Information processing apparatus, information processing method, computer readable medium, and program product

Abstract

The present application provides an information processing device, an information processing method, and a computer readable medium. The information processing device has a processor that acquires three-dimensional shape data that is data representing a three-dimensional shape of a three-dimensional modeled object, sets in advance a feature condition that is a condition representing a feature related to a cross section of the three-dimensional shape, detects a feature that satisfies the feature condition from the three-dimensional shape data, and outputs information related to the detected feature in the three-dimensional shape data.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a computer readable medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] An information processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-134547 has a providing unit that provides a screen in which a plurality of conditions can be specified, the plurality of conditions including at least a condition indicating a feature related to intensity of a three-dimensional object, an accepting unit that accepts, via the screen, a specification of a condition indicating a feature of an object that a user wants to model, and a determining unit that determines a setting for modeling of the object that the user wants to model based on the accepted specification of the condition, the setting for modeling determined by the determining unit including a modeling setting specified in order for a modeling apparatus to perform modeling.

[0003] An information processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-165012 provides data for modeling to a layered modeling apparatus that layers a material according to a cross-sectional shape of a modeled object and models the modeled object, the information processing apparatus having a shape change detecting unit that detects a shape change coordinate at which a shape of the modeled object changes using data related to the shape of the modeled object, a cross-sectional shape formation position determining unit that determines a height at which the cross-sectional shape of the modeled object is formed in a manner that includes the shape change coordinate, and a cross-sectional shape forming unit that forms the cross-sectional shape at the height at which the cross-sectional shape is formed determined by the cross-sectional shape formation position determining unit. SUMMARY

[0004] In a case where a three-dimensional shape is modeled using a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, when the three-dimensional shape includes a feature shape such as a thin wall and an excessive overhang, deformation and the like of the three-dimensional shape sometimes occur.

[0005] Therefore, there is a technique in which, in a case where a three-dimensional shape is modeled, a feature shape such as a thin wall and an excessive overhang is detected in advance, and generation of deformation and the like of the three-dimensional shape is prevented in advance.

[0006] However, in a case where a three-dimensional shape is modeled, a feature shape that becomes a cause of deformation and the like of the three-dimensional shape is not only a thin wall and an excessive overhang, and a user detects a feature shape other than a thin wall and an excessive overhang by confirmation before modeling. Therefore, a large amount of time is required for detecting in advance a feature shape that becomes a cause of deformation and the like of the three-dimensional shape.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing program capable of reducing time required for detecting a characteristic shape that is a cause of deformation and the like of a three-dimensional shape, as compared to a case where a shape characteristic of a cause of deformation and the like of a three-dimensional shape is detected by a user.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing apparatus including a processor that acquires three-dimensional shape data that is data representing a three-dimensional shape of a three-dimensional modeled object, sets in advance a characteristic condition that is a condition representing a characteristic related to a cross section of the three-dimensional shape, detects a characteristic satisfying the characteristic condition from the three-dimensional shape data, and outputs information related to the detected characteristic in the three-dimensional shape data.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the characteristic condition is a condition related to a cross-sectional area in the cross section of the three-dimensional shape.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the processor detects a position where a shrinkage difference of the three-dimensional shape occurs in a case where the three-dimensional shape is modeled, using the characteristic condition.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the characteristic condition further includes a height in a stacking direction of the three-dimensional shape.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the processor detects a position where the three-dimensional shape is recessed due to shrinkage in a case where the three-dimensional shape is modeled, using the characteristic condition.

[0013] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the characteristic condition further includes information related to at least one of a lateral width direction, a longitudinal depth direction, and a width direction of the cross section including a center of the cross section of the three-dimensional shape in the cross section of the three-dimensional shape.

[0014] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the processor detects a position where a wobble occurs in a case where the three-dimensional shape is modeled, using the characteristic condition.

[0015] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the characteristic condition further includes a shape difference in adjacent cross sections in a stacking direction of the three-dimensional shape.

[0016] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the processor detects a position where support is required due to a shape difference in a case where the three-dimensional shape is modeled, using the characteristic condition.

[0017] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the characteristic condition further includes information related to a gap surrounded by the three-dimensional shape in the cross section of the three-dimensional shape.

[0018] According to a 11th aspect of the present disclosure, the processor detects, using the feature condition, a portion of at least one of a collection portion in which a modeling material stagnates in a case where the three-dimensional shape is modeled, and a hollow portion in which the modeling material stagnates inside the three-dimensional shape and the inside becomes a hollow.

[0019] According to a 12th aspect of the present disclosure, the feature condition further includes information about a distance from the inside of the three-dimensional shape to an edge of the three-dimensional shape in a cross section of the three-dimensional shape.

[0020] According to a 13th aspect of the present disclosure, the processor detects, using the feature condition, a portion in which a thin wall is generated in a case where the three-dimensional shape is modeled.

[0021] According to a 14th aspect of the present disclosure, the feature condition further includes information about a distance from the outside of the three-dimensional shape to an edge of the three-dimensional shape in a cross section of the three-dimensional shape.

[0022] According to a 15th aspect of the present disclosure, the processor detects, using the feature condition, a portion in which a shallow groove is generated in a case where the three-dimensional shape is modeled.

[0023] According to a 16th aspect of the present disclosure, the three-dimensional shape data is data representing the three-dimensional shape using a plurality of voxels.

[0024] According to a 17th aspect of the present disclosure, the processor records the detected feature in association with a voxel corresponding to the portion in which the feature is detected.

[0025] According to an 18th aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer-readable medium storing a program causing a computer to execute processing, the program causing the computer to execute processing of acquiring three-dimensional shape data that is data representing a three-dimensional shape of a three-dimensional modeled object, previously setting a feature condition that is a condition representing a feature related to a cross section of the three-dimensional shape, and detecting a feature satisfying the feature condition from the three-dimensional shape data, and outputting information about the detected feature in the three-dimensional shape data.

[0026] According to a 19th aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing method of acquiring three-dimensional shape data that is data representing a three-dimensional shape of a three-dimensional modeled object, previously setting a feature condition that is a condition representing a feature related to a cross section of the three-dimensional shape, detecting a feature satisfying the feature condition from the three-dimensional shape data, and outputting information about the detected feature in the three-dimensional shape data.

[0027] (EFFECTS)

[0028] According to the first, eighteenth, and nineteenth aspects, the time required to detect the characteristic shape that is a cause of the deformation of the three-dimensional shape or the like can be reduced compared to a case in which a characteristic shape that is a cause of the deformation of the three-dimensional shape or the like is detected by a user.

[0029] According to the second aspect, detection can be performed with higher accuracy compared to a case in which a characteristic shape is detected without considering the cross-sectional area.

[0030] According to the third aspect, the processing time of the detection can be further shortened compared to a case in which the detected feature is limited to a shrinkage difference.

[0031] According to the fourth aspect, detection can be performed with higher accuracy compared to a case in which a characteristic shape is detected without considering the height.

[0032] According to the fifth aspect, the processing time of the detection can be further shortened compared to a case in which the detected feature is limited to a recess.

[0033] According to the sixth aspect, detection can be performed with higher accuracy compared to a case in which a characteristic shape is detected without considering the width direction of the cross section in the lateral width direction or the longitudinal depth direction of the three-dimensional shape.

[0034] According to the seventh aspect, the processing time of the detection can be further shortened compared to a case in which the detected feature is limited to a wobble.

[0035] According to the eighth aspect, detection can be performed with higher accuracy compared to a case in which a characteristic shape is detected without considering the shape difference in the cross section adjacent in the stacking direction.

[0036] According to the ninth aspect, the processing time of the detection can be further shortened compared to a case in which the detected feature is limited to a portion that needs to be supported.

[0037] According to the tenth aspect, detection can be performed with higher accuracy compared to a case in which a characteristic shape is detected without considering the gap surrounded by the three-dimensional shape.

[0038] According to the eleventh aspect, a characteristic shape can be more easily detected compared to a case in which the region in which voxels are not present is not considered.

[0039] According to the twelfth aspect, a characteristic shape can be more easily detected compared to a case in which the distance from an arbitrary position inside the three-dimensional shape to the edge of the three-dimensional shape is not considered.

[0040] According to the thirteenth aspect, the processing time of the detection can be further shortened compared to a case in which the detected feature is limited to a thin wall.

[0041] According to the 14th aspect, the characteristic shape can be detected more easily than when the distance from an arbitrary position outside the three-dimensional shape to the edge of the three-dimensional shape is not considered.

[0042] According to the 15th aspect, the processing time for detection can be shortened more than when the detected characteristic is not limited to a shallow groove.

[0043] According to the 16th aspect, the characteristic can be detected more easily than when the element constituting the three-dimensional shape data is not limited to a voxel.

[0044] According to the 17th aspect, the attribute of the characteristic shape can be set to the voxel more easily than when the characteristic shape is detected by the user and the attribute is set to the voxel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 is a structural diagram showing an example of a three-dimensional modeling system according to the present embodiment.

[0046] Figure 2 is a structural diagram showing an example of an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0047] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional structure of an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0048] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a three-dimensional shape represented by voxel data according to the present embodiment.

[0049] Figure 5 is a structural diagram showing an example of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0050] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a three-dimensional shape for explaining detection of a characteristic according to the present embodiment.

[0051] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a three-dimensional shape for explaining detection of shrinkage, sagging, and wobble according to the present embodiment.

[0052] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section of a three-dimensional shape for explaining detection of a lowest point according to the present embodiment.

[0053] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section of a three-dimensional shape for explaining detection of excess overhang according to the present embodiment.

[0054] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross-section illustrating the three-dimensional shape of the collection section and the detection of the hollow section according to this embodiment.

[0055] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a three-dimensional shape used to illustrate the detection of thin walls and shallow trenches according to this embodiment.

[0056] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displaying the features detected by the settings involved in this embodiment.

[0057] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen showing the detailed feature conditions set for feature detection as described in this embodiment.

[0058] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing involved in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0059] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the three-dimensional modeling system 1 involved in this embodiment. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the three-dimensional modeling system 1 has an information processing device 10 and a three-dimensional modeling device 200.

[0061] Next, refer to Figure 2 The structure of the information processing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0062] The information processing device 10, for example a personal computer, includes a controller 11. The controller 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11C, a non-volatile memory 11D, and an input / output interface (I / O) 11E. Furthermore, the CPU 11A, ROM 11B, RAM 11C, non-volatile memory 11D, and I / O 11E are interconnected via a bus 11F. The CPU 11A is an example of a processor.

[0063] Furthermore, the I / O 11E is connected to an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a storage unit 15.

[0064] The operation unit 12 is configured to include, for example, a mouse and a keyboard.

[0065] The display unit 13 is, for example, composed of a liquid crystal display or the like.

[0066] The communication unit 14 is an interface for data communication with external devices such as the 3D modeling device 200.

[0067] The storage unit 15 is composed of a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk, and stores information processing programs and three-dimensional shape data, which will be described later. The CPU 11A reads and executes the information processing programs stored in the storage unit 15.

[0068] Next, the functional structure of CPU11A will be explained.

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, the CPU11A has an acquisition unit 20, a setting unit 21, a detection unit 22, and an output unit 23.

[0070] The acquisition unit 20 acquires three-dimensional shape data representing a three-dimensional shape using multiple voxels. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 20 acquires conditions (hereinafter referred to as "feature conditions") representing features of the three-dimensional shape related to its cross-section.

[0071] In addition, the features involved in this embodiment refer to the parts where the following phenomena occur: the shrinkage difference of the molding material when shaping a three-dimensional shape; the indentation of the three-dimensional shape when the molding material is cooled and solidified; and the shaking caused by the coating machine (recoater) and the nozzle blowing when shaping a three-dimensional shape.

[0072] Furthermore, the feature conditions involved in this embodiment refer to information related to the cross-section representing the features of the three-dimensional shape used to detect the features of the aforementioned three-dimensional shape. Specifically, these are the cross-sectional area of ​​the three-dimensional shape's cross-section, the length of the three-dimensional shape in the horizontal and vertical directions, and the height of the cross-section in the stacking direction. Here, in this embodiment, the horizontal direction is described as the x-axis, the vertical direction as the y-axis, and the stacking direction as the z-axis.

[0073] The setting unit 21 sets feature conditions for detecting features of a three-dimensional shape selected by the user.

[0074] The detection unit 22 detects features that meet the characteristic conditions based on the three-dimensional shape data. For example, when the user selects shrinkage difference as the detection object, the setting unit 21 sets the condition for the cross-sectional area of ​​the three-dimensional shape used to detect shrinkage difference, and the detection unit 22 detects the parts that meet the preset cross-sectional area condition based on the three-dimensional shape data.

[0075] The output unit 23 outputs information related to the detected features from the three-dimensional shape data. For example, the output unit 23 can display information about the parts that meet the detected feature conditions on the display unit 13 as a list, or it can change the color of the corresponding part on the three-dimensional shape data to display the parts that meet the feature conditions detected by the detection unit 22 on the display unit 13.

[0076] Furthermore, the method for detecting the features involved in this embodiment is described as the location of shrinkage difference, depression, and wobbling. However, it is not limited to this. In this embodiment, the method for detecting the location of the collection part where molding material is retained and the hollow part as features is also described. In addition, in this embodiment, the method for detecting the location of the following two parts as features is also described: the lowest point that needs support when molding a three-dimensional shape and the excessive overhang; and the thin wall and shallow groove that cause deformation when molding with insufficient strength.

[0077] Next, refer to Figure 4 The relationship between the cross-sectional area and height of the three-dimensional shape 31 is explained. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a three-dimensional shape 31 represented by voxel data according to this embodiment. Figure 4 (a) is an example of a three-dimensional shape 31 composed of voxels 32. Figure 4 (b) is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the cross-sectional area and height of a three-dimensional shape 31.

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown in (a), the three-dimensional shape 31 is composed of multiple voxels 32. Here, voxels 32 are the basic elements of the three-dimensional shape 31, for example, using cuboids, but not limited to cuboids, spheres or cylinders can also be used. The desired three-dimensional shape is represented by stacking voxels 32.

[0079] As a three-dimensional modeling method for shaping the three-dimensional shape 31, examples include the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) method, which shapes the three-dimensional shape 31 by melting and laminating thermoplastic resin, and the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) method, which shapes the three-dimensional shape 31 by irradiating a laser beam onto a powdered metal material and sintering it. However, other three-dimensional modeling methods can also be used. In this embodiment, the case of shaping the three-dimensional shape 31 using the laser sintering method will be described.

[0080] And, as Figure 4The relationship between the height of the three-dimensional shape 31 and the cross-sectional area (the number of voxels) on the height is represented as a graph as shown in (b) of FIG. 6. As shown in (b) of FIG. 6, the cross-sectional area on the height of the three-dimensional shape 31 is represented as a graph. Figure 4 As shown in (b) of FIG. 6, the broken line 33 is a graph showing the relationship between the height of the three-dimensional shape 31 and the cross-sectional area of the cross section of the three-dimensional shape 31.

[0081] As shown in (b) of FIG. 6, the characteristics of the three-dimensional shape 31 are grasped by referring to the cross-sectional area of the cross section on each height. For example, if the size of the cross-sectional area is different, the size of the shrinkage of the modeling material due to the cooling of the modeling material in which the three-dimensional shape 31 is modeled is different, and the cross-sectional area on the height of the three-dimensional shape 31 is sharply changed in the portion in which the difference in the shrinkage of the modeling material is generated when the three-dimensional shape is modeled. Also, in the portion in which the height of the portion in which the cross-sectional area is large is fixed, the more the portion is located in the lower layer, the more the shrinkage of the modeling material is accumulated, and the three-dimensional shape is recessed. Figure 4

[0082] In the present embodiment, a method of acquiring the cross section of the three-dimensional shape 31 at each height prescribed in advance and extracting the characteristics of the three-dimensional shape 31 using the height of the three-dimensional shape 31 and the cross-sectional area on the height is described. Also, the cross section of each height acquired from the three-dimensional shape 31 is referred to as a "level" hereinafter.

[0083] Next, a three-dimensional modeling device that models the three-dimensional shape 40 using the three-dimensional shape data generated by the information processing device 10 is described. Figure 5 is an example of the structure of the three-dimensional modeling device 200 related to the present embodiment. The three-dimensional modeling device 200 is a device that models a three-dimensional shape by a laser sintering method.

[0084] As shown in (b) of FIG. 6, the characteristics of the three-dimensional shape 31 are grasped by referring to the cross-sectional area of the cross section on each height. For example, if the size of the cross-sectional area is different, the size of the shrinkage of the modeling material due to the cooling of the modeling material in which the three-dimensional shape 31 is modeled is different, and the cross-sectional area on the height of the three-dimensional shape 31 is sharply changed in the portion in which the difference in the shrinkage of the modeling material is generated when the three-dimensional shape is modeled. Also, in the portion in which the height of the portion in which the cross-sectional area is large is fixed, the more the portion is located in the lower layer, the more the shrinkage of the modeling material is accumulated, and the three-dimensional shape is recessed. Figure 5

[0085] The irradiation head 201 is a laser irradiation head 201 that irradiates laser light to the modeling material 41 in order to model the three-dimensional shape 40.

[0086] The irradiation head 201 is driven by the irradiation head driving section 202 and performs two-dimensional scanning on the xy plane.

[0087] The modeling table 203 is driven by the modeling table driving section 204 and is raised and lowered along the z-axis direction.

[0088] The acquisition section 205 acquires the three-dimensional shape data generated by the information processing device 10. ​​

[0089] The control unit 206 irradiates the modeling material 41 disposed on the modeling table 203 with a laser from the irradiation head 201 according to the three-dimensional shape data acquired by the acquisition unit 205, and controls the position of the irradiated laser by the irradiation head drive unit.

[0090] Furthermore, the control unit 206 performs the following control: each time the modeling of each layer is completed, it drives the modeling stage drive unit 204 to lower the modeling stage 203 by an amount corresponding to a predetermined layering interval, and fills the modeling stage 203 with modeling material 41. Thus, a three-dimensional shape 40 based on three-dimensional shape data is modeled.

[0091] Next, before explaining the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, refer to Figures 6 to 13 The method for extracting features of three-dimensional shapes is explained.

[0092] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a three-dimensional shape 50 used to illustrate feature detection according to this embodiment. Figure 6 (a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a three-dimensional shape 50 cut along a plane perpendicular to the z-axis. Figure 6 (b) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross section in an arbitrary level of the three-dimensional shape 50.

[0093] exist Figure 6 In the bottom layer of the three-dimensional shape 50 shown in (a), a larger cross section of the three-dimensional shape appears. Furthermore, the larger cross section of the three-dimensional shape 50 branches into smaller cross sections in the upper layers. Hereinafter, the cross sections of the three-dimensional shape will be referred to as "island sections," and the three-dimensional shape 50 is configured as a connection and branch of repeating island sections.

[0094] For example, Figure 6 Regarding the islands 52, 53, and 54 present in the hierarchy shown in (a) which are surrounded by a rectangle 51 of three-dimensional shape 50, when viewed from the z-axis direction, as Figure 6 As shown in (b). And, refer to... Figure 6 The island portions 52, 53 and 54 described above are repeatedly combined and separated in the layer above the three-dimensional shape 50 shown in (b).

[0095] The cross-sectional area of ​​the three-dimensional shape 50 in each level changes through the combination or separation of these multiple island-like parts. Therefore, the characteristics of the three-dimensional shape 50 are detected by understanding the difference in the cross-sectional area of ​​each island-like part in each level.

[0096] Next, refer to Figure 7 The method for detecting areas that exhibit shrinkage differences, depressions, and wobble during the modeling of a three-dimensional shape 50 is explained.Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a three-dimensional shape 50 for explaining detection of shrinkage difference, sag, and wobble to which the present embodiment is applied.

[0097] First, a method of detecting shrinkage difference will be described. When the three-dimensional shape 50 is modeled, the three-dimensional shape 50 shrinks by being cooled by the modeling material, and thus in adjacent levels in the z-axis direction, if the difference in cross-sectional area of the three-dimensional shape is large, the proportion of shrinkage is greatly different, and deformation of the three-dimensional shape 50 occurs.

[0098] As shown in the levels shown by the rectangles 55 and 56, a site where the difference in cross-sectional area is large becomes a site where shrinkage difference occurs when the three-dimensional shape 50 is modeled. Figure 7

[0099] Thus, as shown in the rectangles 55 and 56, by referring to and comparing the cross-sectional area of the island-shaped portion shown by the rectangle 55 and the cross-sectional area of the island-shaped portion shown by the rectangle 56, a site where shrinkage difference occurs is detected. Figure 7

[0100] The information processing apparatus 10 sets a threshold value of the cross-sectional area of the island-shaped portion and a threshold value of the difference in cross-sectional area of the island-shaped portions connected in adjacent levels in the z-axis direction as a feature condition. A site where the cross-sectional area of the island-shaped portion is the threshold value or more and the difference in cross-sectional area of the island-shaped portions connected in adjacent levels in the z-axis direction is the threshold value or more is searched for in the three-dimensional shape data using the feature condition, and thus a site where shrinkage difference occurs is detected. In addition, the threshold value of the cross-sectional area of the island-shaped portion and the threshold value of the difference in cross-sectional area of the island-shaped portions connected in adjacent levels in the z-axis direction can be set in advance or can be set by a user.

[0101] Next, a method of detecting sag due to shrinkage will be described. Since the three-dimensional shape 50 shrinks by being cooled by the modeling material, in a case where the same size cross sections such as cylinders are continuously stacked in the z-axis direction, since the lower layer of the stacked portion is stretched due to shrinkage of the upper layer of the stacked portion, the more the lower layer of the stacked portion, the larger the amount of change in shrinkage. That is, if cross sections with large cross-sectional areas are continuously stacked in the z-axis direction, shrinkage is accumulated and sag occurs.

[0102] As shown by the rectangle 57, a site where the cross-sectional area of the island-shaped portion is the fixed value or more and the height of the island-shaped portion connected in the z-axis direction is the fixed height or more becomes a site where sag occurs when the three-dimensional shape 50 is modeled. Thus, as shown in the rectangle 57, by referring to the cross-sectional area of the island-shaped portion and the height of the island-shaped portion connected in the z-axis direction, a site where sag occurs is detected. Figure 7 Figure 7

[0103] ​​​​The information processing device 10 sets a threshold for the cross-sectional area of ​​the island portion and a threshold for the height of the island portions connected in the z-axis direction as feature conditions. Using these feature conditions, it searches the three-dimensional shape data for locations where the cross-sectional area of ​​the island portion is greater than or equal to the threshold and the height of the island portions connected in the z-axis direction is greater than or equal to the threshold, thereby detecting locations where depressions occur. Furthermore, the thresholds for the cross-sectional area of ​​the island portion and the height of the island portions connected in the z-axis direction can be preset or set by the user.

[0104] Next, the method for detecting the parts that wobble during the shaping of the three-dimensional shape 50 will be explained. When shaping the three-dimensional shape 50, if the thinner section reaches a height of more than a fixed value, it will wobble due to being blown by the nozzle and applicator of the three-dimensional shaping device, resulting in deformation of the three-dimensional shape 50.

[0105] like Figure 7 As shown in rectangle 58, all parts that connect the island-shaped sections in the z-axis direction at a height above a fixed height and connect to the thinner section above become parts that wobble when modeling the three-dimensional shape 50. Therefore, as Figure 7 As shown in rectangle 58, the location of the swaying is detected by referring to the height of the island connected in the z-axis direction and the length of the island in the specified direction.

[0106] The information processing device 10 sets a threshold for the height of the island-shaped portions connected in the z-axis direction and a threshold for the length of the island-shaped portions in a specified direction as feature conditions. Using these feature conditions, it retrieves portions in the three-dimensional shape data where the height of the island-shaped portions connected in the z-axis direction is above the threshold and the length of the island-shaped portions in the specified direction is below the threshold, thereby detecting portions where wobbling occurs. Furthermore, the threshold for the height of the island-shaped portions connected in the z-axis direction and the threshold for the length of the specified direction can be preset or set by the user. In this embodiment, the specified direction is described as at least one of the x-axis (horizontal width) direction and the y-axis (vertical depth) direction. However, it is not limited to this. The specified direction can be a predefined direction such as the scanning direction of the applicator and nozzle, or it can be any direction along the xy plane (section), or it can be a direction specified by the user. Furthermore, any direction along the xy plane (section) refers, for example, the width direction from edge to edge of the island-shaped portion, including a specified position of the island-shaped portion. Here, the specified position refers to the center, center of gravity, or a specified position within the island-shaped portion. The specified position can be preset or set by the user.

[0107] Next, refer to Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 The method for detecting the lowest point and excess overhang generated when modeling a three-dimensional shape 60 is explained.

[0108] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a three-dimensional shape 60 used to illustrate the detection of the lowest point according to this embodiment. Figure 8 (a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a three-dimensional shape 60 cut along a plane perpendicular to the z-axis. Figure 8 (b) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross section in an arbitrary level of a three-dimensional shape 60.

[0109] like Figure 8 As shown in (a), referring to the adjacent layers in the z-axis direction of the three-dimensional shape 60, there is an island-shaped portion 62 in the lower layer surrounded by rectangle 61, and island-shaped portions 64 and 65 in the upper layer surrounded by rectangle 63. If these adjacent lower layers surrounded by rectangle 61 and upper layers surrounded by rectangle 63 in the z-axis direction are overlapped for comparison, then... Figure 8 As shown in (b).

[0110] like Figure 8 As shown in (b), if we compare the lower layer surrounded by rectangle 61 and the upper layer surrounded by rectangle 63, the island-shaped parts in each layer correspond respectively. The island-shaped part 62 in the lower layer surrounded by rectangle 61 and the island-shaped part 64 in the upper layer surrounded by rectangle 63 exist in the same position, and the island-shaped part 64 is shaped above the island-shaped part 62.

[0111] However, the island portion 65 is absent at the same location in the lower layer surrounded by rectangle 61 as it is in the upper layer surrounded by rectangle 63. The island portion 65 becomes the portion of the three-dimensional shape 60 that protrudes downward in the z-axis direction.

[0112] That is, in the cross-section of the three-dimensional shape 60 of adjacent layers in the z-axis direction, the island-like part that exists in the upper layer does not exist in the lower layer, and becomes the part that generates the lowest point when shaping the three-dimensional shape 60.

[0113] Therefore, by comparing adjacent layers in the z-axis direction, it is determined whether there are island-like parts corresponding to each layer, thereby detecting the lowest point.

[0114] The cross-sections of each level are obtained and stored in the direction of z-axis upwards. The cross-sections of the next lower level that are stored in advance are compared with the cross-sections of the obtained levels. The positions of the island-shaped parts of each level are matched, thereby detecting the parts that become the lowest points.

[0115] Next, refer to Figure 9 The method for detecting excess overhang is explained.

[0116] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a three-dimensional shape used to illustrate the detection of excessive overhang, as described in this embodiment. Figure 9 (a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a three-dimensional shape 60 cut along a plane perpendicular to the z-axis. Figure 9 (b) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross section in an arbitrary level of a three-dimensional shape 60.

[0117] Excess overhang occurs when the protruding portion of the three-dimensional shape 60 is at a certain angle of elevation and is unsupported. That is, similar to the method for detecting the lowest point, excess overhang is detected by comparing adjacent sections in the z-axis direction.

[0118] like Figure 9 As shown in (a), in adjacent layers on the z-axis, there are island-shaped portions 72 and 73 in the lower layer surrounded by rectangle 71, and there are island-shaped portions 75 and 76 in the upper layer surrounded by rectangle 74.

[0119] If we compare the lower layer surrounded by rectangle 71 and the upper layer surrounded by rectangle 74 adjacent to each other in the z-axis direction, the island-shaped portions in each section correspond to each other. Specifically, in the z-axis direction, island-shaped portion 75 corresponds to island-shaped portion 72, and island-shaped portion 76 corresponds to island-shaped portion 73.

[0120] However, if island portions 73 and 76 are compared with island portions 72 and 75 respectively, their cross-sectional areas differ. Therefore, in order to make the shapes of the lower island portions 72 and 73 consistent, the cross-sectional areas are enlarged by a predetermined ratio, and the enlarged cross-sectional areas of island portions 72 and 73 are compared with the cross-sectional areas of island portions 75 and 76. If the difference in the cross-sectional areas after comparison exceeds a threshold, it becomes a part that causes excessive overhang when shaping the three-dimensional shape 60.

[0121] Therefore, such as Figure 9 As shown in (b), in adjacent layers along the z-axis, the cross-sectional area of ​​the island portion of the upper layer is compared with the cross-sectional area of ​​the island portion of the lower layer after being enlarged by any scale. It is determined whether the difference between the cross-sectional areas of the island portions corresponding to each cross section is above a threshold, thereby detecting excessive overhang.

[0122] The information processing apparatus 10 sets the threshold of the difference in the magnification ratio and the cross-sectional area as a characteristic condition. The information processing apparatus 10 acquires the cross-sections of the respective levels toward the upper side in the z-axis direction and stores them, compares the cross-section of the lower level stored in advance with the acquired cross-section, and, when there is an island-shaped portion corresponding to the island-shaped portion existing in each cross-section, the information processing apparatus 10 magnifies the cross-sectional area of the cross-section of the lower level by a predetermined ratio. The cross-sectional area of the acquired cross-section and the cross-sectional area of the cross-section of the lower level after the magnification are compared, and, when the difference in the comparison is equal to or greater than the threshold, a portion that becomes an excess overhang is detected.

[0123] In addition, in the present embodiment, the manner in which the cross-sectional area of the cross-section of the lower level is magnified in order to make the shape of the cross-section of the upper level coincide with the shape of the cross-section of the lower level in the three-dimensional shape 60 is described. However, it is not limited thereto. The cross-section of the upper level can be reduced, and, when the cross-sectional area of the cross-section of the lower level is larger than that of the cross-section of the upper level, the cross-sectional area of the cross-section of the lower level can be reduced or the cross-sectional area of the cross-section of the upper level can be magnified.

[0124] In addition, in the present embodiment, the manner in which the ratio of the magnification of the cross-sectional area is predetermined is described. However, it is not limited thereto. The ratio can be specified by a user, or can be derived by comparing the cross-section of the lower level with the cross-section of the upper level in the three-dimensional shape 60. For example, the shape of the cross-section of the lower level can be extracted, the shape corresponding to the extracted shape in the cross-section of the upper level can be detected, and the ratio in which the shape extracted from the cross-section of the lower level coincides with the shape detected from the cross-section of the upper level can be derived.

[0125] Here, the manner in which the island-shaped portion existing in the upper level does not exist in the lower level or the manner in which the island-shaped portion corresponding to the island-shaped portion existing in each cross-section exists and the cross-sectional areas of the respective island-shaped portions are different among the cross-sections of the levels adjacent in the z-axis direction involved in the present embodiment is an example of a shape difference.

[0126] Next, with reference to Figure 10 A method of detecting the collection portion and the hollow portion will be described. Figure 10 is a schematic view showing an example of a cross-section of a three-dimensional shape 80 for explaining the detection of the collection portion and the hollow portion involved in the present embodiment.

[0127] Figure 10 (a) of FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing an example of a cross-section of the three-dimensional shape 80 cut along a plane perpendicular to the z-axis direction, Figure 10 (b) of FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing an example of a cross-section in an arbitrary level of the three-dimensional shape 80.

[0128] For example, as shown in the cross-section of the level surrounded by the rectangle 81 of the three-dimensional shape 80 shown in (a) of FIG. 8, the cross-section of the level surrounded by the rectangle 82 of the three-dimensional shape 80 shown in (b) of FIG. 8 is Figure 10 Figure 10 ​(b) shown in FIG. 8.

[0129] As Figure 10 (b) shown in FIG. 8, if there is a closed region surrounded by voxels 82 and in which there is no voxel in the three-dimensional shape 80, a collection portion in which the modeling material stagnates or a hollow portion in which the modeling material stagnates and the inside of the three-dimensional shape 80 becomes a hollow is generated when the three-dimensional shape 80 is modeled. In addition, the following will refer to a site in which there is no voxel as an "empty voxel" and an empty voxel surrounded by voxels as a "closed empty voxel". Here, the closed empty voxel related to the present embodiment is an example of a gap.

[0130] That is, in a case where a cross section of an arbitrary level of the three-dimensional shape 80 is acquired, a region in which there is a closed empty voxel becomes a collection portion and a hollow portion when the three-dimensional shape 80 is modeled.

[0131] A cross section of each level of the three-dimensional shape 80 is acquired from above to below in the z-axis direction, it is determined whether there is a closed empty voxel, and thus a site that becomes a collection portion and a hollow portion is detected.

[0132] In addition, in a case where a closed empty voxel continuously exists at a corresponding site of each level from the uppermost site of the three-dimensional shape 80 and there is a voxel or a modeling table that closes the closed empty voxel in the lower layer of the closed empty voxel in the z-axis direction, a collection portion is generated when the three-dimensional shape is modeled.

[0133] That is, a site in which the height of the closed empty voxel is equal to or higher than a threshold value that is predetermined and there is a voxel or a modeling table that closes the closed empty voxel in the lower layer in the z-axis direction is detected, and thus a site that becomes a collection portion is detected.

[0134] In addition, in a case where a closed empty voxel exists from a level other than the uppermost site of the three-dimensional shape 80 and there is a voxel or a modeling table that closes the closed empty voxel in the upper layer and the lower layer of the closed empty voxel in the z-axis direction, a hollow portion is generated when the three-dimensional shape is modeled.

[0135] Next, reference will be made to Figure 11 A method of detecting a thin wall and a shallow groove will be described. Figure 11 is a schematic view of a voxel for explaining a peak voxel 92 or 94 related to the present embodiment.

[0136] First, an arbitrary direction is designated for the three-dimensional shape 90, and a signed distance field (SDF) from a voxel to the nearest edge of the three-dimensional shape 90 is calculated for the arbitrary direction. In addition, the value of the calculated signed distance field will be referred to as a "distance" hereinafter.

[0137] The voxel 91 with the largest distance among adjacent voxels 91 in a specified direction is designated as peak voxel 92, and the wall thickness is determined by multiplying the distance from peak voxel 92 to the edge of the 3D shape 90 by 2. If the set wall thickness is below a predetermined wall thickness threshold, it is detected as a location where thin walls are formed. Furthermore, when the voxel is located inside the 3D shape 90, the distance (value of the directed distance field) is positive; when the voxel is located outside the 3D shape 90, such as an empty voxel, the distance is negative.

[0138] For example, such as Figure 11 As shown in (a), when there are three-dimensional shapes 90 with voxels 91 adjacent to each other and the x-axis direction of the three-dimensional shapes 90 is specified, the distance from each voxel 91 to the edge of the three-dimensional shape 90 in the x-axis direction is calculated. Figure 11 In this case, the voxel 91 located in the middle of the adjacent voxels on the x-axis has the largest distance in the x-axis direction, so the voxel 91 located in the middle becomes the peak voxel 92.

[0139] If the wall thickness, which is set by multiplying the distance to peak voxel 92 by 2, is below a predefined threshold, the location of peak voxel 92 becomes the location where a thin wall is formed.

[0140] Regarding the method described above, all directions are specified, and peak voxels 92 and wall thicknesses are derived, thereby detecting thin walls in all directions for a three-dimensional shape 90. Furthermore, shallow grooves are detected by applying the above method to empty voxels 93.

[0141] Specifically, such as Figure 11 As shown in (b), for a specified direction, the distance from the empty voxel 93 to the nearest edge of the 3D shape 90 is calculated, and the empty voxel 93 with the smallest distance among adjacent empty voxels 93 in the specified direction is set as the peak voxel 94. The value obtained by multiplying the distance from the set peak voxel 94 to the edge of the 3D shape 90 by 2 is set as the slot width. If the set slot width is above a predetermined slot width threshold, it is detected as a shallow slot. Here, since the distance of the empty voxel is negative, the slot width threshold is set to a negative value.

[0142] In addition, the threshold values ​​for wall thickness and groove width can be preset or specified by the user.

[0143] Next, refer to Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 This section explains the detailed settings screen for the features of the detected 3D shape, including the settings screen for threshold values ​​and other detailed settings for the detected features. First, refer to... Figure 12 Explanation of setting screen 100. Figure 12is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen for setting a feature to be detected according to the present embodiment.

[0144] As shown in Figure 12 , the setting screen 100 includes a feature detection condition setting section 101, a feature detection section 102, and a feature registration section 103.

[0145] The feature detection condition setting section 101 displays icons associated with respective features in order to cause a user to select a feature to be detected from three-dimensional shape data. The information processing apparatus 10 acquires and sets a condition of a feature selected by the feature detection condition setting section 101. Further, the feature detection condition setting section 101 includes a detailed setting button 104, and displays a detailed setting screen described later when the detailed setting button 104 is pressed.

[0146] The feature detection section 102 includes a feature detection button 105, and displays a list of detected features as a result of detecting features satisfying a condition set by the feature detection condition setting section 101 from three-dimensional shape data when the feature detection button 105 is pressed. Note that the manner in which the feature detection section 102 according to the present embodiment displays a list of detected results is described. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the three-dimensional shape can be displayed on the display section 13, and a portion corresponding to a detected feature can be displayed in a different color on the displayed three-dimensional shape.

[0147] The feature registration section 103 includes a feature registration button 106, and stores a detected feature and a voxel corresponding to the detected feature in association with each other when the feature registration button 106 is pressed. Note that in the case where a detected feature and a voxel are stored in association with each other, the detected feature is stored as an attribute value. The attribute value can be a continuous value indicating a feature amount of a detected feature, or a discrete value indicating a degree of periodicity of a feature. Further, in the case where a portion related to a detected feature is displayed together with three-dimensional shape data, the portion can be displayed in a different color according to the attribute value.

[0148] Next, a detailed setting screen 110 will be described with reference to Figure 13 to Figure 13 . is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen for setting a detailed feature condition for detecting a feature according to the present embodiment.

[0149] As shown in Figure 13 , the detailed setting screen 110 includes a contraction difference detailed setting region 111, a concave detailed setting region 112, a wobble detailed setting region 113, and a setting button 121.

[0150] The shrinkage difference detailed setting region 111 includes a cross-sectional area change amount input region 114 in which a threshold value of a difference in cross-sectional area of the detection object is input, and a cross-sectional area threshold input region 115 in which a threshold value of the cross-sectional area of the detection object in the shrinkage difference is input.

[0151] The recess detailed setting region 112 includes a layering height input region 116 in which a threshold value of the layering height of the detection object is input, and a cross-sectional area threshold input region 117 in which a threshold value of the cross-sectional area in the recess of the detection object is input.

[0152] The sway detailed setting region 113 includes a layering height threshold input region 118 in which a threshold value of the height at the time of the sway of the detection object is input, a thickness threshold input region 119 in which a threshold value of the thickness in the specified direction is input, and a sway direction specification button 120 that specifies the direction in which the sway is detected.

[0153] When the setting button 121 is pressed, the detailed setting screen 110 sets and stores the input contents as the feature conditions in the shrinkage difference detailed setting region 111, the recess detailed setting region 112, and the sway detailed setting region 113.

[0154] In addition, the detailed setting screen 110 related to the present embodiment is described as a way in which the shrinkage difference, the recess, and the sway are set as the objects of the feature conditions that are set in detail. However, this is not limiting. The objects of the feature conditions that are set in detail can also be the excess overhang, the thin wall, and the shallow groove. In addition, in the case where the excess overhang is the set object, a threshold value of the cross-sectional area can be set, in the case where the thin wall is the set object, a threshold value of the wall thickness can be set, and in the case where the shallow groove is the set object, a threshold value of the groove width can be set.

[0155] Next, the information processing program related to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 14 The function of the information processing program related to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the information processing related to the present embodiment. The CPU 11A reads and executes the information processing program from the ROM 11B or the nonvolatile memory 11D, thereby executing the information processing illustrated in Figure 14 For example, in the case where the execution instruction of the information processing program is input by the user, the information processing illustrated in Figure 14 is executed.

[0156] In step S101, the CPU 11A acquires the three-dimensional shape data.

[0157] In step S102, the CPU 11A displays the setting screen.

[0158] In step S103, the CPU 11A performs a determination as to whether or not the button is pressed in the setting screen. In the case where the button is pressed (step S103: YES), the CPU 11A shifts to step S104. On the other hand, in the case where the button is not pressed (step S103: NO), the CPU 11A stands by until the button is pressed.

[0159] In step S104, the CPU 11A performs a determination as to whether or not the detailed setting button is pressed in the setting screen. In the case where the detailed setting button is pressed (step S104: YES), the CPU 11A shifts to step S105. On the other hand, in the case where the detailed setting button is not pressed (step S104: NO), the CPU 11A shifts to step S109.

[0160] In step S105, the CPU 11A displays the detailed setting screen.

[0161] In step S106, the CPU 11A performs a determination as to whether or not the setting button is pressed through the detailed setting screen. In the case where the setting button is pressed (step S106: YES), the CPU 11A shifts to step S107. On the other hand, in the case where the setting button is not pressed (step S106: NO), the CPU 11A stands by until the setting button is pressed.

[0162] In step S107, the CPU 11A sets and stores a feature condition input by the user in the detailed setting screen.

[0163] In step S108, the CPU 11A displays the setting screen.

[0164] In step S109, the CPU 11A performs a determination as to whether or not the feature detection button is pressed in the setting screen. In the case where the feature detection button is pressed (step S109: YES), the CPU 11A shifts to step S110. On the other hand, in the case where the feature detection button is not pressed (step S109: NO), the CPU 11A shifts to step S113.

[0165] In step S110, the CPU 11A acquires a feature condition.

[0166] In step S111, the CPU 11A detects a feature of a shape satisfying the feature condition from the three-dimensional shape data.

[0167] In step S112, the CPU 11A displays the detected result in the detection list.

[0168] In step S113, the CPU 11A performs a determination as to whether or not the registration button is pressed in the setting screen. In the case where the registration button is pressed (step S113: YES), the CPU 11A shifts to step S114. On the other hand, in the case where the registration button is not pressed (step S113: NO), the CPU 11A shifts to step S103.

[0169] In step S114, the CPU 11A registers and stores the information of the detected feature.

[0170] The present disclosure has been described above using each embodiment, but the present disclosure is not limited to the range described in each embodiment. Various changes or modifications can be made to each embodiment within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure, and a manner of making such changes or modifications is also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0171] For example, in the present embodiment, a case where the information processing apparatus 10 that detects a feature of a shape from three-dimensional shape data and the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200 that models a three-dimensional shape from three-dimensional shape data are in a separate structure is described. However, this is not limiting. It is also possible to provide a structure in which the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200 has the function of the information processing apparatus 10.

[0172] That is, it is also possible to cause the acquisition section 205 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200 to acquire voxel data, cause the control section 206 to perform the information processing of Figure 14 , and detect a feature of a three-dimensional shape from three-dimensional shape data.

[0173] In the present embodiment, the processor refers to a broad processor, and includes, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a dedicated processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a programmable logic device.

[0174] Furthermore, the actions of the processor in each of the above-described embodiments are not only performed by one processor, but can also be performed in cooperation with a plurality of processors existing at physically separate locations. Furthermore, the order of the actions of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above-described embodiments, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0175] Also, in the present embodiment, the information processing program for detecting features of a three-dimensional shape from three-dimensional shape data is installed in the storage section 15, but is not limited thereto. It can also be provided in a manner that the information processing program related to the present embodiment is recorded in a storage medium that is readable by a computer. For example, it can also be provided in a manner that the information processing program related to the present disclosure is recorded in an optical disk such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM. It can also be provided in a manner that the information processing program related to the present disclosure is recorded in a semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and a memory card. Also, the information processing program related to the present embodiment can also be acquired from an external device via a communication line connected to the communication section 14.

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising a processor, The processor acquires three-dimensional shape data as data representing the shape of a three-dimensional object. Pre-defined feature conditions that represent features related to the cross-section of the three-dimensional shape. Based on the three-dimensional shape data, features that satisfy the feature conditions are detected, and information related to the detected features in the three-dimensional shape data is output. The feature conditions also include information relating to the gaps in the cross-section of the three-dimensional shape that are surrounded by the three-dimensional shape.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The characteristic condition is a condition related to the cross-sectional area in the cross section of the three-dimensional shape.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The processor uses the feature conditions to detect the locations where shrinkage differences occur in the three-dimensional shape during the shaping process.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The feature condition also includes the height of the three-dimensional shape in the stacking direction.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The processor uses the aforementioned feature conditions to detect areas in the three-dimensional shape that are concave due to shrinkage during the shaping of the three-dimensional shape.

6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The feature condition also includes information relating to at least one of the transverse width direction, the longitudinal depth direction, and the width direction of the cross section containing the specified position of the cross section in the cross section of the three-dimensional shape.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The processor uses the aforementioned features to detect areas that wobble during the shaping of the three-dimensional shape.

8. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The characteristic condition also includes the shape difference in adjacent cross sections in the stacking direction of the three-dimensional shape.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The processor uses the feature conditions to detect the parts that need support due to the shape difference when modeling the three-dimensional shape.

10. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The processor uses the characteristic conditions to detect at least one of the following: a collection section where shaping material is retained during the shaping of the three-dimensional shape, and a hollow section where shaping material is retained inside the three-dimensional shape and the interior becomes a cavity.

11. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The feature conditions also include information related to the wall thickness of the three-dimensional shape.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The processor uses the aforementioned features to detect areas where thin walls are formed during the shaping of the three-dimensional shape.

13. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The feature conditions also include information related to the groove width of the three-dimensional shape.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The processor uses the feature conditions to detect the location where a shallow groove is generated when the three-dimensional shape is modeled.

15. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The three-dimensional shape data is data that uses multiple voxels to represent the three-dimensional shape.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The processor associates the voxel corresponding to the location where the feature was detected with the processor to record the detected feature.

17. A computer-readable medium storing a program that causes a computer to perform processing. The process includes: Obtain three-dimensional shape data as data representing the shape of a three-dimensional object; Pre-defined feature conditions that represent features related to the cross-section of the three-dimensional shape; as well as Based on the three-dimensional shape data, features that satisfy the feature conditions are detected, and information related to the detected features in the three-dimensional shape data is output. The feature conditions also include information relating to the gaps in the cross-section of the three-dimensional shape that are surrounded by the three-dimensional shape.

18. An information processing method that acquires three-dimensional shape data as data representing the shape of a three-dimensional object. Pre-defined feature conditions that represent features related to the cross-section of the three-dimensional shape. Based on the three-dimensional shape data, features that satisfy the feature conditions are detected, and information related to the detected features in the three-dimensional shape data is output. The feature conditions also include information relating to the gaps in the cross-section of the three-dimensional shape that are surrounded by the three-dimensional shape.

19. A program product comprising a program that causes a computer to perform processing, wherein, The process includes: Obtain three-dimensional shape data as data representing the shape of a three-dimensional object; Pre-defined feature conditions as conditions representing features related to the cross-section of the said three-dimensional shape; and Based on the three-dimensional shape data, features that satisfy the feature conditions are detected, and information related to the detected features in the three-dimensional shape data is output. The feature conditions also include information relating to the gaps in the cross-section of the three-dimensional shape that are surrounded by the three-dimensional shape.

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