Patent Publication Number: US-2018050489-A1

Title: Shaping device and shaping method

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the priority benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-159875, filed on Aug. 17, 2016. The entirety of the above-mentioned patent application is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a shaping device and a shaping method. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART 
     A shaping device (three-dimensional printer (3D printer)) that shapes a three-dimensional object (3D object) using an ink jet head is conventionally known (see e.g., Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2015-71282). 
     In such shaping device, for example, the 3D object is shaped through the layering and shaping method by, for example, layering a plurality of layers of ink with the ink jet head. 
     SUMMARY 
     A case of coloring the 3D object includes, for example, a case of coloring some region in black using a black ink. In such a case, for example, it is sometimes desired to represent deep black such as piano black, and the like for the way black is externally seen. Thus, a configuration that can more appropriately represent such deep black is conventionally desired. The present disclosure thus provides a shaping device and a shaping method that can solve the problem described above. 
     When carrying out shaping using the ink jet head, consideration is made to shaping a colored 3D object by using the black ink and other inks for coloring to carry out the shaping. In this case, for example, coloring of various colors can be carried out by forming a region of a surface where hue can be visually recognized from the outside with the ink for coloring, and the like. 
     Furthermore, in this case, the black region formed with the black ink is desirably formed so as to sufficiently absorb the externally entering light. To this end, consideration is made to using a dark black ink for the black ink used to form the black region so as to more reliably absorb light. 
     However, when forming the black region with the dark black ink, an impression as if only the surface is colored in black is given if the black region is merely formed uniformly, and a deep black may become difficult to represent. More specifically, for example, when attempting to represent piano black, and the like, which is a shiny deep black, an impression that the deepness of the black is insufficient is given, and a high-class piano black, and the like may not be sufficiently represented. 
     On the contrary, the inventor of the present application considered, after through thorough research, changing the transmittance of the black region in the normal direction of the 3D object, instead of merely forming the black region uniformly. Furthermore, more specifically, consideration is made to making the transmittance of the portion on the outer side, which is the side close to the exterior of the 3D object, higher than the transmittance of the portion on the inner side, which is the side close to the interior of the 3D object, for the black region. Furthermore, for example, it was found that the deep black can be more appropriately represented compared to when simply forming the black region uniformly. Furthermore, the inventor of the present disclosure, through thorough researches, found the features necessary for obtaining such effects, and contrived the present disclosure. 
     In other words, in order to solve the problem described above, the present disclosure relates to a shaping device that shapes a three-dimensional 3D object, the shaping device including a plurality of discharging heads that each discharges a material of shaping; and a controller that controls operation of the discharging head; where the plurality of discharging heads include at least a black material head that discharges a black material, and a translucent material head that discharges a material having translucency; the controller causes the plurality of discharging heads to form a black region colored in black using the black material in at least one part of a portion where hue is externally identifiable in the 3D object; and the black region includes a first region colored in black using the black material, and a second region covering the first region from an outer side, the region having a higher transmittance of light than the first region and formed using at least the material having translucency. 
     When configured in such manner, for example, the light can be prevented from being absorbed with only the surface of the black region, and the light can enter inside, to a certain extent, of the black region. Furthermore, the light entering through the second region can be appropriately and sufficiently absorbed and black can be represented by forming the first region colored in black on the inner side. Thus, according to such configuration, for example, a deep black can be more appropriately represented in the black region. 
     In such a configuration, the black region is, for example, a region where a portion of greater than or equal to a predetermined area in the surface is filled in black. In the relevant configuration, black merely needs to be, for example, substantially black according to the demanded accuracy of coloring. Furthermore, black is, for example, is a color of an achromatic color having light absorbing property. 
     Furthermore, the black region may be a region of one part specified by the user or the shaping data of the portion colored in black in the 3D object. Thus, when coloring one part of the coloring region in black, for example, such portion may be considered as one part of the coloring region rather than as the black region. 
     Furthermore, in such a configuration, the second region is, for example, a colorless transparent region. The second region may be a region colored to a lighter black than the first region. The black region may, for example, be formed to a gradation form of gradually changing to a dark black from the outer side toward the inner side. In this case, for example, one portion on the inner side of the black region can be considered as the first region, and the one portion on the outer side can be considered as the second region. 
     Consideration is also made to using a shaping method, and the like having a feature similar to the above for the configuration of the present disclosure. In this case as well, for example, effects similar to the above can be obtained. Furthermore, the shaping method can also be considered as, for example, a method for manufacturing the 3D object. Moreover, a configuration of a 3D object shaped with the shaping device or the shaping method can be considered for the configuration of the present disclosure. 
     Effects of the Disclosure 
     According to the present disclosure, for example, a deep black can be more appropriately represented in the shaping device that shapes the 3D object. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are views showing one example of a shaping device  10  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 1A  shows one example of a configuration of a main part of the shaping device  10 .  FIG. 1B  shows one example of a configuration of a head unit  12  of the shaping device  10 . 
         FIGS. 2A to 2C  are views showing one example of a configuration of a 3D object  50  shaped by the shaping device  10 .  FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of one example of the configuration of the 3D object  50 .  FIG. 2B  is a view describing features, and the like of the black region  308  in further detail.  FIG. 2C  is a view describing a configuration of the black region  308  in further detail. 
         FIGS. 3A to 3C  are views describing the features of the 3D object  50  in further detail.  FIG. 3A  shows another example of a configuration of the 3D object  50  shaped by the shaping device  10 .  FIG. 3B  shows a variant of the configuration of the 3D object  50 .  FIG. 3C  shows a further variant of the configuration of the 3D object  50 . 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are views describing a further variant of the configuration of the 3D object  50 .  FIGS. 4A and 4B  show a further variant of the configuration of the 3D object  50 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.  FIGS. 1A and 1B  show one example of a shaping device  10  according to one embodiment.  FIG. 1A  shows one example of a configuration of a main part of the shaping device  10 .  FIG. 1B  shows one example of a configuration of a head unit  12  of the shaping device  10 . 
     Excluding the points described below, the shaping device  10  may have a configuration same as or similar to a known shaping device. More specifically, excluding the points described below, the shaping device  10  may have a configuration same as or similar to, for example, a known shaping device that carries out shaping by discharging a liquid droplet to become a material of a 3D object  50  using an ink jet head. Other than the illustrated configuration, for example, the shaping device  10  may also include various types of configurations necessary for shaping, coloring, and the like of the 3D object  50 . 
     In the present example, the shaping device  10  is a shaping device (3D shaping device) that shapes a three-dimensional 3D object  50  through a layering and shaping method. In this case, the layering and shaping method is, for example, a method for shaping the 3D object  50  by overlapping a plurality of layers. In the present example, the shaping device  10  includes a head unit  12 , a shaping table  14 , a scanning driving unit  16 , and a controller  20 . 
     The head unit  12  is a portion that discharges the material of the 3D object  50 . In this case, discharging the material of the 3D object  50  refers to, for example, discharging an ink to become the material of the 3D object  50 . The ink is, for example, a liquid discharged from the ink jet head. The ink jet head is, for example, a discharging head that discharges the liquid droplet of ink (ink droplet) through an ink jet method. 
     More specifically, the head unit  12  discharges a liquid droplet of an ink that cures according to a predetermined condition from a plurality of ink jet heads, as the liquid droplet to become the material of the 3D object  50 . The landed ink is then cured to form, in an overlapping manner, each layer configuring the 3D object  50 . Furthermore, in the present example, an ultraviolet curing type ink (UV ink) that cures from a liquid state when irradiated with an ultraviolet ray is used for the ink. 
     Furthermore, the head unit  12  further discharges the material of a support layer  52  in addition to the material of the 3D object  50 . The shaping device  10  thus forms the support layer  52 , as necessary, at a periphery of the 3D object  50 . The support layer  52  is, for example, a layered structural object that supports the 3D object  50  by surrounding the outer periphery of the 3D object  50  being shaped. The support layer  52  is formed, as necessary, during the shaping of the 3D object  50 , and removed after the shaping is completed. A more specific configuration of the head unit  12  will be described in detail layer. 
     The shaping table  14  is a table-shaped member that supports the 3D object  50  being shaped and is arranged at a position facing the ink jet head in the head unit  12 , where the 3D object  50  being shaped is mounted on an upper surface thereof. Furthermore, in the present example, the shaping table  14  has a configuration in which at least the upper surface is movable in a layering direction (Z direction in the figure), where at least the upper surface moves in accordance with the progress in the shaping of the 3D object  50  by being driven by the scanning driving unit  16 . In this case, the layer direction is, for example, a direction in which the material of shaping is layered in the layering and shaping method. More specifically, in the present example, the layering direction is a direction (Z direction in the figure) orthogonal to a main scanning direction (Y direction in the figure) and a sub-scanning direction (X direction in the figure). 
     The scanning driving unit  16  is a driving unit that causes the head unit  12  to carry out a scanning operation of relatively moving with respect to the 3D object  50  being shaped. In this case, relatively moving with respect to the 3D object  50  being shaped means, for example, relatively moving with respect to the shaping table  14 . Furthermore, in the present example, the scanning driving unit  16  causes the head unit  12  to carry out a main scanning operation (Y scanning), a sub-scanning operation (X scanning), and a layering direction scanning (Z scanning). 
     When referring to causing the head unit  12  to carry out the main scanning operation, this means, for example, causing the ink jet head of the head unit  12  to carry out the main scanning operation. Furthermore, the main scanning operation is, for example, an operation of discharging the ink while moving in the main scanning direction. In the present example, the scanning driving unit  16  causes the head unit  12  to carry out the main scanning operation by fixing the position of the shaping table  14  in the main scanning direction and moving the head unit  12  side. In a variant of the configuration of the shaping device  10 , for example, the 3D object  50  side may be moved by fixing the position of the head unit  12  in the main scanning direction and, for example, moving the shaping table  14 . 
     As will be described in detail below, the head unit  12  further includes an ultraviolet light source in the present example. At the time of the main scanning operation, the scanning driving unit  16  further carries out the drive of the ultraviolet light source in the head unit  12 . More specifically, the scanning driving unit  16 , for example, turns ON the ultraviolet light source at the time of the main scanning operation to cure the ink landed on a surface-to-be-shaped of the 3D object  50 . The surface-to-be-shaped of the 3D object  50  refers to, for example, a surface on which a next layer of ink is formed by the head unit  12 . 
     When referring to causing the head unit  12  to carry out the sub-scanning operation, this means, for example, causing the ink jet head of the head unit  12  to carry out the sub-scanning operation. The sub-scanning operation is, for example, an operation of relatively moving with respect to the shaping table  14  in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. The sub-scanning operation may be an operation of relatively moving with respect to the shaping table  14  in the sub-scanning direction by a feeding amount set in advance. 
     Furthermore, in the present example, the scanning driving unit  16  causes the head unit  12  to carry out the sub-scanning operation between the main scanning operations. In this case, the scanning driving unit  16  causes the head unit  12  to carry out the sub-scanning operation by fixing the position of the head unit  12  in the sub-scanning direction and moving the shaping table  14 . Furthermore, the scanning driving unit  16  may cause the head unit  12  to carry out the sub-scanning operation by fixing the position of the shaping table  14  in the sub-scanning direction and moving the head unit  12 . The scanning driving unit  16  causes the head unit  12  to carry out the sub-scanning operation, only when necessary, according to the size of the 3D object  50  to shape. Thus, when shaping the 3D object  50  of a small size, and the like, the 3D object  50  may be shaped without carrying out the sub-scanning operation. 
     When referring to causing the head unit  12  to carry out the layering direction scanning, this means, for example, causing the ink jet head of the head unit  12  to carry out the layering direction scanning. Furthermore, the layering direction scanning is, for example, an operation of relatively moving the head unit  12  in the layering direction with respect to the 3D object  50  by moving at least one of the head unit  12  or the shaping table  14  in the layering direction. In this case, when referring to moving the head unit  12  in the layering direction, for example, this means moving at least the ink jet head in the head unit  12  in the layering direction. Furthermore, moving the shaping table  14  in the layering direction means, for example, moving the position of at least the upper surface in the shaping table  14 . 
     The scanning driving unit  16  changes a head-table distance, which is a distance between the ink jet head in the head unit  12  and the shaping table  14 , by causing the head unit  12  to carry out the layering direction scanning in accordance with the progress of the shaping operation. The head-table distance may be, for example, a distance between a nozzle surface, where a nozzle (nozzle hole) is formed in the ink jet head, and the upper surface of the shaping table  14 . More specifically, in the present example, the scanning driving unit  16  fixes the position of the head unit  12  in the layering direction, and moves the shaping table  14 . The scanning driving unit  16  may fix the position of the shaping table  14  in the layering direction, and move the head unit  12 . 
     The controller  20  is, for example, a CPU of the shaping device  10 , and controls each unit of the shaping device  10  to control the shaping operation of the 3D object  50 . The controller  20  preferably controls each unit of the shaping device  10  based on, for example, shape information, color image information, and the like of the 3D object  50  to be shaped. According to the present example, the 3D object  50  can be appropriately shaped. 
     Next, a more specific configuration of the head unit  12  will be described. In the present example, the head unit  12  includes a plurality of ink jet heads. Each ink jet head is an example of a discharging head that respectively discharges the material of shaping, and the like, and includes a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are lined in a predetermined nozzle row direction on a surface facing the shaping table  14 . Furthermore, the shaping device  10  shapes the 3D object  50  by discharging the material from the plurality of nozzle rows in the head unit  12 . 
     More specifically, in the present example, the head unit  12  includes a plurality of ink jet heads, a plurality of ultraviolet light sources  104 , and a flattening roller  106 . As shown in  FIG. 1B , the plurality of ink jet heads include an ink jet head  102   s,  an ink jet head  102   mo , an ink jet head  102   w,  an ink jet head  102   y,  an ink jet head  102   m,  an ink jet head  102   c,  an ink jet head  102   k,  and an ink jet head  102   t.  Such plurality of ink jet heads are, for example, arranged lined in the main scanning direction with the positions in the sub-scanning direction aligned. 
     The ink jet head  102   s  is an ink jet head (support layer head) that discharges the material (S) of the support layer  52 . In the present example, an ultraviolet curing type ink, in which a cure degree by the ultraviolet ray is weaker than the material of the 3D object  50 , is used for the material of the support layer  52 . Thus, the ink jet head  102   s  discharges the ultraviolet curing type ink to become the material of the support layer  52  from each nozzle in the nozzle row. 
     As described above, the support layer  52 , for example, supports the 3D object  50  by surrounding the outer periphery of the 3D object  50  being shaped. More specifically, for example, the support layer  52  supports an overhang shape of the 3D object from below to allow the shaping of the 3D object  50  including the overhang portion. Furthermore, for example, consideration is also made to discharging the material of the support layer  52  to a shaping area in the shaping table  14  and forming the support layer  52  to a plate shape, and the like before the start of the shaping operation. According to such configuration, for example, the bumps on the surface of the shaping table  14  are corrected, and the planarity can be more appropriately ensured. A water soluble material that can be dissolved in water after the shaping of the 3D object  50  is preferably used for the material of the support layer  52 . In this case, a material o f which cure degree is weaker and which more easily decomposes than the material configuring the 3D object  50  is preferably used. Furthermore, a known material for the support layer, for example, can be suitably used for the material of the support layer  52 . According to such configuration, for example, the support layer  52  can be appropriately removed by dissolving, removing, and the like after the shaping is completed. 
     The ink jet head  102   mo  is an ink jet head that discharges a shaping material ink (MO ink), and discharges the shaping material ink from each nozzle in the nozzle row. In this case, the shaping material ink is, for example, a shaping dedicated ink used for the shaping of the interior (interior region) of the 3D object  50 . 
     The interior of the 3D object  50  is not limited to being formed with the shaping material ink, and may be formed by further using an ink of another color. Furthermore, for example, consideration is also made to forming the interior of the 3D object  50  with only the ink of another color (e.g., white ink, etc.) without using the shaping material ink. In this case, the ink jet head  102   mo  may be omitted in the head unit  12 . 
     The ink jet head  102   w  is an ink jet head that discharges a white (W) ink, and discharges the white ink from each nozzle in the nozzle row. In the present example, the white ink is an example of a material having light reflecting property, and is, for example, used when forming a region (light reflecting region) having a property of reflecting light in the 3D object  50 . The light reflecting region, for example, reflects the light entering from outside the 3D object  50  when carrying out coloring in a full color representation by the subtractive color mixing method on the surface of the 3D object  50 . The full color representation is, for example, a representation of color carried out with a possible combination of the subtractive color mixing by the inks of the process colors. In the present example, the ink jet head  102   w  is an example of a light reflective material head that discharges the material having light reflecting property. 
     The ink jet head  102   y,  the ink jet head  102   m,  the ink jet head  102   c,  and the ink jet head  102   k  (hereinafter referred to as ink jet heads  102   y  to  102   k ) are ink jet heads for decoration (decoration heads) used at the time of shaping of the colored 3D object  50 , and respectively discharges the respective ink of a plurality of colors of ink (decoration ink) used for coloring from each nozzle in the nozzle row. More specifically, the ink jet head  102   y  discharges a yellow (Y) ink. The ink jet head  102   m  discharges a magenta (M) ink. The ink jet head  102   c  discharges a cyan (C) ink. The ink jet head  102   k  discharges a black (K) ink. In this case, each color of YMCK is an example of a process color used for the full color representation. 
     Furthermore, in the present example, the ink of each color of YMC is an example of a material for coloring of a chromatic color. The black (K) ink is an example of a black material. Among the ink jet heads for decoration, the ink jet head  102   y,  the ink jet head  102   m,  and the ink jet head  102   c  are examples of a coloring material head that discharges the material for coloring of a chromatic color. The ink jet head  102   k  is an example of a black head that discharges a black material. The ink jet head  102   k  is an example of a light absorbing material head that discharges a material having light absorbing property. 
     The ink jet head  102   t  is an ink jet head that discharges a clear ink, and discharges the clear ink from each nozzle in the nozzle row. The clear ink is, for example, an ink of a clear color or a colorless transparent color (T). In the present example, the clear ink is also an example of a material having translucency. The ink jet head  102   t  is an example of a translucent material head that discharges the material having translucency. 
     The plurality of ultraviolet light sources  104  are light sources (UV light sources) for curing the ink, and generate the ultraviolet ray for curing the ultraviolet curing type ink. Furthermore, in the present example, each of the plurality of ultraviolet light sources  104  is arranged at each of one end side and another end side in the main scanning direction in the head unit  12  so as to sandwich the arrangement of the ink jet heads in between. A UVLED (ultraviolet LED), and the like, for example, can be suitably used for the ultraviolet light source  104 . Furthermore, consideration is also made to using a metal halide lamp, a mercury lamp, and the like for the ultraviolet light source  104 . 
     The flattening roller  106  has a configuration for flattening the layer of ink formed during the shaping of the 3D object  50 . At the time of the main scanning operation, for example, the flattening roller  106  comes into contact with the surface of the layer of ink and removes one part of the ink before being cured, to flatten the layer of ink. 
     The layer of ink configuring the 3D object  50  can be appropriately formed by using the head unit  12  having the configuration described above. Furthermore, the 3D object  50  can be appropriately shaped by forming the plurality of layers of ink in an overlapping manner. 
     A specific configuration of the head unit  12  is not limited to the configuration described above, and various modifications can be made. For example, in addition to the ink jet heads  102   y  to  102   k,  the head unit  12  may further include ink jet heads for colors such as a light color of each color, R (red), G (green), B (blue), orange, and the like for the ink jet heads for coloring. Furthermore, the manner of arranging the plurality of ink jet heads in the head unit  12  can also be variously modified. For example, the positions in the sub-scanning direction of some ink jet heads may be shifted from the other ink jet heads. 
     Next, a configuration of the 3D object  50  shaped by the shaping device  10  in the present example will be described.  FIG. 2  shows one example of a configuration of the 3D object  50  shaped by the shaping device  10 .  FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of one example of the configuration of the 3D object  50 , and shows one example of a cross-section of the 3D object  50  at a plane perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction (X direction) in a simplified manner. 
     Although the illustration is omitted, the shaping device  10  forms the support layer  52  (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) at the periphery of the 3D object  50 , as necessary, at the time of shaping. For example, a cross-section at a plane perpendicular to the main scanning direction and the layering direction also has a region configuration similar to the case shown in  FIG. 2A . 
     In the present example, the shaping device  10  can shape the 3D object  50  in which at least one part of a portion where hue can be externally identified is colored. Furthermore, when shaping such colored 3D object  50 , for example, the shaping device  10  shapes the 3D object  50  including an interior region  302 , a light reflecting region  304 , a coloring region  306 , and a black region  308 , as in the illustrated configuration. In such a case, the controller  20  (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) of the shaping device  10  causes each ink jet head of the head unit  12  (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) to discharge various types of ink to form each region of the 3D object  50 . 
     The interior region  302  is a region configuring the interior of the 3D object  50 . The interior region  302  may, for example, be considered as a region configuring the shape of the 3D object  50 . In the present example, the shaping device  10  forms the interior region  302  by, for example, forming the layer of shaping material ink discharged from the ink jet head  102   mo  (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) in an overlapping manner. Furthermore, the shaping device  10  may further use an ink other than the shaping material ink to form the interior region  302  by, for example, simultaneously using the ink jet head other than the ink jet head  102   mo . Moreover, in the variant of the configuration of the shaping device  10 , for example, consideration is also made to forming the interior region  302  with the white ink and the like discharged from the ink jet head  102   w  (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) without using the ink jet head  102   mo . In this case, the interior region  302  and the light reflecting region  304  may not be distinguished, and a region combining both regions may be formed. 
     The light reflecting region  304  may be a region having light reflecting property formed using the ink having light reflecting property. In the present example, the shaping device  10  forms the light reflecting region  304  by, for example, forming the layer of white ink discharged from the ink jet head  102   w  in an overlapping manner. In such a case, the shaping device  10  forms the light reflecting region  304  so as to surround the periphery of the interior region  302 , as shown in the figure. More specifically, in the present example, the shaping device  10  forms the light reflecting region  304  so as to surround the entire outer side of the interior region  302 . 
     In order to shape the colored 3D object  50 , the light reflecting region  304  does not necessarily need to be formed so as to surround the entire outer side of the interior region  302 , and the light reflecting region  304  may be formed at one part on the outer side of the interior region  302 . In this case, the light reflecting region  304  is preferably formed at a portion to become the inner side (interior side) of the position for forming at least the coloring region  306 . According to such configuration, for example, the full color representation by the subtractive color mixing method can be appropriately carried out. The colored 3D object  50 , for example, thus can be appropriately shaped. 
     The thickness of the light reflecting region  304  is preferably formed to an even thickness of, for example, about 100 μm to 1 mm. In this case, the thickness of the region is, for example, the thickness in a normal direction perpendicular to the surface of the 3D object  50 . In the present example, the shaping device  10  forms the light reflecting region  304  using only the white ink. In a variant of the configuration of the shaping device  10 , for example, when carrying out the shaping at a higher speed, consideration is also made to further using the clear ink other than the white ink to form the light reflecting region  304 . 
     The coloring region  306  is a region where coloring is performed in the surface of the 3D object  50 . In this case, the surface of the 3D object  50  is, for example, the portion where the hue can be externally identified in the 3D object  50 . In the present example, the coloring region  306  is a region where colors other than black can be colored. Furthermore, the coloring region  306  is an example of a region colored using the material for coloring of a chromatic color. 
     Moreover, the shaping device  10  forms a layer of ink colored in a desired color using, for example, the ink of each color of YMCK discharged from the ink jet heads  102   y  to  102   k  (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) and the clear ink discharged from the ink jet head  102   t  (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). Such layers of ink are formed in an overlapping manner to form the coloring region  306 . 
     When configured in such manner, for example, the amount of change in the usage amount of the YMCK ink caused by the difference in the color to represent can be compensated by using the clear ink in addition to the ink of each color of YMCK. Thus, for example, the respective layers of ink configuring the coloring region  306  can be appropriately formed to a constant thickness. Therefore, according to the present example, for example, the full color representation can be more appropriately carried out. The thickness of the coloring region  306  is preferably formed to an even thickness of, for example, about 50 μm to 500 μm (e.g., about 300 μm). The thickness of the coloring region  306  may, for example, be smaller than 250 μm. Furthermore, in order to more appropriately enhance the resolution of the image drawn by coloring, for example, the thickness is preferably made to be smaller than or equal to 150 μm. 
     Furthermore, in the present example, the controller  20  causes the plurality of ink jet heads in the head unit  12  to form the coloring region  306  on the outer side of at least one part of the light reflecting region  304 . In this case, more specifically, the controller  20  forms the coloring region  306  with respect to the position other than the portion where the black region  308  is to be formed in the surface of the 3D object  50 . Thus, the plurality of ink jet heads are caused to form the coloring region  306  so as to cover the entire outer side of the light reflecting region  304  with the black region  308 . 
     The black region  308  is a region colored in black in the surface of the 3D object  50 . In this case, when referring to the black region  308  being colored in black, this means for example, that the coloring is carried out so as to fill the region in black under a condition different from when one part of the coloring region  306  is colored in black. Thus, the black region  308  may, for example, be a region of one part specified by the user or the shaping data of the portion colored in black in the 3D object  50 . Furthermore, the black region  308  is an example of a region colored in black using a black material. The black region  308  may, for example, be a region where a portion of greater than or equal to a predetermined area in the surface is filled in black. 
     Moreover, in the present example, black merely needs to be, for example, substantially black according to the demanded accuracy of coloring. More specifically, in the present example, the black region  308  is a region colored in piano black. In this case, the piano black is, for example, a shiny deep black. On the contrary, when more generally considered, black can be considered as, for example, an achromatic color having light absorbing property. Thus, the black region  308  can also be considered as a light absorbing region formed with a material having light absorbing property. 
     Next, features, and the like of the black region  308  in the present example will be described in further detail.  FIG. 2B  is a view describing features, and the like of the black region  308  in further detail. As also described above, in the present example, the shaping device  10  forms the coloring region  306  and the black region  308  in at least one part of the surface of the 3D object  50 . In this case, the coloring region  306  and the black region  308  are formed such that the thickness in the normal direction becomes equal at the outer side of the light reflecting region  304 . 
     In this case, the shaping device  10  further forms the black region  308  divided into a plurality of regions in the normal direction, as shown in the figure. In this case, the thickness of the black region  308  in the normal direction is the thickness of the region in which the plurality of regions are combined. More specifically, in the present example, the shaping device  10  forms the black region  308  divided into two regions, an inner side region  312  and a surface side region  314 . 
     The inner side region  312  is a region on the inner side in the region configuring the black region  308 . The inner side region  312  is an example of a first region, and is colored in black by being formed using at least the black ink. Furthermore, more specifically, in the present example, the controller  20  of the shaping device  10  causes the ink jet head  102   k  to form the black inner side region  312 . The inner side region  312  is thus formed with only the black ink. In a variant of the configuration of the shaping device  10 , for example, the inner side region  312  may be formed using the black ink and the clear ink. 
     The surface side region  314  is a region on the outer side in the region configuring the black region  308 . The surface side region  314  is an example of a second region, and is formed such that the transmittance of light becomes higher than the inner side region  312  by being formed using at least the clear (CL) ink, and covers the inner side region  312  from the outer side. Furthermore, more specifically, in the present example, the controller  20  causes the ink jet head  102   t  to form the colorless transparent surface side region  314 . The surface side region  314  is thus formed with only the clear ink. 
     When configured in such manner, for example, the transparent surface side region  314  is formed on the surface side of the 3D object  50  in the black region  308 , so that the light can enter inside, to a certain extent, of the black region  308  while preventing the light from being absorbed with only the surface of the black region  308 . Furthermore, the light entering through the surface side region  314  can be appropriately and sufficiently absorbed by forming the inner side region  312  colored in black on the inner side of the surface side region  314 . Thus, the black can be appropriately represented. 
     Thus, in the present example, the black can be appropriately represented while allowing the light to enter the inside of the black region  308  to a certain extent. Thus, according to the present example, for example, a deep black can be more appropriately represented in the black region  308 . 
     The thickness of the surface side region  314  in the normal direction is, for example, preferably greater than or equal to 30 μm. According to such configuration, for example, the light can sufficiently enter the black region  308 . Thus, the deep black can be more appropriately represented. Furthermore, the thickness of the surface side region  314  in the normal direction is more preferably greater than or equal to 60 μm. The thicknesses of the surface side region  314  and the inner side region  312  may be differed from each other. In this case, with respect to the thickness in the normal direction, the black inner side region  312  is preferably made thicker than the surface side region  314 . According to such configuration, the entered light can be more reliably absorbed in the black region  308 . Thus, for example, the dark black can be more appropriately represented. 
     An appropriately and sufficiently dark black ink is preferably used for the black ink to use for the formation of the inner side region  312 , and the like to, for example, represent black of sufficient depth with only the inner side region  312  formed at one part of the black region  308 . More specifically, for example, an ink containing a black pigment for a color material can be suitably used for the black ink. According to such configuration, the dark black can be more appropriately represented. 
       FIG. 2C  is a view describing the configuration of the black region  308  in further detail, and shows one example of a state of the black region  308  at a position where the normal direction becomes parallel to the layering direction (Z direction) in a simplified manner with the surrounding coloring region  306 . As also described above, in the present example, the shaping device  10  shapes the 3D object  50  through the layering and shaping method. In this case, the layer of ink corresponding to each piece of slice data is formed in an overlapping manner based on a plurality of pieces of slice data corresponding to the cross-section of each position of the 3D object  50  to shape the 3D object  50 . 
     For example, in the present example, the shaping device  10  forms the inner side region  312  in the black region  308  by overlapping a layer  402  of ink formed with the black ink. Furthermore, the surface side region  314  in the black region  308  is formed by overlapping a layer  404  formed with the clear ink. Furthermore, the coloring region  306  is formed by overlapping a layer  406  of ink formed with the ink of each color of YMCK and the clear ink. In this case, the layer  402 , the layer  404 , and the layer  406  are a region in one layer of ink formed in correspondence with one piece of slice data. According to such configuration, each region configuring the 3D object  50  can be appropriately formed. 
     In  FIG. 2C , a state of the black region  308 , and the like at the position where the normal direction becomes parallel to the layering direction is shown. Thus, in this case, the thickness in the normal direction of each region becomes the thickness in the layering direction. As a result, the thickness of each region in the normal direction becomes proportional to the number of layers layered. In this case, the thickness of the inner side region  312  in the normal direction is preferably, for example, a thickness of greater than or equal to about three layers (e.g., about three to five layers) of the layer  402  of ink. According to such configuration, for example, by the inner side region  312 , black can be appropriately represented. 
     Furthermore, in this case, the thickness of the surface side region  314  in the normal direction is preferably, for example, a thickness of about two layers (e.g., about one to two layers) of the layer  404  of ink. According to such configuration, for example, the light can appropriately enter the black region  308 . Thus, for example, the deep black can be more appropriately represented. 
     Furthermore, in the 3D object  50 , for example, the black region  308  and the like are sometimes formed at a position where the normal direction does not become parallel to the layering direction. In such a case as well, the black region  308  including the inner side region  312  and the surface side region  314  lined in the normal direction is formed. In such a case, the inner side region  312  and the surface side region  314  are preferably formed such that the thickness in the normal direction becomes similar to the above. According to such configuration, for example, a deep black can be appropriately represented even in the black region  308  at the position where the normal direction does not become parallel to the layering direction. 
     Furthermore, in the description made above, a case of forming the inner side region  312  in the black region  308  only with the black ink and forming the surface side region  314  only with the clear ink has been mainly described. However, in a variant of the 3D object  50  shaped by the shaping device  10 , the inner side region  312 , the surface side region  314 , and the like may be formed with a configuration different from the above. 
     For example, when the thickness of the inner side region  312  can be sufficiently ensured, and the like, consideration is made to reducing the depth per unit thickness and forming the inner side region  312 , and the like. In this case, for example, the inner side region  312  may be formed by further using the clear ink in addition to the black ink. In this case as well, the dark black can be appropriately represented with the entire inner side region  312  by forming the inner side region  312  with a sufficient thickness. Furthermore, in this case, for example, use of an ink containing a black dye for a color material, and the like is considered. 
     The surface side region  314  may also be formed with light black, for example, rather than being formed completely transparent. In this case, for example, consideration is made to forming the surface side region  314  colored to a lighter black than the inner side region  312 . When configured in such manner as well, for example, the black can be appropriately represented while allowing the light to enter the inside of the black region  308  to a certain extent. Thus, for example, the deep black can be more appropriately represented in the black region  308 . 
     More specifically, in this case, for example, the surface side region  314  colored to a lighter black than the inner side region  312  is formed by forming the surface side region  314  using the black ink and the clear ink. Furthermore, consideration is made to, for example, forming each of the inner side region  312  and the surface side region  314  using the black ink and the clear ink, and increasing the content ratio of the clear ink in the surface side region  314  than that in the inner side region  312 , and the like. Furthermore, consideration is made, for example, to coloring the surface side region  314  with a substantial black represented with a mixed color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan), rather than with the black colored with the black ink. 
     In the description made above as well, the black region  308  is a region colored to a piano black in the present example. On the contrary, the way the black represented by the black region  308  is seen changes, for example, depending on whether shiny or not, as well. The shininess of the color is greatly influenced by, for example, the state of the surface of the 3D object  50 . Thus, for example, when representing shiny black such as piano black, and the like, the surface of the 3D object  50  in the region where at least the black region  308  is formed is preferably formed in a glossy smooth state. Furthermore, a matted black, and the like is sometimes desirably represented, other than the shiny black such as the piano black, for the deep black. In such a case, the surface of the 3D object  50  is considered to be formed in the matted state. 
     Next, supplementary explanation, description of a variant, and the like will be made for a feature of the 3D object  50  shaped in the present example.  FIGS. 3A to 3C  are views describing a feature of the 3D object  50  in further detail. Excluding the points described below, the configuration denoted with the same reference numeral as  FIGS. 1A to 2C  in  FIGS. 3A to 3C  may have a feature same as or similar to the configuration in  FIGS. 1A to 2C . 
       FIG. 3A  shows another example of a configuration of the 3D object  50  shaped by the shaping device  10 . In  FIG. 2A , the 3D object  50  in which the outer peripheral surface has a planar shape is illustrated for the sake of convenience of illustration and explanation. In this case, the normal direction of the 3D object  50  is a direction perpendicular to the plane configuring the outer peripheral surface. 
     However, the shaping device  10  is not limited to shaping the 3D object  50  in which the outer peripheral surface has a planar shape, and may shape the 3D object  50  of various shapes. For example, in  FIG. 3A , one example of a configuration is illustrated for the 3D object  50  having a spherical shape. In such a case, the outer peripheral surface of the 3D object  50  is a curved surface. Furthermore, the normal direction of the 3D object  50  is a direction orthogonal to the surface at each position of the 3D object  50 . In this case as well, the deep black can be appropriately represented by forming the black region  308  divided into a plurality of regions in a manner same as or similar to the case described using  FIG. 2  and the like. 
     Furthermore, in a variant of a shaping operation of the shaping device  10 , consideration is made to further forming a region other than each region described above for the region configuring the 3D object  50 , and the like. More specifically, for example, consideration is made to forming a separation region between the light reflecting region  304  and the coloring region  306 , and the like. In this case, the separation region is, for example, a transparent region formed with the clear ink, and prevents the white ink configuring the light reflecting region  304  and the ink of each color configuring the coloring region  306  from mixing. In this case, the separation region is also preferably formed between the black region  308  and the interior region  302 . 
     Furthermore, for example, consideration is made to further forming a transparent protective region on the outer side of the coloring region  306  and the black region  308 , and the like. In this case, the protective region is, for example, a transparent region formed with the clear ink, and protects the coloring region  306  and the black region  308  by covering the outer side of the coloring region  306  and the black region  308 . 
     In this case, a deeper impression can be provided, and the like for the black represented with the black region  308  by forming the transparent region that covers the outer side of the black region  308 . Furthermore, for example, the shiny black such as the piano black can be more appropriately represented by forming the surface of the protective region in a glossy smooth state. 
     Furthermore, consideration is made to forming the transparent region that covers the outer side of the black region  308  with a method (clear coat) such as painting, for example, rather than forming the relevant region at the time of shaping with the shaping device  10 . In this case, for example, consideration is made to enhancing a thickness (depth) feeling by forming the surface side region  314  in the black region  308  to represent the deep black, and then having the paint (overcoat) covering the surface of the 3D object  50  to be a glossy form with a transparent material. According to such configuration, for example, the smoothness of the surface of the 3D object  50  can be appropriately enhanced. Thus, for example, the shiny black such as piano black can be appropriately represented. Furthermore, for example, consideration is also made to carrying out a matted painting (mat painting) by a transparent material with respect to the surface of the 3D object  50  depending on the quality demanded on the 3D object  50 . 
     In the description made above, a configuration of when forming the black region  308  by dividing it into two regions, the inner side region  312  and the surface side region  314 , and the like has been mainly described for the configuration of the black region  308 . However, the black region  308  may be divided into a greater number of regions in the normal direction. 
       FIG. 3B  shows a variant of the configuration of the 3D object  50 . In this case, the shaping device  10  further forms an intermediate region  316  sandwiched by the inner side region  312  and the surface side region  314  as a region configuring the black region  308 . Thus, the black region  308  divided into the inner side region  312 , the intermediate region  316 , and the surface side region  314  in the layering direction is formed. 
     In this case, the intermediate region  316  is, for example, formed with black lighter than the inner side region  312 . Thus, the transmittance of the light with respect to the intermediate region  316  is made to have a transmittance higher than the inner side region  312  and lower than the surface side region  314 . More specifically, in this case, the controller  20  (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) of the shaping device  10  causes the ink jet head  102   k  and the ink jet head  102   t  (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) to discharge ink to form the intermediate region  316  with the black ink and the clear ink. 
     When configured in such manner, the color of the black region  308  is changed to a gradation form such that the color becomes lighter in the inner side region  312 , the intermediate region  316 , and the surface side region  314  in such order. According to such configuration, for example, the depth of the color in the normal direction in the black region  308  can be changed more naturally. Thus, for example, the deep black can be more appropriately represented. 
     Furthermore, in this case, a plurality of intermediate regions  316 , each having a different depth, may be formed between the inner side region  312  and the surface side region  314 . In this case, the density of black of each intermediate region  316  is preferably set such that the density of black gradually lowers from the inner side toward the outer side. 
       FIG. 3C  is a view showing a further variant of the configuration of the 3D object  50 , and shows one example of a configuration of when forming a plurality of intermediate regions  316  between the inner side region  312  and the surface side region  314 , and changing the density of black in a gradation form. According to such configuration, for example, the deep black can be more appropriately represented. 
     In  FIG. 3C , a configuration of when forming each of the inner side region  312  and the surface side region  314  with one layer of ink is illustrated for a portion where the normal direction becomes parallel to the layering direction. In this case, the thickness in the normal direction of each of the inner side region  312  and the surface side region  314  is the thickness for one layer of ink. Furthermore, each of the inner side region  312  and the surface side region  314  may be formed by, for example, forming a plurality of layers of ink and having the thickness in the normal direction equal to the thicknesses of the plurality of layers of ink. 
     In  FIG. 3C , one layer of ink is also formed for the respective intermediate regions  316 . Thus, the thickness in the normal direction of one intermediate region  316  is also the thickness for one layer of ink. Furthermore, each intermediate region  316  may be formed, for example, such that the thickness in the normal direction becomes equal to the thicknesses of the plurality of layers of ink. 
     In the black region  308  formed at the position where the normal direction does not become parallel to the layering direction as well, the thickness in the normal direction of each region may be formed similar to the above. Moreover, when considering changing the density of black in the black region  308  to a gradation form in a more generalized manner, for example, one portion on the inner side in the black region  308  may be considered as the inner side region  312 . Furthermore, for example, one portion on the outer side may be considered as the surface side region  314 . 
     Furthermore, the configuration of the 3D object  50  shaped by the shaping device  10  can be further variously deformed.  FIGS. 4A and 4B  are views describing a further variant of the configuration of the 3D object  50 . Excluding the points described below, the configuration denoted with the same reference numeral as  FIGS. 1A to 3C  in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  may have a feature same as or similar to the configuration in  FIGS. 1A to 3C . 
       FIG. 4A  shows a further variant of the configuration of the 3D object  50 . In the description made above, a configuration of when forming both the coloring region  306  and the black region  308  on the outer side of the light reflecting region  304  has been mainly described. However, when attempting to more appropriately represent black in the black region  308 , it is sometimes preferable not to form light reflecting region  304  on the inner side of the black region  308 . Thus, the light reflecting region  304  may be formed only at the portion to become the inner side of the coloring region  306  without being formed at the portion to become the inner side of the black region  308 . 
     In such a case, a region  320  separate from the light reflecting region  304 , as shown in the figure, for example, is formed between the interior region  302  and the black region  308 . Consideration is made, for example, to forming a transparent region using the clear ink for the region  320 . According to such configuration, for example, a deep dark black can be more appropriately represented in the black region  308 . 
     For example, consideration is made to forming the region  320  to black using the black ink. In this case, a portion combining the black region  308  and the region  320  becomes a continuous black region. Furthermore, such black region becomes a region that is thick in the normal direction than the surrounding coloring region  306 . According to such configuration, for example, the deep dark black can be more appropriately represented. 
     Furthermore, in order to more appropriately represent a deep dark black in the black region  308  and the like, for example, it is sometimes preferable to also consider the color of the interior of the 3D object  50 . More specifically, for example, when shaping the 3D object  50  of a small size or when forming the 3D object  50  including a thin portion, the light entering from the back side of the 3D object  50  with respect to a line of sight of observing the 3D object  50  may be transmitted through the 3D object  50  thus influencing the way the color of the 3D object  50  is seen. Thus, in a further variant of the configuration o f the 3D object  50 , consideration is also made to using a configuration that can more appropriately suppress the influence of the transmitted light, and the like. 
       FIG. 4B  is a view showing a further variant of the configuration of the 3D object  50 , and shows an example of a configuration of when the color of the interior of the 3D object  50  is a color having light absorbing property. In this case, the controller  20  (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) causes the plurality of ink jet heads in the head unit  12  (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) to form the interior region  302  with the color having light absorbing property. Each region such as the coloring region  306 , the black region  308 , and the like is formed on the outer side of the interior region  302 . The 3D object  50  is thereby shaped with a configuration (wrapping method) as if wrapping a black bean paste inside. 
     Furthermore, in this case, the light reflecting region  304  is preferably formed only at the portion to become the inner side of the coloring region  306  without being formed at the portion to become the inner side of the black region  308 , similar to the case described using  FIG. 4A . More specifically, in the case of the illustrated configuration, the region  320  is formed between the interior region  302  and the black region  308  by, for example, clear ink, black ink, or the like. 
     When configured in such manner, for example, the influence of the light passing through the interior of the 3D object and exiting to the opposite side can be appropriately suppressed by forming the interior region  302  with the color having light absorbing property. Thus, for example, the deep dark black can be more appropriately represented in the black region  308 . Furthermore, in this case, the influence of the color, and the like on the back surface side of the 3D object  50  can be appropriately suppressed even for the coloring region  306 . Thus, various colors can be more appropriately represented even for the coloring region  306 . 
     In the relevant configuration, the interior region  302  is preferably formed in black, for example. According to such configuration, for example, the interior region  302  having light absorbing property can be appropriately formed. In this case, for example, consideration can be made to forming the interior region  302  using the ink jet head  102   k  (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) for the black ink. Furthermore, the color of the interior region  302 , for example, may be colored to a substantial black represented with a mixed color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) rather than to the black colored with the black ink. In this case, for example, the interior region  302  is formed using the ink jet heads  102   y  to  102   k  (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) for each color of YMC. In this case, the ink jet head  102   k,  and the like may be further used to form the interior region  302 . Furthermore, when using the ink jet head  102   mo  (see  FIGS. 1A and 1B ) for the shaping material ink, as in the head unit  12  described using  FIGS. 1A and 1B  and the like, consideration is also made to using the shaping material ink of a color having light absorbing property such as black. 
     Now, a further variant of the configuration, and the like of the shaping device  10  will be described. In the description made above, a case of forming the black region  308  using the black ink used as one of the process colors used for color representation has been mainly described above. However, in a variant of the configuration of the shaping device  10 , a black ink to use for the formation of the black region  308  may be further used apart from the black ink of the process color. 
     In the description made above, a case of having the thickness in the normal direction equal in the black region  308  and the coloring region  306  has been mainly described. However, the thickness of the black region  308  in the normal direction may be, for example, differed from the coloring region  306 . In this case, for example, the black region  308  is preferably formed to be thicker than the coloring region  306 . In this case, it is preferable to differ the thickness of the light reflecting region  304  between the inner side of the black region  308  and the inner side of the coloring region  306  according to the difference in thickness of the black region  308  and the coloring region  306 . Furthermore, the black region  308  may be formed to a thickness equal to the thickness of the light reflecting region  304  and the coloring region  306  combined without forming the light reflecting region  304  on the inner side of the black region  308 . 
     When considering the feature of the present example in a more generalized manner, consideration is also made to representing a deep color for not only black but also for other colors having light absorbing property according to the configuration similar to the present example. In this case, the color having light absorbing property is, for example, colors such as a color obtained by mixing one of the chromatic colors and black, a dark gray, and the like. Furthermore, the light having light absorbing property may be a color of low intensity. Even in such a case, a deep color can be represented by forming a region corresponding to the inner side region  312  using other colors having light absorbing property in place of black for the region of a color having light absorbing property corresponding to the black region  308 , and forming the surface side region  314  on the outer side thereof. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The present disclosure can be suitably used for, for example, the shaping device.