A file management method for 3D printers and related equipment

Abstract

This application provides a file management method and related equipment for a 3D printer. The method includes: sending a first data request to the 3D printer, the first data request instructing the 3D printer to select at least one first sub-file associated with the first data request from the model files of the 3D model for transmission; receiving the first sub-file sent by the 3D printer; and displaying first model information of the 3D model based on the first sub-file. Implementing this application allows access to some sub-files in the 3D printer and the display of model information of the 3D model based on the content of the partial sub-files.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a file management method for a 3D printer and related equipment. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printing is a technology that uses digital model (3D design file) files as a basis and employs powdered metal or plastic and other bondable materials to construct objects layer by layer using a 3D printer. Managing the files stored in the 3D printer is essential in 3D printing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a file management method for a 3D printer and related equipment, which can access some sub-files in the 3D printer and display the model information of the three-dimensional model based on the file content of the sub-files.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application disclose a file management method for a 3D printer, wherein the 3D printer has model files of three-dimensional models, and the file management method includes:

[0005] Send a first data request to the 3D printer, the first data request being used to instruct the 3D printer to select at least one first sub-file associated with the first data request from the model file of the three-dimensional model for sending;

[0006] The system receives the first sub-file sent by the 3D printer and displays the first model information of the three-dimensional model based on the first sub-file.

[0007] In this embodiment, the terminal device can obtain files from the 3D printer by sending a data request to the 3D printer, thereby accessing the files stored locally on the 3D printer. Furthermore, the terminal device and the 3D printer transmit only a portion of the sub-files instead of the entire model file. This portion of the sub-files can satisfy the initial display of the 3D model information, reducing the amount of data transmitted between the terminal device and the 3D printer, saving transmission time, improving transmission efficiency, and enhancing the flexibility of 3D printer file management. Further, the terminal device can also display model information based on the content of the sub-files, allowing users to intuitively understand the 3D model through the displayed model information. This effectively assists users in understanding relevant information about the 3D model, enabling them to make appropriate printing decisions, and improving the accuracy and quality of 3D printing.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in a first possible implementation, the first model information of the 3D model includes a model thumbnail; the method further includes:

[0009] In response to the user's selection of the model thumbnail, a second data request is sent to the 3D printer. The second data request is used to instruct the 3D printer to select at least one second sub-file associated with the second data request from the model file of the three-dimensional model for sending.

[0010] The system receives the second sub-file sent by the 3D printer and displays the second model information of the three-dimensional model based on the first sub-file and the second sub-file.

[0011] By implementing the embodiments of this application, when the terminal device displays at least one model thumbnail based on at least one sub-file, the user can select the corresponding model thumbnail according to actual needs, so that the terminal device requests the corresponding file from the 3D printer, realizing on-demand file acquisition, further reducing the amount of file transmission and transmission time, and improving file processing efficiency.

[0012] In conjunction with the first possible implementation of the first aspect, in the second possible implementation, the graphical user interface for displaying the first model information or the second model information of the three-dimensional model is provided with a print function control;

[0013] The file management method also includes:

[0014] In response to user input on the print function control, a print request is sent to the 3D printer to instruct the 3D printer to print the three-dimensional model.

[0015] By implementing the embodiments of this application, the terminal device provides printing function controls in the graphical user interface that displays the first or second model information of the 3D model, enabling users with different levels of understanding of 3D models to print the 3D model according to their own needs through the corresponding printing function controls, thereby improving the convenience of model printing.

[0016] In a third possible implementation, combining the first possible implementation of the first aspect or the second possible implementation of the first aspect, the three-dimensional model includes multi-disc parts, or the three-dimensional model is a multi-disc sub-model; the graphical user interface displaying the second model information of the three-dimensional model has a switching function control, and the file management method further includes:

[0017] In response to user input on the switching function control, the display of parts of different disks or sub-models of different disks is switched;

[0018] In response to user input of the corresponding print function control when the target disk is displayed, a print request is sent to the 3D printer to instruct the 3D printer to print the part or sub-model in the target disk.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in a fourth possible implementation, sending the first data request to the 3D printer includes:

[0020] In response to a user's request to browse the first model information of the three-dimensional model, a first data request is sent to the 3D printer.

[0021] By implementing the embodiments of this application, the terminal device can send data requests to the 3D printer to request corresponding files according to the user's browsing needs, thereby realizing communication between the terminal and the 3D printer and improving the convenience of 3D printer file management.

[0022] In a fifth possible implementation, combining any of the first and second possible implementations of the first aspect, the first sub-file is a file with a known file name; the second sub-file is obtained by the 3D printer based on at least one of the file content of the first sub-file and the file content of the third sub-file; wherein, the third sub-file is a sub-file with a known file name other than the at least first sub-file in the model file of the three-dimensional model.

[0023] By implementing the embodiments of this application, sub-files are classified, enabling terminal devices to request different types of sub-files based on different needs. On the one hand, this reduces the amount of data in a single data request, saves transmission time, and improves transmission efficiency. On the other hand, it enables on-demand file requests, improving the accuracy of file requests and the convenience of file management.

[0024] Secondly, this application discloses a 3D printer, which has a model file of a three-dimensional model and is connected to at least one terminal device.

[0025] The 3D printer is used for:

[0026] Receive the first data request sent by the terminal device;

[0027] Based on the first data request, at least one first sub-file associated with the first data request is selected from the model file of the 3D model and sent to the terminal device, so as to instruct the terminal device to display the first model information of the 3D model based on the first sub-file.

[0028] In conjunction with the second aspect, in the first possible implementation, the first model information of the 3D model includes a model thumbnail; wherein, the 3D printer is further used for:

[0029] Receive a second data request sent by the terminal device; the second data request is sent by the terminal device in response to the user's selection operation of the model thumbnail;

[0030] Based on the second data request, at least one second sub-file associated with the second data request is selected from the model file of the 3D model and sent to the terminal device, so as to instruct the terminal device to display the second model information of the 3D model based on the first sub-file and the second sub-file.

[0031] In conjunction with the first possible implementation of the second aspect, in the second possible implementation, the 3D printer is further used for:

[0032] Receive a print request sent by the terminal device;

[0033] The 3D model is printed based on the print request.

[0034] In conjunction with the second possible implementation of the second aspect, in the third possible implementation, the three-dimensional model includes parts of multiple disks, or the three-dimensional model is a sub-model of multiple disks;

[0035] The 3D printer is also used for:

[0036] Receive a print request sent by the terminal device;

[0037] Print the parts or sub-models in the target disk based on the print request.

[0038] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also disclose a terminal device, including a transceiver, a processor, and a memory, wherein,

[0039] The transceiver is used to communicate with the 3D printer;

[0040] The memory is used to store computer programs;

[0041] The processor is configured to execute a program stored in the memory to implement the file management method described in conjunction with the first aspect or any of the possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0042] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also disclose a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, wherein computer program instructions are stored thereon, and when the computer program instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the file management method described in conjunction with the first aspect or any of the possible implementations of the first aspect described above.

[0043] Fifthly, embodiments of this application also disclose a computer program product, the computer program product comprising a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the file management method described in conjunction with the first aspect or any of the possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0044] It should be understood that the implementations and beneficial effects of the above-mentioned aspects of this application can be referenced from each other. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the steps of the file management method for a 3D printer provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a graphical user interface provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the model information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 4 This is yet another schematic diagram showing the model information provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 5 This is yet another schematic diagram showing the model information provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a scene of the 3D printing system provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0052] As an example, 3D printing technologies require file management for 3D printers. However, these technologies have several limitations. For instance, the 3D printer and the terminal device need to be on the same local area network, which restricts the communication between them. Users cannot manage the 3D printer at different times and locations. When the terminal device accesses the 3D printer's data, it can often only access the printer's file information, such as the file identifier and file type of the 3D model. In other words, the terminal device cannot display the file content or present the model parameters of the 3D model.

[0053] To facilitate understanding of this application, the technical features that may be involved in the technical solutions provided in this application will be described first:

[0054] The 3D printing process typically includes: 1) acquiring a 3D model; 2) slicing the 3D model using slicing software; and 3) sending the slicing results to the 3D printer, which then prints the 3D model based on the slicing results. Slicing software usually runs on a terminal device that communicates with the printer. This terminal device can be a computer such as a PC or mobile phone. Slicing software can also run on a 3D printer with a controllable screen.

[0055] Slicing software is software that generates control code (e.g., gcode) from a digital 3D model to control the processor of a 3D printer. This slicing software typically provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for user operation, such as importing files in STL, DAE, or OBJ formats to load the 3D model, setting printing parameters, and selecting or adjusting the model's position and orientation on the heated bed. The slicing software performs slicing operations on the loaded 3D model to generate slicing data (e.g., number of slices, height of each slice), and then generates control code for the printing path of each slice as the slicing result. This slicing result controls the movement of the 3D printer's print head along the printing path. The control code for each slice typically includes gcode. This slicing control code is downloaded to the 3D printer for execution by at least one processor. For this purpose, the 3D printer may also include at least one memory for storing programs and / or data.

[0056] Before performing the slicing operation, the slicing software can also perform some auxiliary printing operations, which may include, but are not limited to: determining the printing orientation of the 3D model, determining the placement of the 3D model, determining whether the 3D model needs support and where the support is located, determining the slice layer height, and determining the flushing amount when switching between different feed lines, etc. These auxiliary printing operations can be determined automatically by the slicing software, based on preset parameters, or specified by the 3D printing user through operating the slicing software. Generally, the process of slicing a 3D model using slicing software includes the following steps:

[0057] Step 1: Model Loading. The slicing software reads the model data from an external source and converts the 3D model into a combination of triangles represented by the data structure within the slicing software.

[0058] Step Two: Plating. In slicing software, plating refers to placing the 3D model in a specified position on the virtual printing platform with a defined orientation. Therefore, the orientation and placement of the 3D model need to be determined during plating. Plating can be done on a single 3D model or multiple 3D models. Multiple 3D models can include multiple parts or sub-models from a single 3D model. The 3D printer will then print the 3D model according to the layout determined during plating.

[0059] The process of printing 3D models sometimes requires splitting them into multiple batches. For example, when there are too many 3D models to print in one go, they can be divided into multiple batches for printing. This process is called split printing, which means that multiple 3D models are printed on multiple batches (or on separate batches), with models in the same batch belonging to the same batch. Here, "batch" refers to a virtual batch, the size of which corresponds to the printing plate in the 3D printer that holds the printing material extruded from the print head. This printing plate is placed on the printer's heated bed.

[0060] Step 3: Layering. Layering involves intersecting the 3D model with an XY plane at regular intervals, creating multiple stacked slices. The distance between layers is called the layer height. Essentially, layering is a process of transforming a 3D model into a series of 2D planes.

[0061] Step 4: Path Generation. In this step, the movement path of the print head in different components is planned. Independent paths can be generated for each component, and the printing order of each component can be determined.

[0062] Step 5: Gcode Generation. After generating the path, the print head's movement path needs to be translated into Gcode that can be executed by the 3D printer's processor. For example, the Gcode exists as a sub-file within the 3D model's model file.

[0063] Reference Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of a file management method for a 3D printer provided in an embodiment of this application, which may specifically include the following steps:

[0064] Step 101: The first terminal device sends a first data request to the 3D printer.

[0065] In some feasible implementations, the first terminal device can establish a communication connection with the 3D printer via a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. Through this P2P connection, a data path is established between various terminal devices within a local area network (e.g., the first and second terminal devices) or across local area networks (e.g., the first and second terminal devices) and the 3D printer. Upon successful authentication of any terminal device, that terminal device can access the 3D printer's files and control the 3D printer in real time through this data path anytime, anywhere.

[0066] Optionally, in some feasible implementations, the first terminal device sends a first data request to the 3D printer in response to a user's request to browse first model information of the 3D model. For example, Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a graphical user interface provided in this embodiment. When a user clicks the access control corresponding to the Secure Digital Memory Card (SD card), the first terminal device generates a browsing request for the first model information of the 3D model. At this time, the first terminal device can send a first data request to the 3D printer, which may be a data request to access various model files stored on the SD card. Since the SD card is located in the 3D printer, the first terminal device can access the files stored on the SD card in the 3D printer.

[0067] Step 102: The 3D printer receives a first data request sent by the first terminal device, and selects at least one first sub-file associated with the first data request from the model file of the 3D model based on the first data request.

[0068] Optionally, the model file of the 3D model can be stored on the SD card of the 3D printer. Alternatively, the model file of the 3D model can be stored on a second terminal device that has a communication connection with the 3D printer. In this case, when the 3D printer receives a first data request sent by the first terminal device, the 3D printer can obtain the model file of the 3D model from the second terminal device and store it on the SD card. Based on the model file obtained from the second terminal device, the printer selects and sends the corresponding file from the model file to the first terminal device according to the first data request. The first terminal device and the second terminal device can be independent terminal devices, of the same type, or of different types. For example, the first terminal device can be a mobile terminal, and the second terminal device can be a PC, or both the first terminal device and the second terminal device can be either mobile terminals or PCs. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0069] The model file for a 3D model includes the file generated based on the sliced ​​data after processing the model's printing parameters, the orientation of each part, and the arrangement of parts on the slicing software of a first or second terminal device. Specifically, the model file can be implemented as a 3MF format file, a compressed model package used in 3D printers. A 3MF file can include several sub-files, each corresponding to different model content. For example, sub-files representing model thumbnails, printing parameters, model views, model positions and orientations, and the location of gcode code, etc., are not limited in this application.

[0070] In this context, the first sub-file is a file with a known filename within the model files of the 3D model. The 3D printer can then acquire at least one first sub-file. In a specific implementation, the first sub-file can include a base file containing basic model information about the 3D model. This base file can be an entry file, which refers to the main file containing the source data and resources of the 3D model. The base file can store only the basic model information that presents the 3D model. For example, in one example, the base file can include a model cover image, model thumbnails, number of discs, basic information such as discs, and thumbnail file names; in another example, the base file can include the number of discs, basic disc information, and thumbnail file names. Setting the content of the first sub-file effectively reduces the amount of data transmitted between the first terminal device and the 3D printer, improving data transmission efficiency while reducing the system overhead for both the first terminal device and the 3D printer. Furthermore, the entry file can present the first model information of the 3D model, enabling further 3D printing or other 3D production tasks. In terms of file format, the first sub-file can be a file with a known filename. For example, the name of the first sub-file can be a fixed-name file defined by a file format standard; this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0071] Step 103: The 3D printer sends the first sub-file to the first terminal device.

[0072] Taking a 3MF file as an example, after obtaining the 3MF file, the 3D printer, since the 3MF file is a compressed package, can extract the corresponding sub-files from the compressed package according to the file format, that is, extract the first sub-file with a known file name. Specifically, the 3D printer can create a new compressed package and, through data translation, move the extracted first sub-file from the 3MF file to the newly created compressed package, and then send the new compressed package to the first terminal device. This embodiment of the application reduces the amount of data transmission by sending partial sub-files, saving time and efficiency, improving the flexibility of 3D printer file management, and, based on the data translation method, improves processing performance, further improving the efficiency of file transmission.

[0073] Step 104: The first terminal device displays the first model information of the three-dimensional model based on the first sub-file.

[0074] A 3D model file includes multiple first sub-files. When a first terminal device receives each of the first sub-files of a 3D model, it can display model information of the 3D model based on the content of each sub-file, such as identification information, model thumbnails, printing time, and material usage. For example, the first terminal device can display the first model information of a 3D model as follows: Figure 3 As shown.

[0075] Optionally, the first terminal device can also provide a printing function control for each 3D model (such as...). Figure 3 The "Print" function is located in model file A. The corresponding print function controls for other model files are located in... Figure 3 (Not shown in the image) When a user selects the print function control on the first terminal device, the first terminal device can send a print request to the 3D printer based on the user's selection, instructing the 3D printer to print the three-dimensional model included in the model file A.3mf.

[0076] In this embodiment, after receiving the first sub-file sent by the 3D printer, the first terminal device can display the first model information of the 3D model according to the content of the first sub-file. For example, the first sub-file may contain information about the model thumbnail of the 3D model, and the first terminal device can display the model thumbnail of the 3D model in the graphical user interface so that the user can intuitively perceive the model structure of the 3D model through the model thumbnail. Optionally, the 3D model may include parts in multiple disks, or the 3D model may be a sub-model in multiple disks, and the first sub-file may also include the number of disks and the basic information of each disk, such as the number of parts or sub-models in each disk.

[0077] In some feasible implementations, if the 3D model includes multiple disk sub-models, and these multiple disk sub-models have two or more identical sub-models, then the identical sub-models can share a single set of geometric data. In this case, the geometric data of the identical sub-models can be stored in the same first sub-file. For example, the geometric data includes information such as vertices, edges, and faces of the sub-models.

[0078] In one example, when the 3D model includes parts with multiple disks, the first terminal device can display the number of disks, basic information of each disk, and thumbnail file names after receiving multiple first sub-files. In another example, when the 3D model includes sub-models with multiple disks, the first terminal device can also display the model cover image, model thumbnails, number of disks, basic information of the disks, and thumbnail file names after receiving multiple first sub-files.

[0079] In another example, the first sub-file may include information such as the model thumbnail, printing time, and material usage, in addition to the information of the model thumbnail. The printing time is the duration required to print the 3D model, and the material usage can be the mass of material required to print the 3D model. Then, the first terminal device can display model information such as the 3D model thumbnail, printing time, and material usage in the graphical user interface.

[0080] It should be noted that, for the first sub-file, in order to reduce the amount of data transmitted, the amount of data it contains can be reduced as much as possible, based on the basic model information that can present the 3D model, and the information it contains is limited. At the same time, based on different scenario requirements, the content it contains can be appropriately adjusted. Users can adjust this according to their actual needs. This application does not limit the information contained in the first sub-file.

[0081] Furthermore, in some feasible implementations, the first terminal device, in response to a user's selection of a model thumbnail, sends a second data request to the 3D printer. This second data request instructs the 3D printer to select at least one second sub-file associated with the second data request from the model files of the 3D model for transmission. At this time, the first terminal device receives the second sub-file sent by the 3D printer and displays second model information of the 3D model based on the first and second sub-files, the second model information containing more detailed information than the first model information.

[0082] Optionally, the first model information may include parameters such as a thumbnail of the 3D model, printing time, and material usage. The second model information may include printing time, material usage, printing material, and a thumbnail of the 3D model. The first terminal device and the 3D printer can transfer files on demand, meaning files can be transferred according to user needs, greatly improving the flexibility of 3D printer file management. Furthermore, each file transfer only transmits the files required by the user, reducing the amount of files transferred and improving file processing efficiency.

[0083] The second sub-file includes a details file presenting detailed parameter information of the 3D model. This second sub-file can be obtained by the 3D printer based on at least one of the contents of the first sub-file and the third sub-file. Specifically, when the first terminal device sends a second data request to the 3D printer, the 3D printer can parse the contents of the sub-file with a known filename to extract the file identifier of the second sub-file. This sub-file with a known filename can be the first sub-file or a sub-file with a known filename other than the first sub-file (i.e., the third sub-file). For example, assuming the filename of the first sub-file is A, and file A is associated with the first data request; then, when the 3D printer receives the first data request, it can obtain file A; and when it receives the second data request, it can obtain the filename of the second sub-file associated with the second data request based on the contents of file A, and then send the second sub-file to the first terminal device according to the filename of the second sub-file.

[0084] Furthermore, the first terminal device can also send the Nth data request, where N is greater than 2. Then, each time the 3D printer receives a data request from the first terminal device, it can send the analysis results obtained from the previous data request sent by the first terminal device. That is, the multiple sub-files sent by the 3D printer to the first terminal device under multiple data requests can form a corresponding "relationship chain."

[0085] Optionally, the transfer method for the second sub-file can refer to the transfer process of the first sub-file. Both are based on file translation to transfer files, which will not be elaborated here.

[0086] Furthermore, in this application embodiment, a 3mf file is used as an example for illustrative purposes. It can be understood that when the first terminal device requests a file of other file formats, the technical effects of this application embodiment can also be achieved based on the same technical concept, and this application does not limit this.

[0087] For example, the second model information of the 3D model displayed by the first terminal device can be as follows: Figure 4As shown, the first terminal device can display the second model information of the 3D model in the form of a floating window, such as model thumbnail, printing time, material consumption, material type, material feeding trough, etc.

[0088] Furthermore, when the first terminal device displays the second model information, it can also provide a display switching function control for a 3D model containing multiple disk parts or multiple disk models, allowing for disk switching. Specifically, the displayed second model information is the model information of a 3D model, specifically including model information corresponding to multiple disk parts or multiple disk models. When the user inputs an operation on the switching function control, the first terminal device switches the display between different disk parts or different disk sub-models.

[0089] Furthermore, in the display interfaces of different disks, the first terminal device has a corresponding print function control for each disk. When the user inputs information at the print function control for any disk in the display interfaces, that disk becomes the target disk. The first terminal device sends a print request to the 3D printer, instructing the 3D printer to print the part or sub-model in the target disk.

[0090] Optionally, the first terminal device can also directly display the second model information by switching pages; that is, the second model information of the 3D model displayed by the first terminal device can be as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the second model information directly overwrites the display of the first model information.

[0091] In this embodiment, the 3D printer contains a model file of a three-dimensional model. After establishing a communication connection between the first terminal device and the 3D printer, the first terminal device can send a first data request to the 3D printer, instructing the 3D printer to select at least one first sub-file associated with the first data request from the model file of the three-dimensional model for transmission. After receiving the first sub-file, the first terminal device can display the first model information of the three-dimensional model based on the first sub-file. This achieves the management of the 3D printer by the first terminal device. Furthermore, by sending only some sub-files, the amount of data transmission can be reduced, saving time and efficiency, and improving the flexibility of 3D printer file management. On the other hand, the first terminal device can display the model information based on the requested file, intuitively presenting the model information of the three-dimensional model. Moreover, the user can intuitively understand the three-dimensional model through the presented model information, effectively assisting the user in understanding the relevant information of the three-dimensional model, so that the user can make corresponding printing decisions, improving the accuracy and quality of 3D printing.

[0092] In some feasible implementations, refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of a scenario for the 3D printing system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 As shown, the 3D printing system 60 includes a 3D printer 601 and at least one terminal device (e.g., terminal device 602 or terminal device 603). The 3D printer 601 has a communication connection with each terminal device. Specifically, the 3D printer 601 and terminal device 602 or terminal device 603 can establish a communication connection via a local area network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, P2P, etc. Alternatively, the 3D printer 601 and terminal device 602 or terminal device 603 can establish communication via a cloud server (not shown in the figure).

[0093] For example, terminal device 602 or terminal device 603 can be specifically implemented as a desktop computer, tablet computer, laptop computer, handheld computer, vehicle terminal device, mobile phone, etc.

[0094] In this embodiment, the 3D printer 601, terminal device 602, or terminal device 603 can perform the combined functions described above. Figures 1 to 5 The described embodiments.

[0095] Optionally, terminal device 602 can be a second terminal device, and terminal device 603 can be a first terminal device. Alternatively, terminal device 602 can be a first terminal device, and terminal device 603 can be a second terminal device.

[0096] This application also provides a terminal device, including a transceiver, a processor, and a memory, wherein the transceiver can establish communication with a 3D printer; the memory stores computer programs; and the processor can execute the functions described above. Figures 1 to 5 The described embodiments.

[0097] The processor can be a microcontroller unit (MCU), a central processing unit (CPU), other general-purpose processors, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc.

[0098] This application also provides a computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the actions described above. Figures 1 to 5 The described embodiments.

[0099] This application also provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, wherein the computer program instructions are stored thereon, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the processor performs the actions described above. Figures 1 to 5 The described embodiments.

[0100] The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions includes, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0101] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," and other relational terms mentioned above are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and should not be construed as requiring or implying any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0102] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A file management method for a 3D printer, characterized in that, The 3D printer contains model files of three-dimensional models, and the file management method includes: A first data request is sent to the 3D printer, the first data request being used to instruct the 3D printer to select at least one first sub-file associated with the first data request from the model file of the 3D model for sending; the first data request is sent from the terminal device to the 3D printer; the first sub-file includes a base file that presents the basic model information of the 3D model, the base file including at least the number of disks, basic disk information, and thumbnail file name; The system receives the first sub-file sent by the 3D printer and displays the first model information of the three-dimensional model based on the first sub-file; the first model information of the three-dimensional model includes at least a model thumbnail, printing time, and material usage. In response to the user's selection of the model thumbnail, a second data request is sent to the 3D printer. The second data request instructs the 3D printer to select at least one second sub-file associated with the second data request from the model files of the 3D model for transmission. The second sub-file includes a details file that presents detailed parameter information of the 3D model. The system receives the second sub-file sent by the 3D printer and displays the second model information of the three-dimensional model based on the first sub-file and the second sub-file.

2. The file management method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The graphical user interface that displays the first or second model information of the 3D model has a print function control; The file management method also includes: In response to user input on the print function control, a print request is sent to the 3D printer to instruct the 3D printer to print the three-dimensional model.

3. The file management method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The three-dimensional model includes parts of multiple disks, or the three-dimensional model is a sub-model of multiple disks; The graphical user interface for displaying the second model information of the 3D model is equipped with a switching function control, and the file management method further includes: In response to user input on the switching function control, the display of parts of different disks or sub-models of different disks is switched; In response to user input on the print function control corresponding to the target disk, a print request is sent to the 3D printer to instruct the 3D printer to print the part or sub-model in the target disk.

4. The file management method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Sending the first data request to the 3D printer includes: In response to a user's request to browse the first model information of the three-dimensional model, a first data request is sent to the 3D printer.

5. The document management method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first sub-file is a file with a known filename; The second sub-file is obtained by the 3D printer based on at least one of the file contents of the first sub-file and the file contents of the third sub-file; wherein, the third sub-file is a sub-file with a known file name other than at least the first sub-file in the model file of the three-dimensional model.

6. A 3D printer, characterized in that, The 3D printer contains a model file of a three-dimensional model, and the 3D printer has a communication connection with at least one terminal device. The 3D printer is used for: Receive the first data request sent by the terminal device; Based on the first data request, at least one first sub-file associated with the first data request is selected from the model file of the 3D model and sent to the terminal device to instruct the terminal device to display the first model information of the 3D model based on the first sub-file; the first sub-file includes a base file that presents the basic model information of the 3D model, the base file including at least the number of disks, basic disk information, and thumbnail file name; the first model information of the 3D model includes at least the model thumbnail, printing time, and material usage; Receive a second data request sent by the terminal device; the second data request is sent by the terminal device in response to the user's selection operation of the model thumbnail; Based on the second data request, at least one second sub-file associated with the second data request is selected from the model file of the 3D model and sent to the terminal device to instruct the terminal device to display the second model information of the 3D model based on the first sub-file and the second sub-file; the second sub-file includes a details file that presents detailed parameter information of the 3D model.

7. The 3D printer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The 3D printer is also used for: Receive a print request sent by the terminal device; The 3D model is printed based on the print request.

8. A terminal device, characterized in that, Includes transceiver, processor, and memory, among which, The transceiver is used to communicate with the 3D printer; The memory is used to store computer programs; The processor is configured to execute a program stored in the memory to implement the file management method as described in any one of claims 1-5.

9. A 3D printing system, characterized in that, The 3D printing system includes a 3D printer and at least one terminal device, wherein the 3D printer and the at least one terminal device have a communication connection; wherein the at least one terminal device is used to execute the file management method as described in any one of claims 1-5.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, wherein computer program instructions are stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program instructions are executed by the processor, they implement the file management method as described in any one of claims 1-5.

11. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the file management method as described in any one of claims 1-5.

Images