JP7710050B2 - Three-dimensional printed matter and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to 3D printed objects and methods for manufacturing 3D printed objects, and in particular to technology for improving image quality in 3D printing.

In recent years, the use of three-dimensional printed matter that allows the printed image to be perceived three-dimensionally has been suggested for applications such as the exhibition of fine arts and crafts such as paintings and arts and crafts, and for interior decoration and architectural design, and various printing methods have been proposed.

For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a method of forming a laminated ink region by laminating a plurality of colored regions and a plurality of light-reflecting regions so that a colored region formed using color inks overlaps a light-reflecting region formed using light-reflective white ink when forming a raised shape (laminated ink region) on a medium by overlapping multiple ink layers. Patent Document 1 describes that the time required for the printing operation to form a raised shape on the medium can be shortened.

Furthermore, Patent Document 2 proposes a technology for forming a laminated ink area on a medium by overlapping multiple ink layers, in which the area in which the light reflecting area is formed is made larger than the area in which the raised area is formed. Patent Document 2 describes that even if there is a misalignment of the head position (plate misalignment) when forming the light reflecting area and the raised area, it is possible to prevent the outer edge of the raised area from becoming uncovered by the light reflecting area, and to appropriately conceal the color of the raised area, thereby preventing the color of the raised area from standing out when viewing the image and causing a decrease in print quality.

JP 2021-45912 A JP 2021-45913 A

However, the printing methods described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 involve overlapping multiple layers of ink to form a raised shape (laminated ink area) on a medium, and the height of the raised shape is changed by varying the number of layers of ink that are stacked. This causes tiny steps to form at the boundaries between raised areas of different heights due to the difference in the number of layers, and the edges of the raised areas appear as streaky color unevenness that is visible to the viewer, resulting in a decrease in image quality, particularly near the contours of the picture area showing the image of the subject.

The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a three-dimensional printed matter that is capable of producing a fine three-dimensional expression by suppressing the occurrence of color unevenness caused by differences in the height of the raised shapes near the contour of the picture area showing the image of the subject, and a method for manufacturing the same.

A three-dimensional printed matter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a substrate, a laminated three-dimensional layer arranged above one main surface of the substrate, the laminated three-dimensional layer including at least one color three-dimensional element layer arranged in one or more colors and one white three-dimensional element layer arranged in a light-reflective white ink, the laminated three-dimensional layer having a thickness that varies depending on the position on the main surface, a white coating layer covering an upper surface of the laminated three-dimensional layer, and a colored layer arranged in one or more colors on the upper surface of the white coating layer and representing a pattern, the laminated three-dimensional layer being characterized in that a portion of the laminated three-dimensional layer corresponding to a pattern area corresponding to the pattern represented by the colored layer is raised upward from the main surface of the substrate, and the thickness of a boundary area located between the pattern outline of the pattern area and an enlarged outline obtained by moving the pattern outline a predetermined distance outside the pattern area in a planar view continuously increases from the enlarged outline to the pattern outline.

A method for producing a 3D printed product according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of: generating image data for 3D printing and image data for color printing based on color image data; preparing a substrate; stacking a plurality of 3D element layers, each including at least one color 3D element layer arranged in one or more colors and one white 3D element layer arranged in light-reflective white ink, on one main surface of the substrate ; forming a laminated 3D layer having a layer thickness that varies depending on the position on the main surface according to the height gradation of the image data for 3D printing; forming a white coating layer so as to cover an upper surface of the laminated 3D layer; After the step of forming a covering layer, the method includes a step of forming a colored layer on the upper surface of the formed white coating layer, the colored layer being arranged in one or more colors based on the image data for color printing, and in the step of forming the laminated three-dimensional layer, a portion corresponding to the pattern area corresponding to the pattern represented by the colored layer is raised upward from the main surface of the substrate, and the laminated three-dimensional layer is formed so that the thickness of the boundary area located between the enlarged outline obtained by moving the pattern contour of the pattern area corresponding to the pattern represented by the colored layer outward a predetermined distance in a planar view and the pattern contour increases continuously from the enlarged outline toward the pattern contour.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a three-dimensional printed matter and a method for manufacturing the same can be provided that can suppress the occurrence of color unevenness caused by differences in the height of the raised shapes near the contour of the picture area showing the image of the subject, thereby enabling fine three-dimensional expression, and a method for manufacturing the same.

1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a three-dimensional print 10 according to an embodiment. 2 is a schematic plan view of a display surface 10a of the three-dimensional print 10. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional configuration of the three-dimensional print 10. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of each layer in the cross-sectional configuration shown in FIG. 3 . 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a three-dimensional print 10 in a picture area 11 realized by the configuration of each layer shown in FIG. 4. 3A to 3C are process diagrams showing an overview of a method for producing the three-dimensional printed matter 10. FIG. 7 is a process diagram showing an overview of a printing image data generating process in step S1 of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a process diagram showing an overview of a 3D printing image data generating process in step S12 of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a process diagram showing an overview of a process for generating image data for 3D printing within the enlarged outline area in step S127 of FIG. 8. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a plurality of tone curves used in step S1242 of FIG. 9. 1A is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the position X on the main surface and the density OD indicated by the input gradation of the monochrome image data, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the position X on the main surface and the generated height gradation data h obtained by the processing of steps S1242 to S1245 of the 3D printing image data generation process. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between position X on the main surface and height gradation data h generated by the processing of steps S121 to S128 in the 3D printing image data generating process. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the measurement results of the density of an input tone and the thicknesses of a color element layer, a white element layer, and a clear element layer. FIG. 7 is a process diagram showing an overview of the three-dimensional printing process in step S2 of FIG. 6. 1A to 1D are schematic diagrams showing an overview of a manufacturing method in a three-dimensional printing process. FIG. 7 is a process diagram showing an overview of the color printing process in step S3 of FIG. 6. 1A to 1D are schematic diagrams showing an outline of a production method in a color printing process. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a three-dimensional print 10A according to a first modified example.

<<Overview of the embodiment of the present invention>>
A three-dimensional printed matter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a substrate, a laminated three-dimensional layer arranged above one main surface of the substrate, the laminated three-dimensional layer including at least one color three-dimensional element layer arranged in one or more colors and one white three-dimensional element layer arranged in light-reflective white ink, the thickness of the laminated three-dimensional layer varying depending on the position on the main surface, a white coating layer covering an upper surface of the laminated three-dimensional layer, and a colored layer arranged in one or more colors on the upper surface of the white coating layer and representing a pattern, the laminated three-dimensional layer being characterized in that a portion of the laminated three-dimensional layer corresponding to a pattern area corresponding to the pattern represented by the colored layer is raised upward from the main surface of the substrate, and the thickness of a boundary area located between the pattern contour of the pattern area and an enlarged contour obtained by moving the pattern contour a predetermined distance outside the pattern area in a planar view continuously increases from the enlarged contour to the pattern contour.

This configuration makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of color unevenness caused by differences in the height of the raised shapes near the contours of the picture area showing the image of the subject, thereby enabling fine three-dimensional expression.

In another aspect, in any of the aspects described above, the thicknesses of the color three-dimensional element layer and the white three-dimensional element layer may be configured to vary depending on the position on the main surface.

With this configuration, even more detailed three-dimensional expression is possible in the picture area showing the image of the subject.

In another aspect, in any of the aspects described above, the upper surface of the colored layer may be provided with a clear layer that has the function of adjusting the amount of light transmitted therethrough and covers the colored layer.

This configuration allows the viewer to perceive a three-dimensional effect more effectively depending on the image.

A method for producing a 3D printed product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the steps of: generating image data for 3D printing and image data for color printing based on color image data; preparing a substrate; stacking a plurality of 3D element layers, each including at least one color 3D element layer arranged in one or more colors and one white 3D element layer arranged in light-reflective white ink, on one main surface of the substrate ; forming a laminated 3D layer having a layer thickness that varies depending on the position on the main surface according to the height gradation of the image data for 3D printing; forming a white coating layer so as to cover an upper surface of the laminated 3D layer; and forming a white coating layer on the white coating layer. After the step of forming a coating layer, the method includes a step of forming a colored layer on the upper surface of the formed white coating layer, the colored layer being arranged in one or more colors based on the image data for color printing.In the step of forming the laminated three-dimensional layer, a portion corresponding to a pattern area corresponding to the pattern represented by the colored layer is raised upward from the main surface of the substrate, and the laminated three-dimensional layer is formed so that the thickness of the boundary area located between an enlarged outline obtained by moving the pattern contour of the pattern area corresponding to the pattern represented by the colored layer outward a predetermined distance in a planar view and the pattern contour increases continuously from the enlarged outline toward the pattern contour.

This configuration makes it possible to produce a three-dimensional print that suppresses the occurrence of color unevenness caused by differences in the height of the raised shapes near the contours of the picture area showing the image of the subject, allowing for fine three-dimensional expression. As a result, the three-dimensional print 10 allows for fine three-dimensional expression, and it is possible to provide a three-dimensional print that allows the viewer to perceive a greater sense of three-dimensionality.

In another aspect, in any of the aspects described above, the sub-process of forming the color three-dimensional element layer and the white three-dimensional element layer may be performed multiple times with thicknesses selectively varied depending on the position on the main surface in response to the height gradation of the image data for three-dimensional printing.

This configuration makes it possible to produce three-dimensional printed matter that allows for even finer three-dimensional expression in the picture area showing the image of the subject.

In another aspect, in any of the aspects described above, the process of generating the image data for 3D printing may include a process of converting the color image data into monochrome image data, a process of extracting a pattern contour of the pattern area indicated by the color image data based on the monochrome image data, a process of setting an enlarged contour by moving the pattern contour a predetermined distance toward the outside of the pattern area in a planar view, and a process of generating the image data for 3D printing in which the thickness of the boundary area located between the enlarged contour and the pattern contour in a planar view increases continuously from the enlarged contour toward the pattern contour.

This configuration makes it possible to specifically realize a method for manufacturing three-dimensional printed matter that suppresses the occurrence of color unevenness caused by differences in the height of the raised shapes near the contours of the picture area showing the image of the subject, thereby enabling fine three-dimensional expression.

In another aspect, in any of the aspects described above, the process of generating the image data for 3D printing may be configured to include a process of calculating the height gradation of the image data for 3D printing based on the gradation of the color image data or the monochrome image data in the picture area.

In another aspect, in any of the aspects described above, the step of calculating the height gradation of the image data for 3D printing may include a step of generating a plurality of different plate separation data by converting the color image data or the monochrome image data based on a plurality of different tone curves having different density outputs of at least intermediate tones, and a step of synthesizing the generated plurality of plate separation data by selecting data showing the maximum height gradation from the plurality of plate separation data for each position on the main surface.

This configuration makes it possible to specifically realize a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional printed matter that enables the production of a three-dimensional printed matter that allows for even finer three-dimensional expression in the picture area showing the image of the subject.

In another aspect, any of the aspects described above may further include, after the step of forming the colored layer, a step of forming a clear layer having a function of adjusting the amount of light transmitted through the upper surface of the colored layer.

This configuration makes it possible to produce three-dimensional printed matter that allows the viewer to perceive a sense of three-dimensionality more effectively depending on the image.

<Embodiment>
The configuration of the three-dimensional print 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, in this specification, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction in each drawing may be the width direction, depth direction, and height direction, respectively, and the positive direction of the height direction may be the "up" direction, and the negative direction may be the "down" direction. In addition, the scale of the members in each drawing is not necessarily the same as the actual one. In addition, in this specification, the symbol "-" used to indicate a numerical range includes the numerical values at both ends. In addition, the materials, numerical values, etc. described in this embodiment are merely examples of preferred ones, and are not limited thereto. In addition, appropriate changes are possible within the scope of the technical idea of this disclosure. In addition, combinations of parts of the configurations of other embodiments are possible within the scope of no contradiction.
<Overall Configuration of the Three-dimensional Print 10>
The schematic configuration of the three-dimensional printed matter 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the three-dimensional printed matter 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the display surface 10a of the three-dimensional printed matter 10. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional configuration of the three-dimensional printed matter 10. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of each layer in the cross-sectional configuration shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the aspect of the three-dimensional printed matter 10 in the picture region 11 realized by the configuration of each layer shown in Figure 4.

As shown in Figure 1, the three-dimensional printed matter 10 has a display surface (front surface) 10a that is subjected to a pseudo-embossing process, and the back surface 10b opposite to the display surface 10a is flat. The embossing process is an ink embossing process in which three-dimensional printing is performed on the main surface 100a of the substrate 100.

Next, we will explain the configuration of the three-dimensional print 10 when viewed in a plane.

2, the display surface 10a of the three-dimensional print 10 is composed of a pattern area 11 representing the subject, a background area 13 surrounding the pattern area 11, and a boundary area 12 between the pattern area 11 and the background area 13. The boundary area 12 is an area located between the pattern outline 11a of the pattern area 11 in a plan view and an expanded outline 12a obtained by shifting (offsetting) the pattern outline 11a by a distance w0 toward the outside of the pattern area 11. Here, the pattern outline 11a and the expanded outline 12a are not limited to a single outline connected in a ring shape, but may be multiple outlines including broken portions.

The pattern area 11 on the display surface 10a is raised upward from the surface of the main surface 100a of the substrate 100 by ink embossing processing, and has a different height depending on the position on the main surface, forming a relatively high raised portion 201 and a relatively low valley portion 202.

The thickness of the boundary region 12 of the display surface 10a increases continuously from the enlarged contour 12a to the picture contour 11a through ink embossing processing.

The background region 13 is formed low based on print image data in which the height gradation value is zero or a low gradation. The print image data will be described later.

The distance w0, which is the area width of the boundary area 12, may be, for example, 1.5 mm to 8.0 mm, and more preferably, 2.5 mm to 6.0 mm, when the length wx, wy in the X-direction or Y-direction of the picture area 11 is 2000 mm or less. Furthermore, within the above range, the distance w0 may be changed so that the distance w0 becomes larger when the length wx, wy in the X-direction or Y-direction of the picture area 11 is large.

<Cross-sectional configuration>
Next, the cross-sectional structure of the three-dimensional print 10 will be described.

The three-dimensional printed object 10 comprises a substrate 100 serving as a base, a laminated three-dimensional layer 200, a white coating layer 2zw, and a colored layer 300. It may further comprise a laminated clear layer 400.

(Substrate 100)
The substrate 100 is composed of a base material 101. Furthermore, an ink receiving layer may be formed on the upper surface of the base material 101.

(Laminated three-dimensional layer 200)
The three-dimensional printed matter 10 has a configuration in which a plurality of three-dimensional element layers 21 to 2n (n is a natural number, hereinafter sometimes referred to as "2i") each including at least one color three-dimensional element layer 21c to 2nc (n is a natural number representing the number of layers, hereinafter sometimes referred to as "2ic" (i is a natural number representing an index)) arranged on the main surface 100a of the substrate 100 in a direction along the main surface 100a with one or more colors, and a white three-dimensional element layer 21w to 2nw (n is a natural number, hereinafter sometimes referred to as "2iw") made of a material having the function of adjusting the amount of light transmitted therethrough are laminated, and the laminated three-dimensional layer 200 has a thickness that varies depending on the position on the main surface.

In this example, the number of layers n of the three-dimensional element layers 21 to 2n may be, for example, 10 or more and 30 or less. In addition, the number of layers n of each of the color three-dimensional element layers 21c to 2nc and the white three-dimensional element layers 21w to 2nw may be, for example, 10 or more and 30 or less.

The color three-dimensional element layer 2ic and the white three-dimensional element layer 2iw are layers formed to perform ink embossing for three-dimensionalization. Specifically, the color three-dimensional element layer 2ic and the white three-dimensional element layer 2iw are formed based on three-dimensional printing image data formed from color image data, which is the original image for printing a pattern, and are configured so that the thickness of each layer differs depending on the position on the main surface 100a corresponding to the pixel Px of the three-dimensional printing image data, as shown in FIG.

As a result, the laminated three-dimensional layer 200, which is formed by laminating a plurality of three-dimensional element layers 21 to 2n including color three-dimensional element layers 21c to 2nc and white three-dimensional element layers 21w to 2nw, is formed so that the thickness of the entire layer varies depending on the position on the main surface. As a result, the laminated three-dimensional layer 200 has a different height depending on the position on the main surface corresponding to pixel Px of the three-dimensional printing image data, and functions as a three-dimensional layer including a relatively high raised portion 201 and a relatively low valley portion 202.

The color 3D element layer 2ic and the white 3D element layer 2iw may be imaged based on the same 3D printing image data. Alternatively, the color 3D element layer 2ic and the white 3D element layer 2iw may use different 3D printing image data. Also, the 3D printing image data used may be different for each layer constituting the color 3D element layers 21c-2nc and the white 3D element layers 21w-2nw.

(White coating layer 2zw)
A white coating layer 2zw is provided above the laminated three-dimensional layer 200, and has a function of coating the laminated three-dimensional layer 200 and adjusting the amount of light transmitted therethrough. The white coating layer 2zw is formed so as to cover the irregularities on the surface of the laminated three-dimensional layer 200. The white coating layer 2zw may be formed on the entire upper surface of the laminated three-dimensional layer 200 with a density of 100%. The white coating layer 2zw may be made of the same material as the white three-dimensional element layers 21w to 2nw.

(Colored layer 300)
Above the white coating layer 2zw, there is provided a colored layer 300 formed in one or more colors in a direction along the main surface 100a and expressing the pattern of the three-dimensional print 10. The colored layer 300 is composed of layers 301, 302, and 303 that are selectively arranged for each pixel according to the image data. Each of the layers 301, 302, and 303 is image-formed by varying the layer thickness for each pixel according to the gradation of the image data for color printing based on the color image data.

(Laminated clear layer 400)
Above the colored layer 300, one or more clear element layers are laminated, which are made of a resin material and transparent ink dispersed and arranged to form fine irregularities on part of the main surface 100a, enhancing the three-dimensional visual effect of the three-dimensional print 10. In this case, the clear element layers are image-formed by three-dimensional printing image data generated based on color image data and further superimposed with an irregular data pattern based on random numbers or the like.

Alternatively, the clear element layer may be configured such that a translucent ink made of a resin material is disposed over the entire surface of the main surface 100a. In this case, the clear element layer is image-formed by 3D printing image data generated based on color image data.

As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, this example has two clear element layers 401 and 402, and the two clear element layers 401 and 402 form a laminated clear layer 400.

By providing the laminated clear layer 400, the viewer can perceive a three-dimensional effect more effectively depending on the image.

< Materials of each layer>
The materials of the layers constituting the three-dimensional print 10 will now be described.

(Substrate 100)
The base material 101, which is a constituent member of the substrate 100, is a support member for the laminated three-dimensional layer 200, the colored layer 300, and the light-controlling layer 400, and is flat. The base material can be formed from, for example, alkali-free glass, soda glass, polycarbonate resin, polyester resin, polyimide material, alumina, etc. By using a material having light-transmitting properties, it can be used as a transmission type.

As a flexible plastic material, either a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin may be used. Examples of resin materials include polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, polyester, polyamide, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic resin, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacetal, etc. Also, a multi-layer structure combining one or more of these materials may be used.

(Color three-dimensional element layers 21c to 2nc, colored layer 300)
The color three-dimensional element layers 21c to 2nc and the colored layer 300 (for example, 301, 302, 303) are formed by full-color printing with four colors of ink: C (blue; cyan), M (red; magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black: key plate). The inks used to form the layers are UV-curable inks, and are applied using an inkjet device.

Furthermore, the colored layer 300 is selectively present based on image data .

(White three-dimensional element layers 21w to 2nw, white covering layer 2zw)
The white three-dimensional element layers 21w to 2nw and the white coating layer 2zw are formed with white pigment particles dispersed in a dot pattern on the surface of the underlying layer. That is, in the white three-dimensional element layers 21w to 2nw and the white coating layer 2zw, the white pigment particles do not aggregate but exist in a dispersed state, and a layer is formed in which the white pigment particles are dispersed and bonded to the surface of the laminated three-dimensional layer 200 by the resin component, and a layer is formed in such a state that the white pigment particles are dispersed and bonded to the surface of the laminated three-dimensional layer 200 by the resin component. For example, an epoxy resin material, a urethane resin material, a polyester resin material, etc. can be used as the resin component.

The thickness of the white coating layer 2zw can be appropriately determined based on the relationship with the amount of transmitted light.

(Laminated clear layer 400)
The clear element layers 401 and 402 constituting the laminated clear layer 400 are made of a light-transmitting resin material. For example, an epoxy-based resin material, a urethane-based resin material, a polyester-based resin material, etc. can be used as the resin component. The ink used to form the clear element layers 401 and 402 is of the UV-curable type, and is applied using an inkjet device.

When the clear element layers 401 and 402 are selectively disposed, there may be a portion where at least one of the clear element layers 401 and 402 is not present.

<Method of manufacturing three-dimensional print 10>
The manufacturing method of the three-dimensional print 10 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 6 is a process chart showing an outline of the manufacturing method of the three-dimensional print 10.

(Print image data generation process)
In the process of producing the 3D print 10, first, printing image data is generated (step S1).

Figure 7 is a process diagram showing an overview of the printing image data generation process. In the printing image data generation process, first, color image data that will be the original image is obtained (step S11). For the color image data, R, G, and B data corresponding to the number of pixels on the display surface 100a of the 3D print 10 may be used.

[3D printing image data generation process]
Next, based on the color image data acquired in step S11, image data for 3D printing is generated (step S12). Fig. 8 is a process diagram showing an overview of the process of generating image data for 3D printing in step S12 in Fig. 7.

In the 3D printing image data generation process, as shown in FIG. 8, first, color image data is acquired (step S121) and converted into a monochrome image (grayscale) (step S122). Next, the pattern contour 11a of the pattern area 11 shown in the color image is extracted based on the monochrome image data (step S123). By extracting the pattern contour 11a of the pattern area 11 shown in the color image using the monochrome image data, the pattern area 11 shown in the color image can be appropriately extracted based on the RGB density of the color image, regardless of the color tone shown in the color image.

Next, the height gradation of the image data for 3D printing within the pattern outline 11a is calculated based on the gradation of the color image data or monochrome image data, and the image data for 3D printing within the pattern outline 11a is generated (step S124).

Figure 9 is a process diagram showing an overview of the process of generating image data for 3D printing within the picture contour 11a in step S124 of Figure 8.

In the process of generating image data for 3D printing within the pattern outline 11a, first, the type of image to be used for processing is selected based on the tone size, which represents the fineness of the image of the color image data. That is, in step S1241, either color image data, monochrome positive image data, or monochrome negative image data is selected based on the tone size of the target color image data. For example, color image data, monochrome positive image data, and monochrome negative image data may be selected in descending order of tone size.

Next, tone curve processing is performed on the mth plate (m is a natural number representing an index) to generate components of the 3D printing image data corresponding to the mth plate (step S1242).

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of multiple tone curves used in step S1242 of Figure 9. In this example, as shown in Figure 10, the gradation input of monochrome image data is converted based on multiple tone curves selected from five different tone curves 210, 211, 212, 213, and 214, which have at least different intermediate tone density output ODs, to calculate height gradation output values and calculate multiple different plate separation data. In this example, an example is shown in which plate separation data of multiple different height gradations is calculated from the gradation input of monochrome image data based on the tone curves 211, 212, and 213, and then synthesized to calculate the output value of image data for 3D printing.

Figure 11 (a) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the position on the main surface 100a and the density OD indicated by the input gradation of the monochrome image data, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the position X on the main surface 100a obtained by the 3D printing image data generation process (S1242 to S1245) and the height gradation separation data h corresponding to the generated tone curves 211, 212, and 213, respectively, and the height gradation data h synthesized from these.

In the 3D printing image data generation process, when gradation input corresponding to positions X1 to X7 on main surface 100a of color image data or monochrome image data shown in Fig. 11(a) is received, height gradation separation data 221, 222, 223 corresponding to positions X1 to X7 on main surface 100a as shown in Fig. 11(b) are calculated by tone curves 211, 212, 213 within picture area 11. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 11(b), in height gradation separation data 221, 222, 223, the maximum values h1, h2, h3 of the respective height gradations are larger in that order, and the minimum value is h0, which is smaller than h1.

Next, it is determined whether m is the maximum value (step S1243), and if it is not the maximum value, m is incremented (step S1244) and the process returns to step S1242. If it is the maximum value, the components of the height gradation separation data h corresponding to the first through mth plates are synthesized to generate and output height gradation data h of the image data for 3D printing (step S1245).

In the synthesis of the components of the 3D printing image data corresponding to the 1st to mth plates, the generated multiple height gradation separation data h are synthesized by selecting data indicating the maximum height gradation from the multiple separation data according to the position on the main surface 100a in the picture area 11. In the example shown in FIG. 11B, the height gradation separation data 221, 222, 223 are synthesized to generate height gradation data h (solid line in FIG. 11B) so that the maximum height gradation separation data h is selected from the height gradation separation data 221, 222, 223 calculated based on the tone curves 211, 212, 213 for each position on the main surface 100a in the picture area 11.

Needless to say, the method of combining components of image data for 3D printing is not limited to the above.

Returning to Fig. 8, in step S125, an enlarged contour 12a setting process is performed to set an enlarged contour 12a in which the picture contour 11a is moved (offset) by a predetermined distance w0 (see Fig. 2) toward the outside of the picture area 11 in a plan view, and a flattening process is performed on the background area 13 located outside the enlarged contour 12a (step S126). In the flattening process, print image data in which the gradation value is zero or low gradation is generated.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the position X on the main surface and the generated height gradation data h obtained by processing steps S121 to S128 of the 3D printing image data generation process.

In step S127, gradation processing is performed on the boundary area 12 located between the enlarged contour 12a and the pattern contour 11a, and 3D printing image data 220 for the boundary area 12 is generated. In the gradation processing, the height gradation value of the 3D printing image data in the boundary area 12 increases continuously from the enlarged contour 12a to the pattern contour 11a, and 3D printing image data 220 is generated such that the height gradation data value h0 in the vicinity of the pattern contour 11a is equivalent to the 3D printing image data of the pattern area 11. At this time, a predetermined value smaller than h1 can be selected as the height gradation data value h0.

Next, the 3D printing image data of the picture area 11, the border area 12, and the background area 13 are synthesized (step S128) to generate a series of 3D printing image data for the picture area 11, the border area 12, and the background area 13, and the generated 3D printing image data is output (step S129).

13 is a diagram showing the measurement results of the density of the input gradation and the thicknesses of the color element layer, the white element layer, and the clear element layer . The results are shown for measuring the thickness of each element layer constituting the 3D printed matter 10 when the density of the input gradation is changed. As shown in FIG. 13, it can be seen that the thickness of each element layer increases with an increase in the density of the input gradation for the color 3D element layers 21c to 2nc, the white 3D element layers 21w to 2nw, and the clear element layers 401 and 402.

[Color printing image data generation process]
Next, based on the acquired color image data, image data for color printing is generated (step S13). The RGB data of the image data is color-converted to CMYK data to generate color layer print data, which is then stored in a storage device such as a memory.

(3D printing process)
Next, returning to step S2 in Fig. 6, the three-dimensional printing process is performed. Fig. 14 is a process diagram showing an overview of the three-dimensional printing process in step S2 in Fig. 6. Figs. 15(a) to (d) are schematic diagrams showing an overview of the manufacturing method in the three-dimensional printing process.

In the 3D printing process, first, a substrate 100 is prepared (step S21, Figure 15 (a)).

Next, the height gradation data of the image data is sequentially read out from the memory, and inks made of CMYK resin materials are applied to the main surface 100a of the substrate 100 to form the color three-dimensional element layer 21c, and then dried by ultraviolet irradiation to form the color three-dimensional element layer 21c (steps S22 and S23).

Similarly, the same height gradation data is sequentially read out from the memory, and an ink made of a resin material containing white pigment particles (e.g., titanium oxide) is applied to the upper surface of the color three-dimensional element layer 21c to form a white three-dimensional element layer 21w. The ink is then dried by exposure to ultraviolet light to laminate the white three-dimensional element layer 21w on the upper surface of the color three-dimensional element layer 21c, thereby forming the three-dimensional element layer 21 (steps S24, S25, Figure 15 (b)).

The color three-dimensional element layer 21c and the white three-dimensional element layer 21w are formed based on the three-dimensional printing image data formed from the color image data, which is the original image for printing the pattern, and are configured so that the thickness of each layer differs depending on the position on the main surface 100a corresponding to the pixel Px of the three-dimensional printing image data, as shown in Fig. 15(b). As a result, three-dimensional element layers 21 having different formation positions and layer thicknesses of the contained color three-dimensional element layer 21c and white three-dimensional element layer 21w are formed at the position on the main surface corresponding to the pixel Px of the three-dimensional printing image data based on the height gradation data.

Next, it is determined whether n is the maximum value (step S26), and if it is not the maximum value, n is incremented (step S27), and the process returns to step S22, where three-dimensional element layers 21-2n, each including at least one color three-dimensional element layer 21c-2nc and one white three-dimensional element layer 21w-2nw, which differ in formation position and layer thickness based on the height gradation data, are repeatedly formed at a position on the main surface corresponding to pixel Px of the three-dimensional printing image data, until n reaches the maximum value. Then, if n is the maximum value, the process proceeds to step S28.

At this time, the laminated three-dimensional layer 200 formed by laminating a plurality of three-dimensional element layers 21 to 2n is formed so that the thickness H ₂₀₀ of the entire layer varies depending on the position on the main surface (FIG. 15C).

As a result, the laminated three-dimensional layer 200 has a thickness that varies depending on the position on the main surface corresponding to the pixel Px of the three-dimensional printing image data based on the three-dimensional printing image data, and forms a three-dimensional layer that includes a raised portion 201 that is thick and has a relatively high upper surface height, and a valley portion 202 that is thin and has a relatively low upper surface height.

15(c), the pattern region 11 has a cross-sectional shape that protrudes upward from the surface of the main surface 100a of the substrate 100 due to the laminated three-dimensional layer 200 formed based on the height gradation of the three-dimensional printing image data. In contrast, the background region 13 has a flat shape with a low height from the surface of the main surface 100a of the substrate 100 based on the printing image data in which the height gradation value is zero or a low gradation. In addition, in the boundary region 12, the laminated three-dimensional layer 200 has an inclined shape in which the thickness of the laminated three-dimensional layer 200 increases continuously from the enlarged contour 12a to the pattern contour 11a, and the height of the upper surface increases continuously.

In this way, each of the color three-dimensional element layers 21c-2nc and the white three-dimensional element layers 21w-2nw has an inclined shape with a smoothly changing height in the boundary region 12, and the upper corners of each layer can be rounded. Furthermore, the three-dimensional element layers 21-2n, each of which includes at least one color three-dimensional element layer 21c-2nc and one white three-dimensional element layer 21w-2nw, are stacked in order from the bottom in the Z-axis direction, so that the stacked three-dimensional layer 200 as a whole has an inclined shape with a smoothly changing height in the boundary region 12.

As a result, in the three-dimensional print 10, the occurrence of color unevenness caused by differences in the height of the raised shapes in the boundary region 12 located near the outline of the picture area showing the image of the subject is suppressed, making it possible to achieve fine three-dimensional expression, thereby improving the quality of the image perceived by the viewer.

Next, to form a white coating layer 2zw so as to cover the upper surface of the laminated three-dimensional layer 200, an ink made of a resin material containing white pigment particles (e.g., titanium oxide) is applied, for example, using an inkjet device, and then dried by exposure to ultraviolet light to form the white coating layer 2zw (steps S28, S29, Figure 15 (d)).

At this time, the white coating layer 2zw may be formed to cover the entire main surface 100a of the substrate 100. By covering the entire main surface 100a of the substrate 100 with the white coating layer 2zw made of a resin material, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of moisture into the substrate 100 from above and suppress the expansion and deformation of the laminated three-dimensional layer 200, thereby maintaining the fine three-dimensional expression by the laminated three-dimensional layer 200 for a long period of time and suppressing the deterioration of the fine three-dimensional expression over time. In this example, a configuration is adopted in which the white coating layer 2zw located at the top layer covers the entire main surface 100a of the substrate 100.

(Coloring printing process)
Next, returning to step S3 in Fig. 5, the color printing step is performed. Fig. 16 is a process diagram showing an overview of the color printing step in step S3 in Fig. 6. Figs. 17(a) to (d) are schematic diagrams showing an overview of the manufacturing method in the color printing step.

In the color printing process, first, a substrate is prepared on the main surface 100a by three-dimensional printing to form raised portions 201 and valley portions 202 (step S31, Figure 17 (a)).

The image data for color printing is read out from the memory in sequence, and ink made of CMYK resin material is applied to form the color layer 300 so as to cover the upper surface of the white coating layer 2zw formed by stacking, and then dried by ultraviolet irradiation. The layers 301, 302, and 303 are selectively arranged for each pixel according to the image data for color printing, and the layers 301, 302, and 303 are formed with different thicknesses for each pixel according to the gradation of the image data for color printing to form the color layer 300 (steps S32 and S33, FIG. 17(b)). The color layer 300 is formed, for example, by applying UV (ultraviolet) curable ink containing pigments of each color using an inkjet device and curing it by UV irradiation.

Next, an ink made of a translucent resin material is applied to the upper surface of the colored layer 300 to form a clear element layer 401, and then dried by exposure to ultraviolet light to form the clear element layer 401 (steps S34, S35, Figure 17 (c)).

Furthermore, an ink made of a translucent resin material is applied to the upper surface of the colored layer 300 to form a clear element layer 402, and then the ink is dried by exposure to ultraviolet light to form the clear element layer 402, thereby forming the laminated clear layer 400 (steps S36, S37, Figure 17 (d)).

The clear element layers 401, 402 may be formed by 3D printing image data in which an irregular data pattern based on random numbers or the like is superimposed on 3D printing image data generated based on color image data. By configuring the laminated clear layer 400 to include clear element layers 401, 402 in which fine projections and recesses are dispersed and arranged by the 3D printing image data on which the irregular data pattern is superimposed, the viewer can perceive a three-dimensional effect more effectively according to the pattern.

In addition, at this time, either of the clear element layers 401, 402 may be formed so as to cover the entire main surface 100a of the substrate 100. In this case, the clear element layer may be formed based on uniform image data over the entire main surface 100a, or an image may be formed based on image data for three-dimensional printing generated based on color image data. When the entire main surface 100a of the substrate 100 is covered with a clear element layer made of a resin material, the intrusion of moisture into the substrate 100 from above can be suppressed, and the expansion and deformation of the laminated three-dimensional layer 200 can be suppressed, and the fine three-dimensional expression by the laminated three-dimensional layer 200 can be maintained for a long period of time, and the deterioration of the fine three-dimensional expression over time can be suppressed.

In this example, the clear element layer 401 located at the bottom covers the entire main surface 100a of the substrate 100.

Through the above steps, the three-dimensional print 10 is completed.

<Summary>
As described above, the three-dimensional printed product 10 according to the embodiment is arranged above one main surface 10a of the substrate 100, and is formed by laminating a plurality of three-dimensional element layers 21-n each including at least one color three-dimensional element layer 21-nc arranged with one or more colors and one white three-dimensional element layer 21-nw arranged with light-reflective white ink. The three-dimensional printed product 10 includes a laminated three-dimensional layer 200 that differs depending on the position on the main surface 10a, a white coating layer 2zw that covers the upper surface of the laminated three-dimensional layer 200, and a white coating layer 2zw that covers the upper surface of the laminated three-dimensional layer 200. and a colored layer 300 having one or more colors arranged on the upper surface of the laminated three-dimensional layer 200, a portion of the laminated three-dimensional layer 200 corresponding to the pattern area 11 represented by the colored layer 300 is raised upward from the main surface 100a of the substrate, and the thickness of a boundary area 12 between a pattern outline 11a of the pattern area 11 represented by the colored layer 300 and an enlarged outline 12a obtained by moving the pattern outline 11a a predetermined distance outward from the pattern in a plan view is continuously increased from the enlarged outline 12a to the pattern outline 11a.

With this configuration, the three-dimensional print 10 according to the embodiment can suppress the occurrence of color unevenness caused by differences in the height of the raised shapes near the contour of the picture area showing the image of the subject, making it possible to provide a fine three-dimensional expression. As a result, the three-dimensional print 10 can provide a three-dimensional print that allows the viewer to perceive a greater sense of three-dimensionality by providing a fine three-dimensional expression.

This makes it possible to suppress the problem that occurs in conventional printing methods in which the number of ink layers is varied to vary the height of the raised shape when multiple ink layers are layered to form a raised shape on a medium, whereby minute steps are generated at the boundaries of raised parts of different heights due to the difference in the number of layers, and the edges of the raised parts appear as streaky color unevenness that is visible to the viewer, resulting in a decrease in image quality, particularly near the contours of the picture area showing the image of the subject. In this case, the thicknesses of the color three-dimensional element layers 21-nc and the white three-dimensional element layers 21-nw may be configured to differ depending on the position on the main surface. With this configuration, even more detailed three-dimensional expression is possible in the picture area 11 showing the image of the subject.

The upper surface of the colored layer may be provided with clear element layers 401, 402 that have a function of adjusting the amount of light transmitted therethrough, cover the colored layer 300, and include clear element layers 401, 402 in which fine projections and recesses are dispersed according to image data for three-dimensional printing on which an irregular data pattern is superimposed. This allows the viewer to perceive a three-dimensional effect more effectively according to the pattern.

The laminated three-dimensional layer 200 may be provided with a white coating layer 2zw above the laminated three-dimensional layer 200, which covers the laminated three-dimensional layer 200 and has the function of adjusting the amount of light transmitted therethrough. By covering the entire main surface 100a of the substrate 100 with a white coating layer 2zw made of a resin material, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of moisture into the laminated three-dimensional layer 200 from above, thereby suppressing the expansion and deformation of the laminated three-dimensional layer 200. This allows the fine three-dimensional expression by the laminated three-dimensional layer 200 to be maintained for a long period of time, and suppresses the deterioration of the fine three-dimensional expression over time.

<<Variations>>
Although the three-dimensional printed matter according to the embodiment and the manufacturing method thereof have been described, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment except for the essential characteristic components. For example, the present disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the embodiment that a person skilled in the art can think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment 1 within the scope of the gist of the present invention. Below, modified examples are described as examples of such forms.

(1) In the three-dimensional printed matter 10 of the above-described embodiment, a colored layer 300 is provided above the white coating layer 2zw, and a laminated clear layer 400 consisting of clear element layers 401, 402 is laminated above the colored layer 300.

However, the number of layers of the colored layer 300 and the laminated clear layer 400 is not limited to the above and may be in different forms.

Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a three-dimensional print 10A according to Modification 1. As shown in Figure 18, the three-dimensional print 10A according to Modification 1 differs from the three-dimensional print 10 according to the embodiment in that, in the pattern area 11 showing the image of the subject, a second colored layer 310 representing the pattern of the three-dimensional print 10 and a second laminated clear layer 410 consisting of second clear element layers 411 and 412 are laminated above the laminated clear layer 400. At this time, the second colored layer 310 is formed based on color image data and may have the same configuration as the colored layer 300. The second laminated clear layer 410 may have the same configuration as the laminated clear layer 400. By providing a second colored layer above the colored layer 300, a three-dimensional print that allows the viewer to perceive a greater sense of three-dimensionality can be provided at a low cost.

(2) In the 3D printed matter 10 according to the embodiment described above, the thicknesses of the color 3D element layers 21-nc and the white 3D element layers 21-nw vary depending on the position on the main surface, based on the height gradation of the 3D printing image data.
However, the number of layers of the color three-dimensional element layers 21 to nc and the white three-dimensional element layers 21 to nw may be different depending on the position on the main surface based on the height gradation of the three-dimensional printing image data.

According to this configuration, the color three-dimensional element layers 21c-2nc and the white three-dimensional element layers 21w-2nw are stacked in a pyramidal shape from the bottom in the Z-axis direction, so that the stacked three-dimensional layer 200 as a whole can form a staircase shape whose height changes stepwise in the boundary region 12. Therefore, in the picture region 11 showing the image of the subject, effective three-dimensional expression is possible with a simpler configuration, and three-dimensional printed matter that allows the viewer to perceive a sufficient three-dimensional effect can be provided inexpensively when mass-producing a large number of them.

(3) In the three-dimensional printed matter 10 of the above-mentioned embodiment, the laminated three-dimensional layer 200 is configured by stacking a plurality of three-dimensional element layers 21 to 2n on the main surface 100a of the substrate 100, each of which includes at least one color three-dimensional element layer 21c to 2nc having one or more colors and arranged in a direction along the main surface 100a, and one white three-dimensional element layer 21w to 2nw made of a material that has the function of adjusting the amount of light transmitted through it.

When the three-dimensional element layers 21 to 2n in the laminated three-dimensional layer 200 according to the embodiment are defined as the first three-dimensional element layer, in the three-dimensional printed matter according to the modified example, the laminated three-dimensional layer may further include a second three-dimensional element layer including one or more additional white three-dimensional element layers made of a material having a function of adjusting the amount of light transmitted therethrough, or a second three-dimensional element layer including one or more additional color three-dimensional element layers arranged in one or more colors. The second three-dimensional element layer may also be configured to be laminated between the layers of the three-dimensional element layers 21 to 2n that are laminated multiple times or on the upper surface of the three-dimensional element layers 21 to 2n.

The additional white three-dimensional element layer or the additional color three-dimensional element layer is image-formed based on the three-dimensional printing image data, and the thickness of each layer is configured to differ depending on the position on the main surface 100a corresponding to the pixel Px of the three-dimensional printing image data. In this case, the additional white three-dimensional element layer or the additional color three-dimensional element layer may be selectively arranged on the main surface 100a in correspondence with the pixel Px of the three-dimensional printing image data.

In addition, the additional white three-dimensional element layer or the additional color three-dimensional element layer may be image-formed based on the same three-dimensional printing image data as the white three-dimensional element layer 2iw or the color three-dimensional element layer 2ic. Alternatively, the additional white three-dimensional element layer or the additional color three-dimensional element layer may be image-formed based on three-dimensional printing image data different from that of the white three-dimensional element layer 2iw or the color three-dimensional element layer 2ic.

As a result, the laminated three-dimensional layer including the second three-dimensional element layer including the additional white three-dimensional element layer or the additional color three-dimensional element layer is formed so that the thickness of the entire layer varies more greatly depending on the position on the main surface. As a result, it is possible to increase the height difference between the raised portion 201 and the valley portion 202 while preventing blurring of the pattern and maintaining the clarity of the pattern.

As described above, when the first three-dimensional element layers 21-2n are each composed of three-dimensional element layers 21c-2nc each including at least one color three-dimensional element layer 21c-2nc arranged with one or more colors and one white three-dimensional element layer 21w-2nw arranged with light-reflective white ink, in the three-dimensional printed matter according to the modified example, the laminated three-dimensional layer has a configuration in which a second three-dimensional element layer including at least one additional white three-dimensional element layer arranged with light-reflective white ink or an additional color three-dimensional element layer arranged with one or more colors is arranged between the multiple stacked first three-dimensional element layers 21-2n or above the multiple first three-dimensional element layers 21-2n.

The three-dimensional printed matter relating to the modified example comprises a white coating layer 2zw covering the upper surface of the laminated three-dimensional layer including the second three-dimensional element layer, and a colored layer 300 in one or more colors arranged on the upper surface of the white coating layer 2zw, and the laminated three-dimensional layer 200 has a portion corresponding to the pattern area 11 corresponding to the pattern represented by the colored layer 300 protruding upward from the main surface 100a of the substrate, and the thickness of the boundary area 12 between the pattern outline 11a of the pattern area 11 represented by the colored layer 300 in a plan view and the enlarged outline 12a obtained by moving the pattern outline 11a a predetermined distance outward from the pattern increases continuously from the enlarged outline 12a to the pattern outline 11a.

With this configuration, the laminated three-dimensional layer of the modified example not only has the effect of suppressing the occurrence of color unevenness caused by differences in the height of the raised shapes near the contours of the picture area showing the image of the subject, but the second three-dimensional element layer is formed so that the thickness of the entire layer varies more greatly depending on the position on the main surface, preventing blurring of the picture and functioning as a three-dimensional layer that creates a more pronounced three-dimensional effect, making it possible to create a fine three-dimensional expression that allows the viewer to perceive a greater three-dimensional effect.

<Additional Information>
The above-described embodiments each show a preferred specific example of the present invention. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, the arrangement and connection of the components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the embodiments, those that are not described in the independent claims showing the highest concept of the present invention are described as optional components constituting a more preferred embodiment.

In addition, the order in which the above methods are performed is merely illustrative in order to specifically explain the present invention, and orders other than those described above may be used. In addition, some of the above methods may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other methods.

In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the scale of the components in each of the figures in each of the above embodiments may differ from the actual scale. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the description of each of the above embodiments, and may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

In addition, at least some of the functions of each embodiment and its variations may be combined.

The three-dimensional printed matter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is useful for realizing three-dimensional printed matter that can obtain high image quality as interior decoration, advertising media, and even as part of construction materials (walls, ceilings, etc.), and can be widely used, for example, in paintings, exhibition decorations, posters, advertisements, displays, interiors, interior decoration components, etc.

10, 10A 3D printed matter 10a Main surface 11 Pattern area 11a Pattern outline 12 Boundary area 12a Enlarged outline 13 Background area 100 Substrate 200 Laminated 3D layer 201 Raised portion 202 Valley portion 21, 22, 23, 2i, 2n 3D element layer 21w, 22iw, 23w, 2iw, 2nw White 3D element layer 21c, 22ic, 23c, 2ic, 2nc Color 3D element layer 2zw White coating layer 300, 310 Colored layer 400, 410 Laminated clear layer 401, 402, 411, 412 Clear element layer

Claims (9)

A substrate;
a laminated three-dimensional layer that is arranged above one of the main surfaces of the substrate, and that is formed by laminating a plurality of three-dimensional element layers, each of which includes at least one color three-dimensional element layer arranged in one color or a plurality of colors and at least one white three-dimensional element layer arranged in a light-reflective white ink, and that has a thickness that varies depending on the position on the main surface;
A white coating layer that covers the upper surface of the laminated three-dimensional layer;
A colored layer having one or more colors and expressing a pattern is provided on the upper surface of the white coating layer,
A three-dimensional printed matter in which a portion of the laminated three-dimensional layer corresponding to a pattern area corresponding to the pattern represented by the colored layer is raised upward from the main surface of the substrate, and the thickness of a boundary region located between the pattern contour of the pattern area and an enlarged contour obtained by moving the pattern contour a predetermined distance outside the pattern area in a planar view increases continuously from the enlarged contour to the pattern contour. The three-dimensional printed matter according to claim 1 , wherein thicknesses of the color three-dimensional element layer and the white three-dimensional element layer vary depending on positions on the main surface. The three-dimensional printed matter according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a clear layer provided on an upper surface of the colored layer, the clear layer having a function of adjusting the amount of light transmitted therethrough and covering the colored layer. generating image data for 3D printing and image data for color printing based on the color image data;
a step of preparing a substrate, laminating a plurality of three-dimensional element layers, each including at least one color three-dimensional element layer arranged in one or more colors and at least one white three-dimensional element layer arranged in a light-reflective white ink, on one main surface of the substrate, and forming a laminated three-dimensional layer having a layer thickness that varies depending on the position on the main surface according to the height gradation of the image data for three-dimensional printing;
forming a white coating layer so as to cover an upper surface of the laminated three-dimensional layer;
and forming a colored layer having one or more colors on the upper surface of the white coating layer formed after the step of forming the white coating layer, based on the color printing image data;
In the step of forming the laminated three-dimensional layer,
A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional printed matter, in which a portion corresponding to a pattern area corresponding to the pattern represented by the colored layer is raised upward from the main surface of the substrate, and the laminated three-dimensional layer is formed so that the thickness of a boundary area located between an enlarged outline of the pattern area corresponding to the pattern represented by the colored layer, which is obtained by moving the pattern outline of the pattern area corresponding to the pattern represented by the colored layer outward a predetermined distance in a planar view, and the pattern outline, increases continuously from the enlarged outline to the pattern outline. The method for producing a 3D printed product according to claim 4, further comprising the step of: forming the color 3D element layer and the white 3D element layer by selectively varying the thickness depending on the position on the main surface in accordance with the height gradation of the 3D printing image data, the sub-step being performed a plurality of times. The step of generating image data for 3D printing includes:
converting the color image data into monochrome image data;
extracting a pattern outline of the pattern area represented by the color image data based on the monochrome image data;
a step of setting an enlarged outline by moving the picture outline by a predetermined distance toward the outside of the picture area in a plan view;
The method for producing a 3D printed matter described in claim 4 or 5, further comprising a step of generating the image data for 3D printing in which the thickness of the boundary area located between the enlarged contour and the picture contour in a planar view increases continuously from the enlarged contour toward the picture contour. The step of generating image data for 3D printing includes:
The method for producing a 3D printed product according to claim 6 , further comprising a step of calculating height gradations of the 3D printing image data based on gradations of the color image data or the monochrome image data in the picture region. The step of calculating height gradation of the 3D printing image data includes:
generating a plurality of different color separation data by converting the color image data or the monochrome image data based on a plurality of different tone curves having different density outputs of at least intermediate tones;
The method for producing a three-dimensional printed product according to claim 7 , further comprising a step of synthesizing the generated plurality of separation data by selecting data showing a maximum height gradation from among the plurality of separation data for each position on the main surface. The method for producing a three-dimensional printed product according to any one of claims 4 to 8, further comprising a step of forming a clear layer having a function of adjusting the amount of light transmitted on an upper surface of the colored layer after the step of forming the colored layer.