JP2001150789A - Method and system for foam molding, data processor therefor, and foamed molding - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a system for foam molding capable of forming a half-stereoscopic image having an arranged shape. SOLUTION: When a half-stereoscopic image is formed on a foamable sheet based on selected image data, the foaming height of the half-stereoscopic image is suppressed to a controllable control limit height Hc or less. A linear data conversion is conducted by using a linear function FL corresponding to the height Hc for the maximum height Zmax expressed by fundamental data, and forming data is generated from the fundamental data. When the half-stereoscopic image is formed based on the forming data, the height distribution of the half- stereoscopic image becomes the height Hc or less. Thus, since unexpected foaming is not generated in the sheet, forming of the half-stereoscopic image having an arranged shape can be formed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a foam molding technique for selectively foaming a foamable layer to perform molding.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional shaping techniques for semi-stereoscopic images using a foamable sheet are mainly used for creating images such as Braille arrangements. Such a technique is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 59-35359, and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 64-28660 discloses a foam molding technique. Hereinafter, the outline of these conventional foam moldings will be described.

First, an image pattern colored with black toner is formed on the surface of a foamable sheet having a large number of microcapsules which expand when heated. Then, the image pattern is irradiated with light including infrared rays. As a result, heat is generated in the image pattern, and the microcapsules expand due to the heat, so that foaming is selectively generated in the foamable sheet, thereby forming an uneven image.

[0004] In the case of such a shaping of a concavo-convex image, since it is a binary shaping that each part on the foam sheet is foamed or not, it is foamed by heat given to the foam sheet. The maximum controllable height (control limit height) is a height that is sufficient as long as it can be visually or tactilely recognized as a convex portion.

[0005]

By the way, it has been proposed to use such a foamable sheet for a wider range of three-dimensional modeling. In such a case, in the three-dimensional modeling, not only the binary control of foaming / non-foaming, but also the foaming height is controlled in a multi-valued manner, so that the actual three-dimensional shape and the geometric three-dimensional shape can be more detailed. Often want to express. However, in this specification, “multi-valued” is a term that includes both the case of three or more discrete stages and the case of refinement such that it can be determined to be substantially continuous.

In such a multi-valued three-dimensional modeling, in order to reflect each foaming stage of the multi-valued expression as clearly as possible, basic data reflecting the height distribution of a three-dimensional shape to be a model as faithfully as possible is used. Often created. In this case, it is sufficient that such a height distribution can be directly reflected on the distribution of the foaming height of the foamable sheet. However, in practice, the foaming sheet (more precisely, the foaming layer included in the foaming sheet) is used. Since the control limit height is on the order of a few mm, the practical maximum height of a semi-stereoscopic image obtained by selective foaming is also limited thereby. In fact, it is possible to foam to a height somewhat higher than the control limit height, but in the height region above the control limit height, the microcapsules will burst, so the foam height and the heating amount will be different. The correspondence is not unique. Therefore, it is difficult to effectively use this area for forming a semi-stereoscopic image.

[0007] Under these circumstances, if foaming molding is performed using the height distribution of the basic data as it is, foaming will be performed to a height range exceeding the control limit height, and foaming of the foamed layer will occur. There has been a problem that it is not possible to obtain a well-formed semi-stereoscopic image while utilizing the ability.

On the other hand, when the maximum height of the height distribution in the basic data is considerably lower than the control limit height,
Foaming is performed only in a range below the height where there is still enough foaming margin, and the foaming limit is not effectively used. Therefore, also in this case, it is not possible to obtain a well-shaped semi-stereoscopic image while utilizing the foaming ability of the foam layer.

[0009] Further, there is a demand to perform foam molding in a form in which the height distribution is deformed from basic data. As such examples, there are various types such as widening or narrowing only the dynamic range of a specific height range, and flattening a peak portion and a bottom portion of the height distribution. However, in the conventional foam molding, such deformation is impossible because it is assumed that the height distribution in the basic data is reproduced on the foam sheet.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a first object of the present invention is to enhance the expressiveness of foam molding while effectively utilizing the range of foaming ability of a foam layer.

A second object of the present invention is to obtain a well-formed semi-stereoscopic image within the range of the foaming ability of the foam layer.

A third object of the present invention is to enable a foam molding that is deformed from basic data within the range of the foaming ability of the foam layer.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a foam layer is selectively foamed on the basis of basic data representing a first height distribution of a predetermined three-dimensional shape. A foam molding method for producing a semi-stereoscopic image thereby, wherein (a) converting the basic data according to a control limit height that is a controllable maximum foam height in the foam layer, And (b) a forming step of forming a semi-stereoscopic image by selectively foaming a foam layer according to the forming data. .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the foam molding method according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the data conversion step, a maximum height in the first height distribution is equal to a maximum height in the second height distribution. To be a value equal to or less than the control limit height,
Compressing the first height distribution to obtain the second height distribution.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the foam molding method according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the data conversion step, the maximum height in the first height distribution is equal to the maximum height in the second height distribution. The second height distribution is obtained by compressing the first height distribution so as to be approximately the control limit height.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the foam molding method according to any one of the first to third aspects, in the data conversion step, the linear conversion according to the control limit height is performed in the data conversion step. The second height distribution is generated by performing the process on the first height distribution.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the foam molding method according to any one of the first to third aspects, in the data conversion step, the first height distribution is partially emphasized. The second height distribution is generated by performing a non-linear transformation on the first height distribution.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the foam molding method according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the data conversion step, the maximum height difference in the first height distribution is determined by the second height distribution. In the above, the first height distribution is converted so as to be equal to or less than the control limit height to generate the second height distribution.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the foam molding method according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the data conversion step, the maximum height difference in the first height distribution is determined by the second height distribution. In the above, the first height distribution is converted so as to be substantially equal to the control limit height,
Generate a height distribution of.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the foam molding method according to the first aspect of the present invention, the data conversion step includes:
(a-1) comparing the maximum height in the first height distribution with a predetermined threshold smaller than the control limit height; (a-2) the maximum height in the first height distribution Is smaller than the threshold value, the first height distribution is expanded under the condition that the maximum height in the second height distribution is larger than the threshold value and equal to or less than the control limit height. Generating the second height distribution in the above manner.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the foam molding method according to the eighth aspect, the threshold is given as a ratio to the control limit height, and the ratio is 1 /
It is selected in the range of 3 to 2/3.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the foam molding method according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the three-dimensional shape is a distance when a predetermined three-dimensional object is viewed from a predetermined direction. It is an image.

The invention according to claim 11 is a foam molding method for molding a semi-stereoscopic image by selectively foaming a foam layer, comprising: (a) a step of specifying a three-dimensional shape of a predetermined three-dimensional object; (B) selectively foaming the foamed layer in accordance with the three-dimensional shape, thereby obtaining a semi-stereoscopic image, comprising, the maximum height in the height distribution of the semi-stereoscopic image,
Unlike the maximum height in the height distribution of the three-dimensional shape,
And it is below the maximum controllable foaming height in the foamed layer.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a foam molding method for selectively foaming a foam layer to form a semi-stereoscopic image, wherein (a) a height distribution of a predetermined three-dimensional shape is specified. And (b) irrespective of the maximum height in the three-dimensional shape, by selectively foaming the foam layer in a range equal to or less than a controllable maximum foam height, to form a semi-stereoscopic image by the foam layer. And a step.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a foam molding system for forming a semi-stereoscopic image by foaming a foam layer based on basic data representing a first height distribution of a predetermined three-dimensional shape. (A) a data processing device that generates modeling data representing a second height distribution by converting the basic data according to a control limit height that is a controllable maximum foaming height in the foam layer. And (b) a shaping apparatus for shaping a semi-stereoscopic image by selectively foaming a foam layer according to the shaping data.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the foam molding system according to the thirteenth aspect, the data processing device comprises: (a)
-1) conversion means for giving a controllable maximum foaming height in the foamed layer as a maximum height in the second height distribution, irrespective of a maximum height in the first height distribution. .

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing apparatus for selectively foaming a foamed layer, thereby generating shaping data for shaping a semi-stereoscopic image.
Input means for inputting basic data representing the height distribution of a predetermined three-dimensional shape, and (b) the basic data, regardless of the maximum height in the three-dimensional shape, a range equal to or less than the maximum controllable foaming height. And converting means for converting the foamed layer into modeling data for selectively foaming the foamed layer.

[0028] Further, the invention of claim 16 is a foamed molded article expressing a three-dimensional shape of a predetermined three-dimensional object, wherein (a) a base layer and (b) provided on the base layer. A foaming layer expressing the three-dimensional shape as a semi-stereo image by being selectively foamed, wherein the maximum height of the height distribution in the semi-stereo image is the maximum of the height distribution in the three-dimensional shape. The height is different from the height, and is equal to or less than the maximum controllable foaming height in the foamed layer.

[0029]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <Outline of Modeling of Semi-Stereoscopic Image> Before describing a specific configuration and operation of an embodiment of the present invention, an outline of a process of forming a semi-stereoscopic image on a foamable sheet will be described. I do.

As shown in FIG. 1, when forming a semi-stereoscopic image that reproduces the shape of the stereoscopic model MD, the photographing device CM first comprises a fish model MDa representing a fish and a water plant model MDb representing aquatic plants. The basic data DO expressing the three-dimensional shape and surface color of the three-dimensional model MD is obtained. Among these, the three-dimensional shape is expressed by the height distribution of each part of the fish model MDa and the water plant model MDb from the virtual background plane IP.

The photographing device CM includes a two-dimensional photographing device CM2 and a three-dimensional measuring device CM3. The two-dimensional photographing device CM2 photographs the surface color of the three-dimensional model MD in color,
Obtain two-dimensional image data DP. The three-dimensional measuring device CM3 measures distance information from a measurement reference point in the three-dimensional measuring device CM3 to each measuring point on the opposing surface of the three-dimensional model MD, and obtains distance image data DS representing a shape of the three-dimensional model.
To get. Here, the two-dimensional image data DP and the distance image data DS are associated with each other in position. The distance image data DS here is a virtual background plane IP
From the camera to the three-dimensional measuring device CM3 in the height direction Dh
Is the shape data relating to the height distribution of each part of each of the three-dimensional models DMa and DMb.

The shape data of the three-dimensional model MD may be obtained from a parallax image of a contact-type three-dimensional shape measuring instrument, a stereo camera, or the like, or the shape data created by three-dimensional CAD or the like may be used. May be.

Next, a semi-stereoscopic image is formed on the foamable sheet based on the basic data DO. In the following, the principle and procedure for forming the semi-stereoscopic image will be described.

<Principle of Modeling> FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the foamable sheet 9. In addition, this cross-sectional view has shown the dimension in the thickness direction enlarged for convenience of explanation. The principle of forming a semi-stereoscopic image will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the foamable sheet 9
It has a base layer 91 and a foam layer 92 laminated on the base layer 91.

The base layer 91 has a surface 91S that substantially scatters and reflects light LT, which will be described later.

The foam layer 92 has a large number of microcapsules 93 spatially distributed, and a covering 94 covering these microcapsules 93.

The microcapsules 93 are made of a thermoplastic resin such as vinyldene chloride-acrylonitrile, methacrylic acid ester-acrylic acid copolymer, vinylidene chloride-acrylic acid copolymer, vinylidene chloride-acrylic acid ester copolymer, etc. It is encapsulated in resin and has a particle size of 10
It is about 30 μm. When the microcapsules 93 are heated, when the microcapsules 93 reach a predetermined temperature,
The substance inside starts to evaporate, and the microcapsules 93 expand.

The coating portion 94 is fixed using a thermoplastic coating agent such as a vinyl acetate polymer or an acrylic polymer so that the microcapsules 93 are distributed at a substantially uniform density. The bonding with the foam layer 92 is performed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 2B, a light absorbing pattern 95 is formed on the lower surface 91S of the base material layer 91. The light absorbing pattern 95 is configured by a combination of a low light absorbing pattern 95a and a high light absorbing pattern 95b. This light-absorbing pattern 95
The “a” and the high pattern 95b may be formed of different materials from each other, and when a single material is used, the shading may be formed by an area gradation method. Among these, examples of the plurality of materials having different light absorbances include a combination of a black toner and a gray toner. The gray toner is obtained, for example, as a mixture of a black toner and a white toner.
As in this example, “a plurality of materials having different light absorbances” have different light absorbances depending on the content ratio of a specific light absorbing material (black toner in the above example). It may be a set of mixed mixtures. The magnitude of the light absorbency (light absorbance) can be realized by the shading (density) of the coloring. When the light absorbing pattern 95 is formed by the visible shading of the light absorbing material, Advantageously, even before actually foaming, the height distribution on the foaming pattern can be visually predicted and confirmed only by visually observing the light absorbing pattern 95 on the base material layer 91. There is.

When the light LT including infrared rays is uniformly irradiated on the light absorbing pattern 95, the light absorbing pattern 95
Absorbs the light LT to generate heat TM, and the space pattern of the heat is transmitted through the base material layer 91 to reach the foam layer 92. Then, the microcapsules 93 in the foamed layer 92 expand due to the heat TM, and the bulges 96 (96) that selectively bulge are formed.
a, 96b). Here, the amount of heat generated in the pattern 95a having a low light absorption is smaller than the amount of heat generated in the pattern 95b having a high light absorption.
The foaming height Ha of 6a is lower than the foaming height Hb of the raised portion 96b.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing the concept of the relationship between the coloring density and the foaming height H of the foamable sheet 9. The horizontal axis of this graph indicates the coloring density, and the vertical axis indicates the foaming height H. This graph shows the case where the foamable sheet 9 is irradiated with light under the condition that the light irradiation amount is constant, and the foaming height H increases as the coloring density increases.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the coloring density, the foaming height H of the foamable sheet 9 and the light irradiation energy. The horizontal axis of this graph indicates the coloring density, and the vertical axis indicates the foaming height H. Curves Ga, Gb, Gc, G
d is a graph when different light irradiation energies are given to the foamable sheet 9, and the light irradiation energy has a relationship of Ga <Gb <Gc <Gd. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the slope increases in the order of curves Ga, Gb, Gc, and Gd as the light irradiation energy increases. This is because the amount of heat generated in the light absorbing pattern 95 increases as the irradiation energy of light increases, and the foaming height H increases accordingly, even if the coloring density is equal. Note that these curves G
The point at which a, Gb, Gc, and Gd substantially rise from the origin O is from the critical temperature at which foaming starts in the foamable sheet 9.

Here, these curves Ga, Gb, Gc,
It has been experimentally confirmed that Gd has high reproducibility in a region where the foaming height H does not exceed the controllable control height Hc, that is, in a region where the foaming height can be controlled. On the other hand, in the curves Gc and Gd, the portions Gcf and Gdf that exceed the control limit height Hc are non-reproducible foam height uncontrollable regions where a plurality of paths exist. This is because, when foaming exceeding the control limit height Hc is performed, the microcapsules 93 rupture, causing an explosive foaming state, and the base material layer 91 and the foamed layer 92 are partially peeled off, This is because the shape is also distorted. Note that the maximum foaming height Hmax indicates a foaming height when a much larger energy is applied to the foamable sheet 9 than the energy required for foaming, and almost all of the micro foams are used. The capsule 93 has been ruptured.

As described above, in the formation of a semi-stereoscopic image, the foam height H is controlled by the control limit height Hc with high reproducibility.
It is preferable to set the following. That is, when the maximum height of the first height distribution represented by the basic data DO exceeds the control limit height Hc, the first height distribution is converted to control the foaming height of each part. A second height distribution that is equal to or less than the limit height Hc is obtained, and foam control may be performed in accordance with the second height distribution. In this embodiment, since the first height distribution is expressed by the distance image data DS in the basic data DO, the above conversion corresponds to the conversion of the distance image data DS. Also, since modeling control is performed using data including the converted second height distribution, data including the second height distribution is referred to as modeling data DZ.

<Procedure of Modeling> FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a procedure of forming a semi-stereoscopic image. Here, FIG.
(F) shows the position from the Pa-Pa position in FIG. 5 (a), the Pb-Pb position in FIG. 5 (b), the Pc-Pc position in FIG. 5 (c), and the Pd-Pd position in FIG. 5 (d). FIG. FIG. 6 is a view showing an image formed on the foamable sheet 9 for modeling. In the following, a process for shaping a semi-stereoscopic image using a foamable sheet will be described, and a firing shaping system for automatically performing this process will be described later.

First, the foamable sheet 9 shown in FIG.
(The same as that shown in FIG. 2A) is prepared.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5F, a visible planar image 97 such as a color image is formed on the surface of the foam layer 92 of the foam sheet 9 based on the two-dimensional image data DP.
To form

As shown in FIG. 6 (a), for example, the two-dimensional image data DP
a, a fish image 97a and a water plant image 97b corresponding to the water plant model MDb, and a frame image 97c representing a rectangular frame irrelevant to the three-dimensional model MD. This frame image 9
7c plays the role of a frame for the combination of the fish image 97a and the aquatic plant image 97b.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 5 (c) and (g), on the surface of the base material layer 91 corresponding to the back surface of the foamed layer 92 of the foamable sheet 9, it is obtained in advance by the method described above. Based on the distance image data DS, etc.
To form

The light absorbing pattern 95 is, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), it is composed of a fish pattern 95f corresponding to the fish model MDa and a frame pattern 95g representing a rectangular frame.

The fish pattern 95f is obtained by shading the depth image data DS of the fish model MDa in accordance with the height of each part of the three-dimensional shape indicated by the distance data, and becomes darker toward the center of the fish pattern 95f. It has become. Various types of shading can be used, from a height expression in several stages to a substantially continuous height distribution. When a natural object is used as a model such as “fish” in this example, it is preferable to express the height distribution in a relatively large number of stages, for example, about 8 to 32 or more.
In this embodiment as well, the number of steps is relatively large so that a delicate height expression can be obtained. However, in FIG. 6B, for convenience of illustration, the grayscale distribution is expressed by only a small number of grayscale regions. Generally, N steps of shading (where N is an integer of 2 or more, preferably 3
When the height distribution is expressed by the above integers, the region of the highest level is the highest density “black”, and the (N−2) intermediate levels are “gray” having different densities. .
Further, the region having the lowest density level (that is, the region having the same height as the background surface IP in FIG. 1) is “white”, and this “white” region is substantially free from a coloring medium. Can be expressed. In the case of the illustrated example, the background plane IP is set at a position distant backward from the fish model MDa in FIG. 1, and there is no zero level part within the range of the fish model MDa in the original height distribution. Therefore, there is no "white" area in the fish pattern 95f of FIG. 6B. Also, in this embodiment, in the height distribution of the fish model MDa represented by the basic data DO, the maximum height thereof exceeds the control limit height Hc of the foam layer 92 in the foam sheet 9; Conversion already described (more detailed conversion formula will be described later)
Is scaled so that the maximum height is substantially equal to the control limit height Hc.

The fish pattern 95f is a fish image 97a.
The position is consistent. In this case, the distance image data DS
Has data of a fish model MDa and a water plant model MDb, and a part of the data, that is, the water plant model M
Light absorption pattern 95 of only fish model MDa excluding Db
Is reflected in. That is, the fish pattern 95f corresponds to the selected image data to be formed in the distance image data DS. As described above, the light absorbing pattern 95 may be formed as a gray image pattern corresponding to a part of the distance image data DS, or may be formed over the entire distance image data DS instead.

The frame pattern 95g is colored at a uniform density without shading. The frame pattern 95g is a geometric image pattern formed independently of the distance image data DS. This corresponds to additional image data added to the above-mentioned selected image data.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 5D, the base material layer 91 on which the light-absorbing pattern 95 of the grayscale image is formed.
Light LT is applied from the side. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5H, the raised portions 96f and 96g are generated. The raised portion 96f has a darker color toward the center in the image pattern 95f, and thus the foaming height increases toward the center. On the other hand, the raised portions 96g have the same foaming height because the image pattern 95g is uniformly colored.

<First Embodiment><Main Configuration of Foam Molding System> FIG. 7 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
It is a schematic structure figure showing foaming modeling system 1 of an embodiment.

The foam molding system 1 feeds a foam sheet 9 one by one, and prints an image by applying a color toner to the foam sheet 9 fed from the paper section 10. An image printing unit 20, a front / back inversion mechanism 30 for turning the foamable sheet 9 printed by the image printing unit 20 upside down,
A shaping unit 40 for shaping the foamable sheet 9 by irradiating light
And a data processing unit 50 that controls each unit and performs data processing.
And The data processing unit 50 is provided with an operation unit 51 and a display 52. Among these, the operation unit 51 includes a media drive or an online communication device for inputting the basic data DO, in addition to a keyboard for the operator to input various conditions.

The paper supply section 10 has a plurality of white foamable sheets 9 stacked on a paper supply tray or a paper supply cassette. Each of these foamable sheets 9 has a rectangular planar shape. The sheet feeding unit 10 has a sheet sending roller 11, and by driving the sheet sending roller 11, the foamable sheets 9 are conveyed one by one to the image printing unit 20.

The image printing section 20 is charged by a charging device and then exposed to light from an exposure device 21 to form an electrostatic latent image on its surface.
2 is provided. This exposure pattern is formed by modeling data DZ
Image data DP or range image data D at
It is determined based on S.

The rotary developing device 22 has the three primary colors C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) color toners.
a, 22b, 22c, and 22d. This toner is used as a material that absorbs infrared rays. In addition,
Instead of the three primary colors of the color material, R (red), G (green), and B (blue) color toners, which are the three primary colors of color light, may be used.

The rotary developing device 22 has a plurality of developing sleeves 2 for applying each toner to the photosensitive drum 23.
4, one of the developing sleeves 24 selected at that time can be brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 23.

Then, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 23 is developed by the toner from the developing sleeve 24, and the toner image is once transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 25 and then to the foamable sheet 9. You. The intermediate transfer belt 25 is configured to be driven in a loop by a driving roller 25a, a driven roller 25b, a primary transfer roller 25c, and a support roller 25d. Further, a secondary transfer roller 25e is provided to face the support roller 25d.

In the image printing section 20, two heat rollers 26 (26a, 26a,
26b) are arranged vertically.

The front / back reversing mechanism 30 is for reversing the front and back of the foamable sheet 9, and is a general reversing mechanism used in a copying machine capable of copying both sides of a sheet. This is because it is necessary to form a flat image 97 and a light and shade image pattern 95 on both sides of the foamable sheet 9, but the coloring section 20 can only color one side of the foamable sheet 9. This is because it is necessary to reverse the front and back of the foamable sheet 9 at 30 and copy again.

The molding section 40 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 showing a detailed configuration thereof.

The modeling section 40 includes a casing 41, a light irradiating section 42 for irradiating light, and a sheet conveying section 45 for conveying the foamable sheet 9.

The light irradiator 41 includes a lamp 43 for uniformly irradiating a predetermined amount of light, and a reflector 44 for reflecting the light from the lamp 43 toward the foamable sheet 9. As the lamp 43, a lamp that emits a light beam containing many infrared wavelengths, such as a halogen lamp and an infrared lamp, is used.

The sheet conveying section 45 includes a conveying belt 46,
Driving and driven rollers 47 for driving the conveyor belt
a, 47b. Further, the sheet transport unit 45
Is provided with a sheet carry-in guide plate 48a and a sheet carry-out guide plate 48b that are used for carrying the foamable sheet 9 into and out of the casing 41.

The transport belt 46 can transport the foamable sheet 9 at a predetermined speed by controlling the number of rotations of the driving roller 47a. And foamable sheet 9
The amount of heat generated in each density region of the grayscale image pattern 95 of the foamable sheet 9 is determined according to the product of the conveyance speed of the sheet and the amount of light from the lamp 43 on the foamable sheet 9, and the foaming height is adjusted. Will be performed.

In the data processing section 50, data conversion (described later) of the data relating to the three-dimensional model MD is performed, and the above-described respective sections are controlled.

<Operation of Foaming and Shaping System 1> FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the outline of the operation of the foaming and shaping system 1. The data processing and control operations described below are incorporated in the data processing section 50 shown in FIG. The software is executed by the microcomputer.

In step S1, modeling data DZ is generated based on the distance image data DS of the three-dimensional model MD.
The details will be described later.

In step S2, the image printing unit 20
A flat image 97 is formed on the surface of the foam layer 92 of the foam sheet 9.
Print. That is, the exposing device 21 and the rotary developing device 22 are driven for the foamable sheet 9 conveyed to the image printing unit 20 according to the two-dimensional image data DP, and each color is subjected to the same electrostatic transfer as in electrophotography. Apply toner and develop. Then, the foamable sheet 9 to which the toner is applied is heated while being conveyed by the heat roller 26, and each toner is fixed. In the heating by the heat roller 26, the heating is performed at a temperature equal to or lower than the critical temperature at which foaming in the foamable sheet 9 is substantially caused. At this time, the front end of the foamable sheet 9 enters the inside-out inversion mechanism 30, but at this stage, the inside-out inversion mechanism 30 functions as a mere buffer unit and does not perform the inside-out inversion operation. The surface of the foamable sheet 9 at this point is as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5F.

In step S3, the front and back of the foamable sheet 9 are turned over by the front and back turning mechanism 30. That is, by reversing the foam sheet 9 on which the plane image 97 is printed in step S2, the light absorbing pattern 95 can be printed on the opposite surface of the foam sheet 9 on which the plane image 97 is printed.

In step S4, a light-absorbing pattern (shade image) 95 is printed on the base layer 91 of the foamable sheet 9. That is, the foamable sheet 9 whose front and back are reversed by the front and back reversing mechanism 30 is returned to the image printing unit 20 again, and the same operation as that for one color in step S2 is performed. The light absorbing pattern 95 is printed. Here, a grayscale image is formed by an area gradation method using only K (black) toner.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual enlarged view showing the principle of an example in which shading is represented by the area gradation method. In FIG. 10 (a) corresponding to the region having the highest density, black is applied at an area ratio of almost 100%. In FIG. 10B corresponding to the region where the toner K is applied and the density is approximately intermediate, the black toner K is applied in an area ratio of approximately 50% and FIG. 10C corresponding to the region where the density is the lowest. Does not substantially apply black toner.

In the image printing section 20, such a light and shade pattern is formed on the foam layer 91 so as to correspond to the plane image 97 in position.
A foamable sheet 9 in a state corresponding to (g) is obtained.

In step S5, the modeling section 40
The foamable sheet 9 is irradiated with light. In other words, while the foamed sheet 9 printed on both sides is transported at a constant speed by the transport belt 46 with the base layer 91 side facing upward, the lamp 43
To irradiate light. Thereby, the light absorbing pattern 9
5, the foam layer 92 of the foam sheet 9
The microcapsules 93 in the inside expand, and the foamable sheet 9
In FIG. 5, a semi-stereoscopic image having a foaming height H is formed downward, and the states shown in FIGS. 5D and 5H are obtained.

When the flat image 97 is formed of a material that substantially transmits infrared rays, such as a dye-based ink, without absorbing much, the base layer 91 of the foamable sheet 9 is exposed to the light LT. And a substantially transparent material,
Light may be irradiated with the foam layer 92 of the foam sheet 9 facing upward. In this case, steps S2 and S4
In other words, after the light absorbing pattern 95 is printed on the base material layer 91, the front and back sides are reversed, and the foamed layer 92 is formed.
Can be printed with the flat image 97.

Regarding the foaming height H of the foamable sheet 9,
Specifically, the following equation is obtained. Here, D is the coloring density of each part of the light absorbing pattern 95, R is the light amount per unit time from the lamp 43, and V is the transport speed of the foamable sheet 9 by the transport belt 46.

H = f (D; R × V) (Equation 1) where the function f corresponds to the characteristic curve group of FIG. 4 in which the parameter of the irradiation energy is a value (R × V). This is a function expressing a characteristic curve.

<Formation Data Generation Operation> FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the process of converting the data expressing the height distribution in the formation data generation operation corresponding to step S1.

In step S11, the distance image data DS
, The part corresponding to the water plant model MDb is deleted, and the data corresponding to the height distribution of the fish model MDa is left. this is,
For example, this can be achieved by detecting the contour of the distance image corresponding to the fish model MDa and selectively deleting the data so that only the range surrounded by the contour is left in the distance image data DS.

In step S12, the distance image data DS
As additional image data prepared separately from the above, data corresponding to the height distribution of the frame pattern 95g is added to the basic data DO. If there is no additional image data, the number of data added to the basic data DO is zero.

In step S13, the maximum height of the first height distribution represented by the basic data D0 after the correction such as the selective deletion or addition of data as described above is specified, and the maximum height thereof is specified. It is determined whether the height is not less than the control limit height Hc. When the maximum height is higher than the control limit height Hc, the process proceeds to step S14, and when the maximum height is equal to or less than the control limit height Hc, the process proceeds to step S17. The value of the control limit height Hc is stored in advance in a memory in the data processing unit 50 for each type of the foamable sheet, and the operator inputs the type of the foamable sheet 9 from the operation unit 51. Is selected. However, if the type of the foamable sheet 9 used in the foam molding system 1 is fixed, the control limit height Hc
May be set as a fixed value. In any case, the control limit height Hc is a value smaller than the maximum foam height as a characteristic of the foam layer 92.

In step S14, it is determined whether the data is to be linearly converted. The operator determines in advance whether to perform the linear conversion or the non-selective conversion.
(FIG. 7), and information of the selection result is stored in the memory of the data processing unit 50. Therefore, whether to perform linear conversion or non-linear conversion can be determined by referring to this information. When the linear conversion is performed, the process proceeds to step S15. When the linear conversion is not performed, the process proceeds to step S16.

In step S15, the shaping data DZ is generated by linear compression conversion. This linear compression conversion will be specifically described below.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are diagrams for explaining linear compression conversion of data. Among them, FIG.
(A) is a figure which shows the relationship between the 1st height distribution represented by basic data DO, and the 2nd height distribution represented by modeling data DZ. The function FL is a linear function such that the maximum height Zmax of the first height distribution is converted into the control limit height Hc. Then, as shown in FIG. 12B, the basic data DO is compression-converted into the molding data DZ corresponding to the second height distribution having the control limit height Hc as the maximum value by the function FL, as shown in FIG. For example, FIG.
The first height distribution Z1 (X, Y) of the pyramid 51 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 13B, a quadrangular pyramid 5 having a lower vertex
2 is converted to the second height distribution Z2 (X, Y).

Here, data conversion as shown in the following Expression 2 is performed. However, the first height distribution represented by the basic data D0 is Z1 (X, Y), the second height distribution represented by the shaping data DZ is Z2 (X, Y), and the first height distribution Z1
The maximum height at (X, Y) is Zmax, and the linear conversion coefficient is Kz.

Zmax = max {Z1 (X, Y)}: Kz = Hc / Zmax: Z2 (X, Y) = Kz × Z1 (X, Y) (Equation 2) Further, the symbol max ｛is a bubble. Represents a calculation that takes the maximum value when the two-dimensional coordinate values X and Y defining the plane parallel to the permeable sheet 9 are changed within the range of the foamable area of the foamable sheet 9.

In step S16, the first height distribution Z1
(X, Y) is non-linearly compressed and converted into a second height distribution Z2.
(X, Y) is generated. This non-linear compression conversion will be specifically described below.

FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 show the first height distribution Z.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining non-linear compression conversion of data expressing 1 (X, Y). FIG. 14A shows the basic data DO.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a relationship between a height value of the modeling data DZ and a height value of the shaping data DZ. The function FC is a non-linear function such that the maximum height Zmax of the first height distribution Z1 (X, Y) expressed by the basic data DO is converted to the control limit height Hc. The function FC has an S-shaped curve,
In the semi-stereoscopic image, the difference in height is emphasized in the region (the unevenness emphasizing region) SR having a larger inclination than the inclination of the straight line Ka connecting the origin and the point (Zmax, Hc), that is, the average inclination of the function FC. It will be.

Then, as shown in FIG. 14 (b), the first height distribution Z1 (X, Y) is converted to the second height distribution Z2 (X, X, Y). In this case, unlike the linear transformation, FIG.
(A) shows a first height distribution Z1 (X,
Y) is converted into a second height distribution Z2 (X, Y) of the quadrangular pyramid 54 having a lower vertex as shown in FIG. 15B, and the ridge line has a shape corresponding to the function FC. It has become.

Such a non-linear conversion is achieved by data conversion as shown in the following equation (3).

Zmax = max {Z1 (X, Y)}: Kz = Hc / Zmax: Z2 (X, Y) = Kz × FC0 (Z1 (X, Y)) (Equation 3) where the function FC0 () Is a non-linear function corresponding to the curve FC of FIG. 14 standardized so that its maximum value is “1”.

The function form of the non-linear function FC0 may be fixedly set in a memory in the data processing unit 50 (FIG. 7), or may be selected by the operator for each modeling object. .

Preferably, a function form of a non-linear function, such as a gamma correction parameter in image processing, is characterized by 1
Alternatively, the data processing unit 5 can adjust a plurality of parameter values.
0, and the operator selects the parameter value with the operating unit 51 for each modeling object, and sets the nonlinear function FC0
The concrete function form of can be determined. In this case, the display 52 attached to the data processing unit 50
It is preferable to display the curve shape of this nonlinear function so that the operator can visually recognize the change in the curve when the operator changes the parameter value. In addition, a simulation function for displaying the three-dimensional shape before and after the conversion as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B may be provided as to what kind of conversion is performed by the nonlinear function. The same applies to the linear transformation described above.

On the other hand, in step S17, the maximum height Zmax of the first height distribution Z1 (X, Y) is compared with a predetermined threshold Zth, whereby the maximum height Zmax is equal to or smaller than the threshold Zth. Is determined. This threshold value Zth is determined according to the control limit height Hc, and has a predetermined ratio R (0 <
R ≦ 1), there is a relationship of Zth = R × Hc. The ratio R is desirably in the range of, for example, 1/3 to 2/3.
Further, １ ／ is preferable.

In step S18, the first height distribution Z1 (X, Y) of the basic data DO is subjected to expansion conversion to generate molding data DZ. FIG. 16 shows the first height distribution Z1.
It is a figure for explaining expansion conversion of (X, Y). This expansion conversion is performed, as shown in FIG.
The first height distribution Z1 (X, Y) of O
This is to expand to a second height distribution Z2 (X, Y) with c being the maximum height. In this conversion, it is possible to perform linear data conversion using a linear function. Specifically, the first height distribution Z1 (X, Y) shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 16C, the quadrangular pyramid 55 corresponding to
The second height distribution Z2 of the quadrangular pyramid 56 having a higher vertex
(X, Y).

Although the linear conversion is performed here, the nonlinear conversion may be performed. In addition, the control limit height Hc
A value Hmid between the threshold value and the threshold value Zth may be determined, and the conversion may be performed so that the maximum height Zmax in the first height distribution corresponds to this value Hmid in the second height distribution.

With the above configuration and operation, heating such that the microcapsules are ruptured is not performed, so that the shape of the semi-stereoscopic image is not distorted at a portion higher than the control limit height Hc, and the semi-solid image has a uniform shape. A stereoscopic image can be formed.

<Other Embodiments and Modifications> FIG. 17 is a view showing a molding apparatus 40A used in the foam molding system of the second embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. The operation of the foam molding system according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the operation described later.

In the shaping apparatus 40A, the sheet conveying section 4
The transfer belt (endless belt) 46A of No. 5 is formed of a material that transmits infrared rays, preferably a transparent material in the vicinity of the infrared wavelength region, and the light irradiation section 42 Is arranged. In the operation of the foam molding system, the light irradiation unit 42 is located below the conveyor belt (endless belt) 46A.
Is reversed, that is, after printing the light-absorbing pattern 95 on the base material layer 91, the front and back are reversed, and the plane image 97 is printed on the foam layer 92. Thereby, it is possible to form a semi-stereoscopic image with the foam layer 92 of the foam sheet 9 facing upward.

When the flat image 97 is formed of a material which substantially does not absorb infrared rays, such as a dye-based ink, but substantially transmits the infrared rays, the base layer 91 of the foamable sheet 9 is protected from light LT. And a substantially transparent material,
Light may be irradiated with the foam layer 92 of the foam sheet 9 facing downward. In this case, it is not necessary to reverse the order of step S2 and step S4 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a view showing an example in which the light absorbing pattern 95 is formed also in a region where the planar image 97 is not formed on the foam layer 92 in the first embodiment described above.
As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 18A, of the surface of the base material layer 91 of the foamable sheet 9, the
In addition to providing the light absorbing pattern 95p in the portion 91p corresponding to the region 92p where the 7 is formed, the portion 91p corresponding to the region 92r where the planar image 97 is not formed.
r may be provided with a light absorbing pattern 95r. In this case, after the heating, as shown in FIG.
Any of 92r foams and protrudes. By doing so, it is possible to set a foaming region regardless of the presence of the planar image 97, and the degree of freedom of expression in foam molding is further increased.

FIG. 19 is a view showing a molding apparatus 6 used in the foam molding system according to the third embodiment.
Other configurations and operations of the foam molding system according to the embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

The foam molding system device 6 is configured to directly heat the foam layer of the foam sheet 9 with a laser. More specifically, this foam molding system device 6
A laser light source 61; an optical unit 62 for condensing a laser beam from the laser light source 61 at a predetermined point;
And control means 63 for controlling the light emission intensity and the like. Here, the laser beam from the laser light source 61 is scanned in the X direction by a galvanometer mirror, a polygon mirror, or the like built in the optical unit 62, and the foamable sheet 9 is transported in the Y direction. As a result, the selected area in the foamable sheet 9 is raised to generate the raised portion 96, and a semi-stereoscopic image can be formed. Here, the foaming height of the foamable sheet 9 is adjusted by controlling the laser intensity or the laser irradiation time.

FIG. 20 is a view showing a molding apparatus 7 used in the foam molding system according to the fourth embodiment.
Other configurations and operations of the foam molding system according to the embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

The foam shaping system 7 is configured so that a heated needle-like contact is brought into direct contact with a foamable sheet to perform point heating. More specifically, the foam molding system 7 includes a heating pin 73 having good heat conductivity, a resistance heating element 72 bonded and heated to the heating pin 73, a thermistor 71 for detecting the temperature of the heating pin 73, And control means 74 for controlling these. Here, while moving the heating pin 71 in the X direction, the foamable sheet 9 is conveyed in the Y direction, and each area of the foamable sheet 9 is scanned while the heating pin 71 is being brought into contact with the heating pin 71, whereby the foaming sheet 9 is moved. The selected area is raised to generate the raised portion 96, and a semi-stereoscopic image can be formed. Here, the foaming height of the foamable sheet 9 is adjusted by controlling the temperature of the heating pin 73 or the contact time of the heating pin 73.

In the linear transformation of the basic data, the maximum height Zma of the first height distribution represented by the basic data
A linear function that converts a specific height lower than x into the control limit height Hc may be used. In this case, the first
The portion of the height distribution above the specific height is the second
In order to exceed the control limit height Hc in the height distribution of
The modeling accuracy in the excess is not guaranteed. However, rather than the reproducibility near the peak of the first height distribution,
When importance is placed on the fineness in reproduction near the intermediate height, such a deformation is also possible.

Also in this case, the expressiveness of the semi-stereoscopic image is enhanced in the sense that the operator can freely adjust the range for obtaining a well-shaped semi-stereoscopic image.

When the range of the first height distribution in the basic data D0 is the hatched portion SS shown in FIG. 12B, the maximum height difference of the hatched portion SS is the second height in the molding data. Data conversion may be performed so as to be substantially equal to the limit height Hc of the height distribution.

That is, the first height distribution Z1 (X, Y)
Is the actual data distribution of Zmin to Zmax (however, Zmin
> 0), in the data conversion as in the first embodiment, the entire range 0 that the data of the molding data DZ can take is 0.
The second height distribution Z2 (X, Y) does not effectively use .about.Hc. For this reason, the first height distribution Z1 (X, Y)
The range from 0 to Zmin, which does not actually have a value, is excluded from the modeling range. As a result, the compression ratio in the compression conversion can be kept low.

Specifically, as a preferable conversion, an operation according to the following equation 4 is performed.

Zmax = max {Z1 (X, Y)}: Zmin = min {Z1 (X, Y)}: Kzd = Hc / (Zmax−Zmin); Z2 (X, Y) = Kzd × (Z1 (X1 , Y) -Zmin) (Equation 4) where the symbol min {} represents the two-dimensional coordinate values X and Y defining the plane parallel to the foamable sheet 9,
Represents a calculation that takes the minimum value when changed within the range of the foamable region, and Kzd is a conversion coefficient.

When the minimum value Zmin is larger than 0, when the conversion coefficient Kz in the linear conversion of the equation 1 is compared with the conversion coefficient Kzd of the equation 4, Kzd / Kz = Zmax / (Zmax-Zmin)> 1 (Equation 1) 5) Therefore, the conversion coefficient Kzd is larger than the conversion coefficient Kz, and in terms of the compression ratio (the reciprocal of the conversion coefficient), Expression 4 is a smaller compression ratio.

Therefore, when data conversion is performed according to Equation 4, the range in which data values actually exist in the first height distribution can be expressed with a wider dynamic range in the second height distribution. Therefore, it becomes easy to express a subtle difference in height in three-dimensional modeling. In addition, Zmi
In the case where n = 0, Equation 4 is equivalent to Equation 1.

Further, as an extension of the above principle, the maximum height difference (Zmax−Zmin) of the first height distribution is set to a predetermined width ΔHc (where 0 mm or more) larger than the control limit height Hc of the second height distribution.
≦ ΔHc <1) or a predetermined ratio r (where 0 ≦ r)
The conversion can be performed so as to correspond to the value Hc1 smaller by <1), that is, Hc1 = (Hc1−ΔHc) (Equation 6) or Hc1 = (1-r) × Hc1 (Equation 7). Preferably, ΔHc <(１ ／) × ΔHc: r <(１ ／) (Equation 8), and more preferably, ΔHc <(１ ／) × ΔHc: r <(１ ／). (Equation 9). In Expressions 6 and 7, ΔHc = 0 or r =
Equation (5) corresponds to equation (5).

The control height limit of foaming depends on the properties of the material of the foaming layer and the thickness of the foaming layer. Therefore,
The control limit height may be experimentally determined in advance for a foam layer of the same material and the same thickness, but only the control limit height per unit height is determined, and the control limit height is determined according to the thickness of the foam layer. Even if it is corrected numerically, an almost accurate value can be obtained.

When a flat image is formed using a plurality of color media (toner or the like), the light absorbing pattern is formed by using the toner having the highest visual density among the plurality of color media. preferable. This is because in general, the higher the visual density, the higher the heat absorption rate,
This is because light irradiation time can be reduced.

The state in which the two-dimensional image and the light-absorbing pattern are printed on the front and back sides by the image printing unit 22 (FIG. 5).
The foamable sheet 9 of (c) and (g)) can be distributed in the market before foaming. Further, if the light absorbing pattern 95 is covered with a coating layer which is substantially opaque for visible light and transparent for infrared light, the user cannot know the foaming result until the foaming is actually performed. Therefore, it can be used as a three-dimensional “hidden picture” or as a “three-dimensional authentication seal”. Further, the present invention is particularly useful for creating a multi-valued semi-stereoscopic image having three or more height steps, but it cannot be used for the purpose of binary foaming like Braille. You may use it like that.

In the image printing section of each of the above embodiments, printing may be performed on the foamable sheet by an ink jet method. In this case, since the ink receiving layer is further overcoated on the foam layer of the foam sheet, the applied ink can reproduce an image without bleeding.

◎ Regarding the modeling portion of the first embodiment, uniform light irradiation may be performed on the entire surface of the foamable sheet at one time.
Alternatively, the entire foamable sheet may be uniformly irradiated with light by irradiating slit light of a predetermined width and conveying the foamable sheet at a constant speed.

In each of the above embodiments, the foamable sheet is not limited to the one having microcapsules. When water is applied to a sheet in which fibers are compressed, the foamed sheet in which the compressed state of the fibers is relaxed and rises, A foamable sheet that foams by heating the portion where the ink is attached may be used.

When displaying a three-dimensional object formed by the three-dimensional molding according to the first and second embodiments as a three-dimensional advertising panel in various places, a method of transporting a flat image and a light-absorbing pattern as a printed sheet is used. It is not bulky, and the transportation cost can be reduced. When the user has at least the device of the modeling unit 40, it is also effective to sell the sheet in a state where the planar image and the light absorbing pattern are printed.

In the above embodiments, the height distribution (Z direction) is described as being converted.
The scale in the Y direction may be converted, or only the Z direction may be converted in the XY directions without changing the basic data.

[0127]

As described above, according to the first to sixteenth aspects of the present invention, foaming can be performed in consideration of the control limit height of the foamed layer. While effectively utilizing the range of, the expressiveness of foam molding can be enhanced, and a semi-stereoscopic image of a well-formed shape can be obtained.

In particular, according to the second aspect of the present invention, since the data conversion is performed such that the maximum value of the first height distribution in the basic data falls within the range of the foaming ability of the foam layer, the first height distribution Modeling is possible up to near the maximum value of.

In the third aspect of the present invention, since the range of the foaming ability of the foamed layer is maximized, the expressiveness of the height distribution in the foam molding is particularly enhanced.

The invention according to claim 4 is suitable for reproducing the height relationship in the three-dimensional shape in the basic data in a proportionally faithful manner.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since a portion for emphasizing the difference in height can be set within the range of the foaming ability of the foam layer, foam molding can be performed by performing deformation from the basic data.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the maximum height difference portion that is substantially meaningful in the first height distribution is assigned to the range of the foaming capacity in the foamed layer, the use of the foaming capacity range is small and the foaming capacity is small. Expressiveness in modeling can be enhanced.

In particular, according to the invention of claim 7, since the maximum height difference portion of the first height distribution is allocated to the entire range of the foaming capacity range in the foamed layer, there is no waste in utilizing the foaming capacity range, and the foaming molding has no waste. Expressiveness can be particularly enhanced.

Further, according to the invention of claim 8, since the height difference of a three-dimensional shape having a small height difference can be expanded and foamed within the range of the foaming ability of the foam layer, the expressiveness is improved. , It becomes easier to deform.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining acquisition of basic data DO including a shape of a three-dimensional model MD and a surface color.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a foamable sheet 9;

FIG. 3 is a graph showing a concept of a relationship between a coloring density and a foaming height H of a foamable sheet 9;

FIG. 4 is a graph showing a relationship between a coloring density, a foaming height H of the foamable sheet 9, and light irradiation energy.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for forming a semi-stereoscopic image.

FIG. 6 is a view showing an image formed on a foamable sheet 9 for modeling.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a foam molding system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a modeling unit 40.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of an operation of the foam molding system 1.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual enlarged view showing the principle of an example in which shading is expressed by the area gradation method.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of an operation of generating molding data.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining linear compression conversion of data.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining linear compression conversion of data.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining non-linear compression conversion of data.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining non-linear compression conversion of data.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining data expansion conversion.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a modeling apparatus 40A according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a light absorbing pattern 95 is formed in a region where a planar image 97 is not formed.

FIG. 19 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a foam molding system 6 according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a foam molding system 7 according to a fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 6, 7 Foaming modeling system 9 Foaming sheet 20 Image printing part 40 Modeling part 43 Lamp 46 Conveying belt 91 Base layer 92 Foaming layer 95 Light absorbing pattern 97 Plane image DO Basic data DP Two-dimensional image data DS Distance image Data DZ modeling data H Foam height Hc Control limit height MD Solid model

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A foam layer is selectively foamed on the basis of basic data representing a first height distribution of a predetermined three-dimensional shape,
A foam shaping method for shaping a semi-stereoscopic image thereby, comprising: (a) converting the basic data in accordance with a control limit height that is a controllable maximum foam height in the foam layer; A data conversion step of generating modeling data representing a height distribution, and (b) a modeling step of modeling a semi-stereoscopic image by selectively foaming a foam layer according to the modeling data. Characteristic foam molding method. 2. The foam molding method according to claim 1, wherein, in the data conversion step, a maximum height in the first height distribution is equal to or less than the control limit height in the second height distribution. A foam molding method, characterized in that the first height distribution is compressed to obtain the second height distribution. 3. The foam molding method according to claim 2, wherein in the data conversion step, a maximum height in the first height distribution is substantially equal to the control limit height in the second height distribution. And forming the second height distribution by compressing the first height distribution. 4. The foam molding method according to claim 1, wherein in the data conversion step, a linear conversion according to the control limit height is performed on the first height distribution. Performing the foaming molding method by generating the second height distribution. 5. The foam molding method according to claim 1, wherein in the data conversion step, a non-linear conversion that partially emphasizes the first height distribution is performed by the first height distribution. A foam molding method, wherein the second height distribution is generated by performing on a height distribution. 6. The foam molding method according to claim 1, wherein in the data conversion step, a maximum height difference in the first height distribution is equal to or less than the control limit height in the second height distribution. The foaming molding method, wherein the second height distribution is generated by converting the first height distribution so that 7. The foam molding method according to claim 6, wherein in the data conversion step, a maximum height difference in the first height distribution is substantially equal to the control limit height in the second height distribution. A foam molding method, characterized in that the first height distribution is converted to be equal to generate the second height distribution. 8. The foam molding method according to claim 1, wherein the data conversion step includes: (a-1) a maximum height in the first height distribution, and a predetermined threshold smaller than the control limit height. And (a-2) when the maximum height in the first height distribution is smaller than the threshold, the maximum height in the second height distribution is larger than the threshold and Expanding the first height distribution to generate the second height distribution under the condition that the height is equal to or less than the control limit height. 9. The foam molding method according to claim 8, wherein the threshold is given as a ratio to the control limit height, and the ratio is selected in a range from 1/3 to 2/3. The foam molding method characterized by the above-mentioned. 10. The foam molding method according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional shape is a distance image when a predetermined three-dimensional object is viewed from a predetermined direction. Foam molding method. 11. A foam molding method for molding a semi-stereoscopic image by selectively foaming a foam layer, comprising: (a) specifying a three-dimensional shape of a predetermined three-dimensional object; and (b) the three-dimensional shape. Selectively foam the foam layer according to
Thereby obtaining a semi-stereoscopic image, comprising: A foam molding method characterized in that the foam height is not more than the foam height. 12. A foam molding method for selectively foaming a foam layer to form a semi-stereoscopic image, comprising: (a) specifying a height distribution of a predetermined three-dimensional shape; Irrespective of the maximum height in the three-dimensional shape, by selectively foaming the foam layer in a range equal to or less than the controllable maximum foam height, forming a semi-stereoscopic image by the foam layer. Characteristic foam molding method. 13. A foam molding system for producing a semi-stereoscopic image by foaming a foam layer based on basic data representing a first height distribution of a predetermined three-dimensional shape, wherein: (a) the foam layer A data processing device that generates modeling data representing a second height distribution by converting the basic data according to a control limit height that is a controllable maximum foaming height in (b) the modeling A foam molding system, comprising: a molding apparatus that forms a semi-stereoscopic image by selectively foaming a foam layer according to data. 14. The foam molding system according to claim 13, wherein the data processing device comprises: (a-1) a maximum controllable foaming in the foam layer regardless of a maximum height in the first height distribution. Transforming means for giving a height as a maximum height in the second height distribution. 15. A data processing apparatus for selectively foaming a foamed layer and thereby generating shaping data for shaping a semi-stereoscopic image, comprising: (a) expressing a height distribution of a predetermined three-dimensional shape; Input means for inputting basic data; (b) for selectively foaming the foam layer within the range of the controllable maximum foam height or less, regardless of the maximum height in the three-dimensional shape, A conversion unit for converting the data into modeling data. 16. A foamed molded article expressing a three-dimensional shape of a predetermined three-dimensional object, comprising: (a) a base material layer; and (b) provided on the base material layer, and selectively foamed. And a foam layer expressing the three-dimensional shape as a semi-stereo image by having a maximum height of the height distribution in the semi-stereo image different from the maximum height of the height distribution in the three-dimensional shape. , Wherein the foamed layer has a foamable layer height of not more than a controllable maximum foaming height.