Anisotropic Printed Material Formation Using Discrete Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating anisotropic printed materials, such as those using lenticular lenses, require high-resolution image printing and precise formation of curved surfaces, which is challenging with inkjet printers and limits the ease of producing materials that change brightness when viewed from different angles.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that generates data for forming uneven layers with projections, using first brightness information from different viewing directions to calculate recording material amounts, allowing for the creation of anisotropic printed materials with controlled brightness changes when viewed from various angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a lenticular lens is used to create anisotropic printed materials, then brightness changes when viewed from different angles, but high-resolution image printing and precise curved surface formation are required which are difficult to achieve with inkjet printers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of surface geometry from curved (lenticular) to planar with discrete projections. By forming projections with flat tops rather than curved surfaces, the method achieves anisotropic brightness effects using standard inkjet printing capabilities without requiring precise curved surface formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex, precision-requiring lenticular lens structure with simple projection patterns that can be formed using conventional inkjet printing. This substitutes an expensive, precision-critical optical element with a simpler, more easily manufactured alternative
2Illumination intensity
If a lenticular lens is used to create anisotropic printed materials, then brightness changes when viewed from different angles, but high-resolution image printing is required which increases device complexity and manufacturing difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the resolution parameter by forming discrete projections instead of continuous curved lens surfaces. This approach reduces the effective resolution requirement because the anisotropic effect is achieved through the presence/absence of projections rather than through high-resolution optical rendering
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous lenticular lens surface into discrete projection elements. By dividing the surface into separate projection units with flat tops, the system achieves optical effects similar to lenticular lenses but with simpler, lower-resolution printing requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the easy production of anisotropic printed materials with controlled azimuthal and elevation angle anisotropy, improving the ease of forming materials that change appearance based on viewing angle without the need for high-resolution image printing or precise curved surface formation.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet (UV)-curing inkjet printer capable of forming projections and indentations with an ink that includes a photo-curable resin
Data Source
AI summary
At least one embodiment of an image processing apparatus is provided for generating data used to form on a recording medium an uneven layer having a plurality of projections, including: a first obtaining unit that obtains first brightness information regarding a brightness of a predetermined area of an object observed in a first viewing direction and regarding a brightness of the predetermined area of the object observed in a second viewing direction, the second viewing direction having an azimuth angle different from an azimuth angle of the first viewing direction; and a first generation unit that generates first recording amount data that indicates a recording amount of recording material used to form the uneven layer on the recording medium, the uneven layer having the projections each having a base in a shape that changes, on a basis of the first brightness information.