Thermally Expandable Sheet 3D Image Preview System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 2.5D three-dimensional image forming techniques using thermally expandable sheets do not allow for a preview of the formed image, making it impossible to grasp the feel and appearance of the three-dimensional image without actual formation, and they cannot display a flat image in a pseudo three-dimensional manner.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a printer, display unit, and processor that edits original image data to generate different textured surface profiles, displays preview images for user selection, and prints the selected image on a thermally expandable sheet, which is then expanded using light to create a surface-textured image, allowing for a pseudo three-dimensional display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a flat image is displayed on a display device, then the image can be viewed from above, but it is not possible to grasp the feel and appearance of the formed three-dimensional image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates a preview image that copies and simulates the appearance of the three-dimensional image that will be formed on the thermally expandable sheet. By creating a two-dimensional representation that visually replicates the expected three-dimensional效果, users can grasp the feel and appearance of the formed image without actually forming it, thus resolving the information loss problem while maintaining flat display format
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the three-dimensional image formation result into a two-dimensional preview image that can be displayed on a flat screen. By projecting or rendering the three-dimensional surface profile onto a two-dimensional plane with appropriate shading and perspective, the system enables viewing from above while preserving visual information about the three-dimensional characteristics
2Shape
If cross-sectional view is used to display three-dimensional image, then the medium can be viewed from side, but it is not possible to grasp the feel and appearance of the formed three-dimensional image from above
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the side-view cross-sectional representation into a top-view preview image that displays the three-dimensional surface profile as seen from above. By rendering the elevated portions and surface textures in a top-down perspective with appropriate shading to indicate height and form, the system preserves appearance information while enabling viewing from the desired angle
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple edited image data with different textured surface profiles are generated, then user can select from multiple options, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal image processing system that can generate multiple types of edited image data with different textured surface profiles using a single integrated processor. The system applies different editing algorithms and rendering techniques to create various preview images, allowing users to compare different editing manners without requiring separate devices for each function, thus achieving versatility while managing complexity
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 display of a flat image in a pseudo three-dimensional manner, allowing users to grasp the feel and appearance of the formed image before actual formation, and facilitates the creation of surface-textured images on thermally expandable sheets.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally expandable sheet has a coating layer that includes thermally expandable microspheres on a front surface, a front-rear inverted image of a desired image is formed, using an image forming material having excellent light absorption characteristics
Implementation Method 2
the thermally expandable sheet is irradiated with light from an image forming side for an image portion to be selectively heated using the light absorption characteristics of the image forming material, and the thermally expandable microspheres within the coating layer are expanded to form a three-dimensional image
Data Source
AI summary
For creating a surface-textured image on a thermally expandable sheet, an image editor edits the original image data in a plurality of editing manners to generate a plurality of edited image data, the plurality of edited image data corresponding to mutually different textured surface profiles to be created on the thermally expandable sheet, and the image editor causes a display unit to display a plurality of preview images that are generated in accordance with the plurality of edited image data, respectively, in such a manner as to enable a comparison of differences among the plurality of editing manners by a user.