47 contains a plurality of correction values ​​αc ｊ The voltage value file 42 also stores a plurality of output setting values ​​Dc of the center pixel (Xc, Yc). ｊ and a plurality of corrected output setting values ​​D′ of the central pixel (Xc, Yc). Ｃｊ The following is stored.

[0225] In step S304, the rendering devices 100 and 400 ｊ In this case, each output setting value Dc is set so that the plurality of brightnesses L* (measured value L*_1) coincide with the plurality of brightnesses L* (measured value L*_2). ｊ Correction value αc ｊ In the above process, chromaticity a* may be measured instead of lightness L*, and a correction value αc for each color may be calculated based on the evaluation of the measured value of chromaticity a*. ｊ and the corrected output set value D'c ｊ In the above process, chromaticity b* may be measured instead of lightness L*, and the correction value αc for each color may be calculated based on the evaluation of the measured value of chromaticity b*. ｊ and the correction output set value D'c ｊ In the above process, the optical density (OD) may be measured instead of the lightness L*, and the correction value αc for each color may be calculated based on the evaluation of the measured value of the optical density (OD). ｊ and the correction output set value D'c ｊ may be derived.

[0226] In this way, the correction value αc ｊ and the corrected output set value D'c ｊ is derived.

[0227] Next, the gradation Lp of each pixel (each peripheral pixel (Xp, Yp)) other than the central pixel (Xc, Yc) ｊ The drawing voltage (output setting value Dp ｊ ) correction value αp ｊ and the corrected output set value D'p ｊ This article explains:

[0228] Correction value αp ｊ is the gradation Lp of the surrounding pixel (Xp, Yp) ｊ The drawing voltage (output setting value Dp ｊ ) is the correction value of the corrected output set value D'p ｊ is the output setting value Dp so that the drawing characteristics (brightness characteristics) of the peripheral pixel (Xp, Yp) approach the drawing characteristics (brightness characteristics) of the central pixel (Xc, Yc). ｊ Correction value αp ｊ The output setting value is obtained by correcting the

[0229] 45 shows an example of a print range α on a leuco recording medium RM. The print range α is composed of pixel regions γ (Xm, Yn) (1≦m≦M, 1≦n≦N) whose number is less than the number of pixels corresponding to the drawing resolution of the drawing unit 160 (scanner unit 66). m and n are each, for example, 20. m and n are not limited to 20. The reason why the print range α is broken down into pixel regions γ rather than into pixels corresponding to the drawing resolution of the drawing unit 160 is due to the high measurement resolution of the measuring instrument used to measure lightness L*, etc.

[0230] An equal number of pixels Px corresponding to the drawing resolution of the drawing unit 160 are assigned to each pixel region γ. A pixel region γ (hereinafter referred to as the "central pixel region γa") containing multiple pixels Px is defined in the center of the printing range α. The multiple pixels Px contained in the central pixel region γa include a central pixel Pxc corresponding to the above-mentioned central pixel (Xc, Yc) and multiple peripheral pixels Pxp corresponding to the above-mentioned peripheral pixels (Xp, Yp). Within the printing range α, multiple pixel regions γ (hereinafter referred to as the "peripheral pixel region γb") containing multiple pixels Px are defined around the central pixel region γa. The multiple pixels Px contained in each peripheral pixel region γb include multiple peripheral pixels Pxp.

[0231] The voltage value file 42 contains a plurality of corrected output setting values ​​D'c of the central pixel Pxc. ｊ In the voltage value file 42, a plurality of corrected output set values ​​D'c ｊmay be defined for the central pixel region γa. In the voltage value file 42, a plurality of corrected output set values ​​D'c ｊ may be defined for each pixel Px included in the central pixel region γa.

[0232] In the voltage value file 42, a plurality of corrected output set values ​​D'c ｊ is defined for the central pixel region γa, the corrected output setting value D′c included in the voltage value file 42 ｊ is the corrected output setting value D'p of each peripheral pixel Pxp included in the central pixel region γa. ｊ In the voltage value file 42, a plurality of corrected output set values ​​D'c ｊ is defined for each pixel Px included in the central pixel region γa, the corrected output setting value D'p of each peripheral pixel Pxp included in the central pixel region γa ｊ As a result, the corrected output setting value D'c ｊ applies.

[0233] The voltage value file 42 further includes a plurality of correction output set values ​​D'p defined for each peripheral pixel region γb. ｊ In this case, a plurality of correction output set values ​​D'p defined for each peripheral pixel region γb may be included. ｊ The multiple corrected output setting values ​​D'p of each peripheral pixel Pxp included in each peripheral pixel region γb ｊ The voltage value correction data 47 further includes a plurality of correction output set values ​​D'p defined for each of the peripheral pixels Pxp included in each peripheral pixel region γb. ｊ may be included.

[0234] The voltage value correction data 47 includes a plurality of correction values ​​αc for the central pixel Pxc. ｊ The voltage value correction data 47 includes a plurality of correction values ​​αc ｊ may be defined for the central pixel region γa. In the voltage value correction data 47, a plurality of correction values ​​αc ｊ may be defined for each pixel Px included in the central pixel region γa.

[0235] In the voltage value correction data 47, a plurality of correction values ​​αc ｊis defined for the central pixel area γa, the correction value αc included in the voltage value correction data 47 ｊ is the correction value αp of each peripheral pixel Pxp included in the central pixel area γa ｊ In the voltage value correction data 47, a plurality of correction values ​​αc ｊ is defined for each pixel Px included in the central pixel region γa, the correction value αp of each color of each peripheral pixel Pxp included in the central pixel region γa ｊ As a result, the correction value αc ｊ applies.

[0236] The voltage value correction data 47 further includes a plurality of correction values ​​αp defined for each peripheral pixel region γb. ｊ In this case, a plurality of correction values ​​αp defined for each surrounding pixel region γb may be included. ｊ is a plurality of correction values ​​αp of each peripheral pixel Pxp included in each peripheral pixel region γb. ｊ The voltage value correction data 47 further includes a plurality of correction values ​​αp defined for each of the surrounding pixels Pxp included in each surrounding pixel region γb. ｊ may be included.

[0237] In the voltage value correction data 47, a plurality of correction values ​​αp ｊ is defined for each peripheral pixel Pxp included in the central pixel region γa. In this case, a plurality of correction values ​​αp defined for each peripheral pixel Pxp included in the central pixel region γa ｊ is a plurality of correction values ​​αc of the central pixel Pxc ｊ In the voltage value correction data 47, a plurality of correction values ​​αp ｊ is defined for each of the surrounding pixels Pxp. In this case, a plurality of correction values ​​αp for each pixel Px included in the surrounding pixels Pxp are ｊ are equal in value for each gradation.

[0238] In this modified example, the correction value αc ｊ , αp ｊmay be defined by a numerical value for each pixel (central pixel Pxc, peripheral pixel Pxp, or pixel Px), or may be defined by a predetermined function with pixel coordinates as variables. ｊ , D'p ｊ may be defined numerically for each pixel (central pixel Pxc, peripheral pixel Pxp, or pixel Px), or may be defined by a predetermined function with pixel coordinates as variables.

[0239] Next, the correction value αp ｊ and the corrected output set value D'p ｊ 46 shows the calculation method of the correction value αp in the drawing devices 100 and 400. ｊ and the corrected output set value D'p ｊ 10 shows an example of a method for calculating the

[0240] The voltage value correction data 47 includes a plurality of correction values ​​αc for the central pixel Pxc. ｊ The voltage value file 42 stores a plurality of output setting values ​​Dc of the central pixel Pxc. ｊ and a plurality of corrected output setting values ​​D′ of the central pixel Pxc. Ｃｊ The drawing devices 100 and 400 (information processing units 150 and 410) first read from the storage unit 140 the plurality of corrected output setting values ​​D′ of the central pixel Pxc contained in the voltage value file 42. Ｃｊ is acquired (step S401).

[0241] Next, the drawing device 100, 400 calculates a plurality of corrected output setting values ​​D' that can generate a gradation chart for a plurality of pixel regions γ included in a predetermined region out of a plurality of pixel regions γ included in the printing range α. Ｃｊ to each of the drawing units 160 (unit A, unit B, and unit C). As a result, each of the drawing units 160 (unit A, unit B, and unit C) outputs a plurality of corrected output setting values ​​D' that can generate a gradation chart for each of the three media M (leuco recording media RM). ＣｊAs a result, each of the drawing units 160 (unit A, unit B, and unit C) draws a gradation chart of different colors on three pieces of media M (leuco recording media RM) (step S402).

[0242] Next, the user uses a measuring device capable of measuring lightness L* to measure the lightness L* of the gradation chart of each medium M (leuco recording medium RM). Subsequently, the drawing device 100, 400 acquires the lightness L* (measured value) for each pixel region γ of the gradation chart of each color through the user's operation of the input unit 120 (step S403).

[0243] Next, the rendering devices 100 and 400 calculate a plurality of corrected output setting values ​​D' as the output setting values ​​for each pixel Px. Ｃｊ to each rendering unit 160 (unit A, unit B, unit C) in time order for each gradation. As a result, each rendering unit 160 (unit A, unit B, unit C) outputs a plurality of magenta color correction output setting values ​​D' for each of the plurality of media M (leuco recording media RM). Ｃｊ The laser beams are irradiated with laser light of an output corresponding to the respective gradations. As a result, each of the drawing units 160 (machine A, machine B, machine C) draws magenta (solid images) with equal gradations for all pixels on each of the plurality of media M (leuco recording media RM) (step S404). The number of media M is preferably as small as possible from the viewpoint of reducing the time required for drawing on the media M and the time required for measuring the lightness L*, and may be, for example, three. When the number of media M is three, each of the drawing units 160 (machine A, machine B, machine C) draws magenta (solid images) with three gradations—high, medium, and low—on each of the three media M (leuco recording media RM).

[0244] Similarly, each of the drawing units 160 (machine A, machine B, machine C) sets a plurality of cyan correction output setting values ​​D' for each of the plurality of media M (leuco recording media RM). ＣｊThe laser beams are irradiated with laser light of an output corresponding to the respective gradations. As a result, each of the drawing units 160 (machine A, machine B, machine C) draws a cyan color (solid image) with the same gradation for all pixels on each of the plurality of media M (leuco recording media RM) (step S404). The number of media M is preferably as small as possible from the viewpoint of reducing the time required for drawing on the media M and the time required for measuring the lightness L*, and may be, for example, three. When the number of media M is three, each of the drawing units 160 (machine A, machine B, machine C) draws a cyan color (solid image) with three gradations (high, medium, and low) on each of the three media M (leuco recording media RM).

[0245] Similarly, each of the drawing units 160 (machine A, machine B, machine C) sets a plurality of yellow corrected output setting values ​​D' for each of the plurality of media M (leuco recording media RM). Ｃｊ The laser beams are irradiated with laser light of an output corresponding to the respective gradations. As a result, each of the drawing units 160 (machine A, machine B, machine C) draws a yellow (solid image) with the same gradation for all pixels on each of the plurality of media M (leuco recording media RM) (step S404). The number of media M is preferably as small as possible from the viewpoint of reducing the time required for drawing on the media M and the time required for measuring the lightness L*, and may be, for example, three. When the number of media M is three, each of the drawing units 160 (machine A, machine B, machine C) draws a yellow (solid image) with three gradations (high, medium, and low) on each of the three media M (leuco recording media RM).

[0246] Next, the user uses a measuring device capable of measuring lightness L* to measure the lightness L* for each pixel region γ of each medium M (leuco recording medium RM). Subsequently, the drawing device 100, 400 acquires the lightness L* (L* map) of the solid image for each medium M (leuco recording medium RM) through the user's operation of the input unit 120 (step S405). The L* map includes the measured lightness L* value for each pixel region γ.

[0247] Next, the rendering device 100, 400 determines whether or not there is brightness unevenness in each L* map (step S406). Specifically, the rendering device 100, 400 determines whether or not the brightness unevenness in each L* map is greater than a predetermined threshold. If the brightness unevenness in each L* map obtained by measurement is smaller than the predetermined threshold (step S406; N), the rendering device 100, 400 adjusts the correction value αp of each surrounding pixel region γb. ｊ As a result, the voltage value correction data 47 contains a plurality of correction values ​​αc for the central pixel area γa. ｊ and a plurality of correction values ​​αp for each surrounding pixel region γb. ｊ The following is stored.

[0248] Next, the drawing devices 100 and 400 calculate a plurality of correction output setting values ​​D'p for each peripheral pixel region γb. ｊ , a plurality of correction output setting values ​​D′ of the central pixel region γa Ｃｊ The voltage value file 42 stores the output setting values ​​Dc of the central pixel region γa (step S408). ｊ and a plurality of correction output setting values ​​D′ of the central pixel region γa. Ｃｊ and a plurality of output setting values ​​Dp of each surrounding pixel region γb ｊ and a plurality of correction output setting values ​​D'p of each peripheral pixel region γb. ｊ is stored.

[0249] At this time, the rendering devices 100 and 400 calculate a plurality of correction values ​​αp for each pixel Px in each peripheral pixel region γb. ｊ may be stored in the voltage value correction data 47. The drawing apparatus 100, 400 may store a plurality of corrected output setting values ​​D'p for each pixel Px in each peripheral pixel region γb. ｊ may be stored in the voltage value file 42.

[0250] When the brightness unevenness of at least one of the plurality of L* maps obtained by measurement is greater than a predetermined threshold (step S406; Y), the rendering device 100, 400 adjusts the output setting value Dp of each surrounding pixel region γb so that the brightness unevenness in the L* map with the greatest brightness unevenness among the plurality of L* maps obtained by measurement becomes smaller than the predetermined threshold.ｊ Correction value αp ｊ Specifically, the rendering apparatus 100, 400 derives the correction value αp for each surrounding pixel region γb based on the lightness L* (measured value) for each pixel region γ of the gradation chart for each color and the L* map with the largest lightness unevenness among the L* maps obtained by measurement. ｊ At this time, the rendering devices 100 and 400 derive the correction value αp for each surrounding pixel region γb. ｊ Alternatively, a correction value αp may be derived for each pixel Px in each surrounding pixel region γb. ｊ may be derived.

[0251] The drawing apparatus 100, 400 calculates the derived correction value αp ｊ The correction value αp of the gradation corresponding to the L* map with the largest brightness unevenness ｊ The rendering apparatus 100, 400 further calculates the derived correction value αp ｊ of all gradations except for the gradation corresponding to the L* map with the largest lightness unevenness. ｊ Let's say.

[0252] The rendering devices 100 and 400 calculate a plurality of correction values ​​αp for each peripheral pixel region γb. ｊ The voltage value correction data 47 stores the correction values ​​αc for the central pixel area γa (step S409). ｊ and a plurality of correction values ​​αp for each surrounding pixel region γb. ｊ The following is stored.

[0253] At this time, the rendering devices 100 and 400 calculate a plurality of correction values ​​αp for each pixel Px in each peripheral pixel region γb. ｊ may be stored in the voltage value correction data 47.

[0254] Next, the rendering devices 100 and 400 calculate the correction value αc ｊ and the correction value αp ｊ output setting value Dp ｊ By multiplying by , the correction output set value D'p of each peripheral pixel area γb is ｊ (Step S410). The rendering apparatus 100, 400 derives a plurality of correction output setting values ​​D'p for each peripheral pixel region γb. ｊThe voltage value file 42 stores the output setting values ​​Dc of the central pixel region γa (step S411). ｊ and a plurality of correction output setting values ​​D′ of the central pixel region γa. Ｃｊ and a plurality of output setting values ​​Dp of each surrounding pixel region γb ｊ and a plurality of correction output setting values ​​D'p of each peripheral pixel region γb. ｊ is stored.

[0255] At this time, the rendering devices 100 and 400 use the correction value αc ｊ and correction value αp ｊ output setting value Dp ｊ By applying this, the corrected output set value D'p of each pixel Px in each peripheral pixel region γb is ｊ The rendering apparatus 100, 400 may derive a plurality of correction output setting values ​​D'p for each pixel Px in each surrounding pixel region γb. ｊ may be stored in the voltage value file 42.

[0256] In the above process, chromaticity a* is measured instead of lightness L*, and the correction value αp for each color is calculated based on the evaluation of the measured value of chromaticity a*. ｊ and the corrected output set value D'p ｊ In the above process, chromaticity b* may be measured instead of lightness L*, and the correction value αp for each color may be calculated based on the evaluation of the measured value of chromaticity b*. ｊ and the corrected output set value D' p ｊ In the above process, the optical density (OD value) may be measured instead of the lightness L*, and the correction value αp for each color may be calculated based on the evaluation of the measured value of the optical density (OD value). ｊ and the corrected output set value D' p ｊ may be derived.

[0257] In this way, the correction value αp ｊ and the corrected output set value D'p ｊ In this way, the correction value αc of the central pixel Pxc is derived. ｊ and the correction output set value D'c ｊ Using the correction value αp ｊ and the corrected output set value D'p ｊWhen the above-mentioned difference between the laser beams is reduced after correcting the uneven brightness for each of the laser beams A, B, and C, the corrected output setting value D'p ｊ It becomes easy to derive

[0258] In this modification, a plurality of correction values ​​αc for each pixel region γ ｊ , αp ｊ Or multiple correction values ​​αp ｊ In such a case, the boundary between two adjacent pixel regions γ may be visible in the drawn image due to the setting of the correction value αc ｊ , αp ｊ By weighting the pixel regions γ according to the distance or by performing two-dimensional linear interpolation (bilinear correction) on the pixel regions γ, it is possible to make the boundary between two adjacent pixel regions γ less visible in the drawn image.

[0259] FIG. 47 shows the correction values ​​αp ｊ 47 , the rendering device 100, 400 calculates distances d1, d2, d3, and d4 between the center position of each of four adjacent pixel regions γ and the position of a pixel Px (hereinafter referred to as "pixel PxT") in a rectangular area surrounded by the centers of the four adjacent pixel regions γ. The rendering device 100, 400 then calculates, for example, the correction values ​​αp ｊ is weighted by the distances d1, d2, d3, and d4, and the correction value αp of the pixel PxT is calculated based on the weighted value. ｊ is derived.

[0260] For example, the imaging devices 100 and 400 may assign a correction value αp of the corresponding pixel region γ to the center position of each of four adjacent pixel regions γ. ｊThe rendering devices 100 and 400 then perform two-dimensional linear interpolation on a rectangular area surrounded by the centers of four pixel areas γ adjacent to each other. The rendering devices 100 and 400 then assign a correction value αp corresponding to each pixel Px in the rectangular area from the correction value map obtained by the two-dimensional linear interpolation. ｊ The rendering apparatus 100, 400 extracts, for example, the correction value αp ｊ is stored in the voltage value correction data 47.

[0261] In this modification, in step S409, the rendering apparatus 100, 400 adjusts the output setting value Dp of each color in each surrounding pixel region γb so that the brightness unevenness in the L* map becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold value in each of the plurality of L* maps obtained by measurement. ｊ Correction value αp ｊ At this time, the drawing apparatus 100, 400 may derive the derived correction value αp ｊ the corresponding L* map gradation correction value αp ｊ The rendering apparatus 100, 400 further calculates the derived correction values ​​αp ｊ Using the above, the correction value αp of each gradation for which the L* map has not been derived is calculated. ｊ The rendering apparatus 100, 400 linearly interpolates the correction value αp of each gradation for which an L* map has not been derived among all gradations, for example, by using linear interpolation. ｊ In this way, a plurality of correction values ​​αp are obtained by using a plurality of L* maps. ｊ By deriving the above, it is possible to obtain a drawn image with less uneven brightness.

[0262] In this modification, the drawing apparatus 100, 400 calculates, for example, three L* maps ML obtained by measurement. ａ , M.L. ｂ , M.L. ｃ (see FIG. 48) so that the brightness unevenness in the map is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the output setting value Dp of each surrounding pixel area γb is set. ａ , Dp ｂ , Dp ｃ Correction value map Mα ａ , Mαｂ , Mα ｃ (See FIG. 48) is derived.

[0263] L*Map ML ａ is the gradation Lc ａ The L* map ML is obtained by measuring the L* of the solid image drawn in the ｂ is the gradation Lc ｂ The L* map ML is obtained by measuring the L* of the solid image drawn in the ｃ is the gradation Lc ｃ The output setting value Dp is obtained by measuring the L* of the solid image drawn with the ａ is the gradation Lc ａ The output setting value Dp corresponds to ｂ is the gradation Lc ｂ The output setting value Dp corresponds to ｃ is the gradation Lc ｃ The correction value map Mα is the output setting value corresponding to ａ is the correction value αp for each pixel region γ ａ The correction value map Mα ｂ is the correction value αp for each pixel region γ ｂ The correction value map Mα ｃ is the correction value αp for each pixel region γ ｃ It is composed of the following.

[0264] The drawing apparatus 100, 400, for example, calculates the derived correction value map Mα ａ , Mα ｂ , Mα ｃ Using the above, the correction value αp of each gradation for which the L* map has not been derived is calculated. ｊ In this way, the drawing apparatuses 100 and 400 can linearly interpolate a plurality of correction value maps Mα ｊ In this way, multiple L* maps ML ａ , M.L. ｂ , M.L. ｃ Using multiple correction values ​​αp ｊ By deriving the correction value map Mα, it is possible to obtain a drawn image with less uneven brightness. ａ , Mα ｂ , Mαｃ Using the above, the correction value αp of each gradation for which the L* map has not been derived is calculated. ｊ By linearly interpolating, it is possible to reduce the time required to generate the L* map and obtain a rendered image with less uneven brightness.

[0265] In this modification, the rendering apparatuses 100 and 400 calculate the correction value αp of each gradation for which the L* map has not been derived among all gradations. ｊ Instead of deriving the correction values ​​αp ｊ Among these, the correction value αp of the adjacent gradation ｊ In this case, it is possible to shorten the time required for the completion and obtain a drawn image with less uneven brightness.

[0266] In this modified example, the central pixel (Xc, Yc) is a specific example of a reference pixel for all pixels, and a pixel other than the central pixel (Xc, Yc) may be used as the reference pixel for all pixels.

[0267] 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.

[0268] Furthermore, for example, the present disclosure can be configured as follows: (1) A drawing system comprising: a light source unit having a plurality of laser light sources with different emission wavelengths; a scanning unit capable of drawing a color image on a recording medium having a plurality of thermosensitive recording layers corresponding to the emission wavelengths of the plurality of laser light sources by scanning the recording medium with a plurality of laser light beams emitted from the plurality of laser light sources; and a laser driving unit capable of driving each of the laser light sources based on output setting values ​​of each of the laser light sources set based on image data and emission timing data in which the emission timing of each of the laser light sources is set. (2) The drawing system described in (1), in which the emission timing data includes a correction value for the emission timing of each of the laser light sources to reduce positional deviation in the scanning direction of irradiation spots of each of the laser light beams generated on the recording medium when the plurality of laser light beams are emitted from each of the laser light sources with scanning by the scanning unit stopped. (3) The drawing system described in (1) or (2), further comprising: a storage unit in which the emission timing data is stored. (4) The drawing system according to (1) or (2), wherein the light source unit has an optical system that defines an offset of each irradiation spot of the laser light in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction, and the drawing system further comprises a signal processing unit that is capable of generating offset-corresponding image data corresponding to the offset by correcting the image data based on data about the offset, and setting an output setting value of each of the laser light sources based on the offset-corresponding image data. (5) The drawing system according to (4), further comprising a storage unit that stores data about the offset. (6) The drawing system according to (1) or (2), wherein the scanning unit has a movable mirror and an fθ lens, and the drawing system further comprises a movable mirror driving unit that is capable of correcting control data of the movable mirror based on aberration correction data that defines a correction value for correcting distortion caused by aberration of the fθ lens, which may appear in an image drawn on the recording medium, to generate distortion imparting control data to which distortion corresponding to the aberration of the fθ lens is imparted, and(7) The drawing system according to (6), further comprising a storage unit in which the aberration correction data is stored. (8) The drawing system according to (1) or (2), wherein the scanning unit has a movable mirror and an fθ lens, and the drawing system further comprises a signal processing unit capable of generating distorted image data to which distortion corresponding to the aberration of the fθ lens is imparted by correcting the image data based on aberration correction data in which a correction value for correcting distortion due to the aberration of the fθ lens that may appear in an image drawn on the recording medium is specified for each laser light source, and setting an output setting value of each of the laser light sources based on the distorted image data. (9) The drawing system according to (8), further comprising a storage unit in which the aberration correction data is stored. (10) The drawing system according to (1) or (2), wherein the scanning unit has a movable mirror and an fθ lens, and the drawing system further comprises a signal processing unit capable of generating distortion-free image data by excluding from the image data data data of a portion in which distortion due to aberration of the fθ lens may appear, and setting an output setting value of each of the laser light sources based on the distortion-free image data. (11) The drawing system according to (1) or (2), wherein the scanning unit has a movable mirror and an fθ lens, and the drawing system further comprises a signal processing unit capable of generating distortion-free image data by excluding from the image data data data of a portion in which distortion due to aberration of the fθ lens may appear, and setting an output setting value of each of the laser light sources based on the distortion-free image data. (12) The drawing system according to claim 11, further comprising a signal processing unit capable of generating, for at least one of the plurality of laser light sources, a corrected output setting value that results in a more uniform power density distribution compared to the power density distribution of each of the laser light sources output from the scanning unit when the output setting value of each of the laser light sources is not corrected, by correcting the output setting value of each of the laser light sources based on a correction value of the output setting value of each of the laser light sources, and the laser driving unit is capable of driving the laser light source based on the corrected output setting value and the emission timing data.(13) The drawing system according to (1) or (2), further comprising: a signal processing unit capable of generating, for at least one of the plurality of laser light sources, a corrected output setting value that results in a more uniform distribution of gradation values ​​compared to the distribution of gradation values ​​of an image drawn on the recording medium when the output setting value of each of the laser light sources is not corrected, by correcting the output setting value of each of the laser light sources based on a correction value of the output setting value of each of the laser light sources, wherein the laser driving unit is capable of driving each of the laser light sources based on the corrected output setting value of each of the laser light sources and the emission timing data. (14) The drawing system according to (13), further comprising: a storage unit that stores the correction values ​​of the output setting values ​​of each of the laser light sources. (15) The drawing system according to (1) or (2), further comprising: a signal processing unit that is capable of setting a scanning range of the scanning unit based on the image data, wherein the scanning unit is capable of drawing an image on the recording medium by scanning the plurality of laser beams within a range of the surface of the recording medium that is set as the scanning range. (16) The drawing system described in (1) or (2), further comprising a signal processing unit capable of correcting the image data based on the irradiation spot diameter of each of the laser beams or a numerical value corresponding to the irradiation spot diameter of each of the laser beams, and setting an output setting value of each of the laser light sources based on the corrected image data. (17) The drawing system described in (1) or (2), further comprising a signal processing unit capable of correcting the output setting value of each of the laser light sources to generate, for each of the laser light sources, a corrected output setting value that results in a contrast greater than that of an image drawn on the recording medium based on the output setting value by correcting the output setting value of each of the laser light sources. (18) The drawing system described in (1) or (2), further comprising a signal processing unit capable of correcting the output setting value of each of the laser light sources to generate, for each of the laser light sources, a corrected output setting value that results in a color gamut larger than that of an image drawn on the recording medium based on the output setting value by correcting the output setting value of each of the laser light sources. (19) The drawing system described in (13), wherein the correction value is specified for each pixel region whose number is smaller than the number of pixels corresponding to the drawing resolution of the scanning unit.(20) The drawing system according to (13), wherein the signal processing unit is capable of deriving a reference correction value at the reference pixel as the correction value by performing a calculation based on the measurement value of the gradation, the reference measurement value, and the reference output setting value so that the measurement value of the gradation at the reference pixel in an image drawn by driving each of the laser light sources based on the reference output setting value at the reference pixel approaches the reference measurement value. (21) The drawing system according to (20), wherein the signal processing unit is capable of deriving a first correction output setting value based on the reference correction value and the reference output setting value, and performing a calculation based on the measurement value of gradation value unevenness so that the measurement value of gradation value unevenness in an image drawn by driving each of the laser light sources based on the first correction output setting value is smaller than a predetermined threshold, thereby deriving a first surrounding correction value for each of the laser light sources at a plurality of surrounding pixels around the reference pixel as the correction value. (22) The drawing system described in (21), wherein the first surrounding correction value is a correction value obtained based on a measurement value of the gradation value unevenness in a specific gradation, and the signal processing unit is capable of deriving a second surrounding correction value in a gradation other than the specific gradation as the correction value by complementing a correction value in a gradation other than the specific gradation based on the first surrounding correction value.

[0269] In a drawing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each laser light source is driven based on an output setting value of each laser light source that is set based on image data and emission timing data that sets the emission timing of each laser light source. This allows the position coordinates of the irradiation spots of the laser light from each laser light source to be aligned in the scanning direction. As a result, a high-quality color image can be obtained.

[0270] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-144773, filed on September 6, 2023, in the Japan Patent Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0271] 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 system comprising: a light source unit having a plurality of laser light sources with different emission wavelengths; a scanning unit capable of drawing a color image on a recording medium having a plurality of thermal recording layers corresponding to the emission wavelengths of the plurality of laser light sources by scanning the recording medium with a plurality of laser light beams emitted from the plurality of laser light sources; and a laser driving unit capable of driving each of the laser light sources based on an output setting value of each of the laser light sources set based on image data and emission timing data in which the emission timing of each of the laser light sources is set.

2. The drawing system according to claim 1, wherein the emission timing data includes a correction value for the emission timing of each of the laser light sources to reduce positional deviation in the scanning direction of the irradiation spots of each of the laser light beams generated on the recording medium when the multiple laser light beams are emitted from each of the laser light sources with the scanning unit stopped.

3. The drawing system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a storage unit in which the emission timing data is stored.

4. The drawing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the light source unit has an optical system that defines an offset of each of the laser light irradiation spots in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction, and the drawing system further comprises a signal processing unit that is capable of generating offset-compatible image data corresponding to the offset by correcting the image data based on data regarding the offset, and setting an output setting value of each of the laser light sources based on the offset-compatible image data.

5. The drawing system according to claim 4, further comprising a storage unit in which data regarding the offset is stored.

6. The drawing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the scanning unit has a movable mirror and an fθ lens, and the drawing system further comprises a movable mirror driver capable of generating distortion imparting control data in which distortion corresponding to the aberration of the fθ lens is imparted by correcting control data of the movable mirror based on aberration correction data in which a correction value for correcting distortion caused by the aberration of the fθ lens that may appear in the image drawn on the recording medium is specified, and controlling the operation of the movable mirror based on the distortion imparting control data.

7. The drawing system according to claim 6, further comprising a storage unit in which the aberration correction data is stored.

8. The drawing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the scanning unit has a movable mirror and an fθ lens, and the drawing system further comprises a signal processing unit capable of generating distorted image data to which distortion corresponding to the aberration of the fθ lens has been imparted by correcting the image data based on aberration correction data in which a correction value for correcting distortion due to the aberration of the fθ lens that may appear in the image drawn on the recording medium is defined for each laser light source, and setting an output setting value of each of the laser light sources based on the distorted image data.

9. The imaging system according to claim 8, further comprising a storage unit in which the aberration correction data is stored.

10. The drawing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the scanning unit has a movable mirror and an fθ lens, and the drawing system further comprises a signal processing unit capable of generating distortion-free image data by excluding from the image data data a portion of the image data in which distortion due to aberration of the fθ lens may appear, and setting an output setting value of each of the laser light sources based on the distortion-free image data.

11. The drawing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a signal processing unit capable of generating a corrected output setting value for at least one of the plurality of laser light sources, the corrected output setting value being a more uniform power density distribution compared to the power density distribution of each of the laser light output from the scanning unit when the output setting value of each of the laser light sources is not corrected, by correcting the output setting value of each of the laser light sources based on a correction value of the output setting value of each of the laser light sources, and the laser driving unit is capable of driving the laser light source based on the corrected output setting value and the emission timing data.

12. The drawing system according to claim 11, further comprising a storage unit in which correction values ​​for the output setting values ​​of each of the laser light sources are stored.

13. The drawing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a signal processing unit capable of generating a corrected output setting value for at least one of the plurality of laser light sources, the corrected output setting value being such that a more uniform distribution of gradation values ​​is obtained compared to the distribution of gradation values ​​of an image drawn on the recording medium when the output setting value of each of the laser light sources is not corrected, by correcting the output setting value of each of the laser light sources based on a correction value of the output setting value of each of the laser light sources, and the laser driving unit is capable of driving each of the laser light sources based on the corrected output setting value of each of the laser light sources and the emission timing data.

14. The drawing system according to claim 13, further comprising a storage unit in which correction values ​​for the output setting values ​​of each of the laser light sources are stored.

15. A drawing system as described in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a signal processing unit capable of setting a scanning range of the scanning unit based on the image data, and the scanning unit is capable of drawing an image on the recording medium by scanning the multiple laser beams within a range of the surface of the recording medium that is set by the scanning range.

16. The drawing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a signal processing unit capable of correcting the image data based on the irradiation spot diameter of each of the laser beams or a numerical value corresponding to the irradiation spot diameter of each of the laser beams, and setting an output setting value of each of the laser light sources based on the corrected image data.

17. The drawing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a signal processing unit capable of generating, for each of the laser light sources, a corrected output setting value that results in a contrast greater than the contrast of an image drawn on the recording medium based on the output setting value by correcting the output setting value of each of the laser light sources.

18. The drawing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a signal processing unit capable of generating, for each laser light source, a corrected output setting value that results in a color gamut larger than the color gamut of an image drawn on the recording medium based on the output setting value by correcting the output setting value of each of the laser light sources.

19. The drawing system according to claim 13, wherein the correction value is defined for each pixel region having a number smaller than the number of pixels according to the drawing resolution of the scanning unit.

20. The drawing system of claim 13, wherein the signal processing unit is capable of deriving a standard correction value at the reference pixel as the correction value by performing a calculation based on the measurement value for the gradation, the standard measurement value, and the standard output setting value so that the measurement value for the gradation at the reference pixel in an image drawn by driving each of the laser light sources based on the standard output setting value at the reference pixel of each of the laser light sources approaches the standard measurement value.

21. The drawing system described in claim 20, wherein the signal processing unit derives a first correction output setting value based on the reference correction value and the reference output setting value, and performs calculations based on the measurement value of the gradation value unevenness so that the measurement value of the gradation value unevenness in an image drawn by driving each of the laser light sources based on the first correction output setting value is smaller than a predetermined threshold, thereby deriving a surrounding correction value for each of the laser light sources at a plurality of surrounding pixels around the reference pixel as the correction value.

Images