Image Processing Apparatus Metallic Ink Three-Dimensional Appearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing techniques fail to effectively provide a suitable three-dimensional appearance in printed products, as the selection of gradation patterns is predetermined and does not account for the specific geometric conditions of the subject being reproduced, leading to inadequate three-dimensional representation.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that determines the amounts of metallic and color inks based on brightness differences in image data, utilizing the difference in light reflection intensities between normal and diffuse directions to simulate a change in geometric conditions, thereby creating a three-dimensional appearance by controlling the amount of metallic ink and adjusting the color ink amounts accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If predetermined gradation patterns are used for metallic ink printing, then the printing process is simple and fast, but the three-dimensional appearance cannot be optimized for specific geometric conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static predetermined gradation patterns to dynamic ink amount determination. The system calculates optimal ink amounts based on the actual geometric conditions (surface normals) of the subject, allowing the printing parameters to adapt dynamically to different three-dimensional shapes and lighting conditions rather than using fixed patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of ink amount from fixed predetermined values to variable values determined by geometric analysis. By calculating surface normals and analyzing light reflection characteristics for each pixel, the system adjusts ink amounts to match the specific geometric conditions, transforming a static parameter into a dynamically optimized one.
2Ease of operation
If user-selected gradation patterns are used, then some flexibility is provided, but it remains impossible to understand what gradation expression is suitable for giving a three-dimensional appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by analyzing the geometric conditions (surface normals) of the subject and using this information to determine optimal ink amounts. The system provides feedback to the user about the three-dimensional appearance effect that will be achieved, eliminating the trial-and-error process of selecting gradation patterns and ensuring the geometric information is properly utilized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of the geometric conditions and light reflection characteristics before the actual printing process. By pre-calculating the optimal ink amounts based on surface normals and viewing angles, the system prepares the three-dimensional appearance effect in advance, eliminating the need for user selection during printing.
3Illumination intensity
If metallic ink with high normal reflection is used, then strong metallic luster is achieved, but the brightness varies significantly with observation angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the ink amount at different pixel locations based on their specific geometric conditions. Instead of using a uniform ink amount that would cause inconsistent brightness across different angles, the system adjusts the ink amount locally for each pixel according to its surface normal and expected viewing angle, achieving both strong metallic luster and brightness consistency.
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
The apparatus successfully generates a three-dimensional appearance by reproducing the change in brightness due to light source position variations, allowing for a suitable three-dimensional representation of objects or subjects in printed products.
Implementation Method 1
the first ink that reflects light in a normal reflection direction at an intensity different from an intensity of light reflected in a diffuse direction in a case when light is made incident at a predetermined angle on the first ink provided on the medium
Implementation Method 2
the second ink that is different from the first ink and has a ratio of an intensity of light reflected in the normal reflection direction to an intensity of light reflected in the diffuse direction smaller than that of the first ink
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus including a first obtaining unit configured to obtain first image data to be printed, a second obtaining unit configured to obtain second image data indicating a subject identical to that of the first image data and expressed by a geometric condition different from that of the first image data, and a determination unit configured to determine ink amounts of respective inks including a first ink that reflects light in a normal reflection and a second ink that is different from the first ink and has a ratio of an intensity of light reflected in the normal reflection direction to an intensity of light reflected in the diffuse direction smaller than that of the first ink in a case where light based on brightness at each position of the first image data and the second image data.