Information Processing for Foaming-Ink 3D Image Formation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming systems do not effectively form three-dimensional (3D) images on recording media, despite the use of color inks and white ink for base layer formation.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that forms a 3D image on a recording medium using foam promoting ink and a recording medium with a foaming layer, where the foam promoting ink penetrates and expands upon heating to create raised portions, and includes a control unit to generate 3D image data based on input image data, even if it lacks explicit 3D data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If conventional image forming systems use color inks and white ink for base layer formation, then two-dimensional images can be formed, but three-dimensional images cannot be formed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional image formationVSAvoidcompatibility with existing image data formats

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a foaming layer that expands in the vertical dimension when foam promoting ink is applied and heated, transforming flat two-dimensional printed images into three-dimensional structures with raised portions, thus achieving 3D image formation on recording media

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit is designed to universally handle both conventional two-dimensional image data and generate three-dimensional image data automatically, making the system adaptable to various input formats while enabling 3D output without requiring specialized 3D input data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Shape

If foam promoting ink is used to create raised portions, then three-dimensional images are formed, but misalignment with color ink features may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveraised portions for 3D effectVSAvoidalignment between foam and color ink features

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit merges the foam promoting ink data with the color ink image data by superimposing the transparency map, ensuring that the raised portions align precisely with the corresponding color features by coordinating the placement and positioning of both ink types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transparency map applies local quality variations to the foam promoting ink distribution, allowing different regions to have different foam densities and heights based on the underlying color image features, ensuring precise local alignment with color ink patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 creation of 3D images on recording media by expanding foam promoting ink within a foaming layer, ensuring the 3D image data is generated even without explicit input data, and preventing misalignment with color ink features.

Implementation Method 1

the foam promoting ink penetrates and expands upon heating to create raised portions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS20250319705A1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 CANON KK

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes one or more memories storing instructions, and one or more processors that, upon execution of the stored instructions, configure the one or more processors to operate as a control unit that forms a three-dimensional image on a recording medium based on first three-dimensional image data included in input image data, and a generation unit that generates second three-dimensional image data based on the input image data in a case where the input image data does not include three-dimensional image data.