Information processing apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides an information processing device capable of suppressing the provision of a support at an unnecessary portion when three-dimensionally modeling. The information processing device includes a first processing section that generates a support structure for supporting a modeled object modeled by a three-dimensional modeling device in accordance with a predetermined condition; a display control section that displays the shape of the modeled object and the shape of the support structure generated by the first processing section on a screen; a reception section that receives removal information for instructing a region to be removed in the support structure generated by the first processing section; and a second processing section that generates support data for modeling the support structure by the three-dimensional modeling device in accordance with the support structure generated by the first processing section and the removal information received by the reception section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to information processing devices. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a technology that automatically sets the support of a 3D-printed object in the optimal position.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-47623

[0004] The above technology can automatically set the forming position of the support, which is very convenient. However, on the other hand, when the support is placed in an unwanted location, the forming accuracy may be reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an information processing apparatus is provided. This information processing apparatus includes: a first processing unit that generates a support structure for supporting an object shaped by a three-dimensional modeling device according to preset conditions; a display control unit that displays the shape of the object and the shape of the support structure generated by the first processing unit on a screen; a receiving unit that receives removal information indicating a region to be removed from the support structure generated by the first processing unit; and a second processing unit that generates support data for modeling the support structure using the three-dimensional modeling device based on the support structure generated by the first processing unit and the removal information received by the receiving unit. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram showing a simplified structure of a three-dimensional modeling system.

[0007] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing a simplified structure of a flat screw.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a simplified top view of the bucket.

[0009] Figure 4 It is an explanatory diagram that schematically shows the state of shaping an object.

[0010] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing a simplified structure of an information processing device.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the model data generation and processing.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a shape and its supporting structure.

[0013] Figure 8This is a diagram showing an example of removing information from a display.

[0014] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the modeling data generated by the second processing unit.

[0015] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of the modeling data generation process in the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of additional information being displayed.

[0017] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing an example of the modeling data generated by the second processing unit.

[0018] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a support structure when the removed and added information overlap.

[0019] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing an example of the updated support structure.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0021] 10…3D modeling system, 20…material supply section, 22…connecting path, 30…plasticizing section, 31…screw box, 32…drive motor, 40…flat screw, 42…groove section, 43…protruding section, 44…material inlet, 46…central section, 47…upper surface, 48…lower surface, 50…bucket, 52…upper surface, 54…guide groove, 56…connecting hole, 58…bucket heater, 60…ejection section, 61…nozzle, 62…nozzle opening, 65…flow path, 70…ejection adjustment section, 74…first drive section, 75…suction section, 76…second drive section, 77…ejection control section 100…3D modeling device, 110…modeling unit, 210…stage, 211…modeling surface, 212…stage heater, 230…moving mechanism, 300…control unit, 310…processor, 320…storage device, 400…information processing device, 410…CPU, 411…first processing unit, 412…display control unit, 413…receiving unit, 414…second processing unit, 420…memory, 430…storage device, 440…communication interface, 450…input / output interface, 460…bus, 470…input device, 480…display device. Detailed Implementation

[0022] A. First implementation method:

[0023] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram showing a simplified structure of the three-dimensional modeling system 10 in the first embodiment. Figure 1The diagram shows arrows indicating mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions. The X and Y directions are parallel to the horizontal plane, and the Z direction is vertically upward. The arrows indicating the X, Y, and Z directions are also shown in the illustrated directions in other figures. Figure 1 The corresponding methods are illustrated appropriately. In the following description, when the direction is determined, the direction indicated by the arrow in each figure is marked as "+", and the opposite direction is marked as "-", and the direction is expressed using positive and negative signs. In the following text, the +Z direction is also referred to as "up" and the -Z direction as "down".

[0024] The three-dimensional modeling system 10 includes a three-dimensional modeling device 100 and an information processing device 400. The three-dimensional modeling device 100 of this embodiment is a device for modeling objects by material extrusion. The three-dimensional modeling device 100 includes a control unit 300 for controlling each part of the three-dimensional modeling device 100. The control unit 300 and the information processing device 400 are communicatively connected to each other.

[0025] The three-dimensional modeling device 100 includes a modeling section 110 that generates and sprays modeling material, a modeling platform 210 that serves as the base for the modeled object, and a moving mechanism 230 that controls the spraying position of the modeling material.

[0026] Under the control of the control unit 300, the shaping unit 110 sprays shaping material, which is plasticized from solid material, onto the stage 210. The shaping unit 110 includes a material supply unit 20, which serves as a supply source for raw materials before they are transformed into shaping material; a plasticizing unit 30, which transforms raw materials into shaping material; and an ejection unit 60, which sprays out the shaping material.

[0027] The material supply unit 20 supplies raw material MR to the plasticizing unit 30. The material supply unit 20 is, for example, composed of a hopper for storing the raw material MR. The material supply unit 20 is connected to the plasticizing unit 30 via a connecting path 22. The raw material MR is fed into the material supply unit 20 in the form of pellets or powder. In this embodiment, pellet-shaped ABS resin material is used.

[0028] The plasticizing section 30 generates a paste-like molding material that plasticizes the raw material MR supplied by the material supply section 20, giving it fluidity, and guides it toward the ejection section 60. In this embodiment, "plasticizing" includes the concept of melting, referring to a change from a solid to a fluid state. Specifically, in the case of a material that undergoes glass transition, plasticizing means setting the material temperature above the glass transition point. In the case of a material that does not undergo glass transition, plasticizing means setting the material temperature above the melting point.

[0029] The plasticizing section 30 includes a screw housing 31, a drive motor 32, a flat screw 40, and a barrel 50. The flat screw 40 is also referred to as a rotor or roller. The barrel 50 is also referred to as the screw face section.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the simplified structure of the lower surface 48 side of the flat screw 40. Figure 2 The flat screw 40 shown is represented in a reversed state in the vertical direction for ease of understanding. Figure 1 The positional relationship between the upper surface 47 and the lower surface 48 is shown. Figure 3 This is a simplified top view showing the upper surface 52 side of the barrel 50. The flat screw 40 is generally cylindrical, and its length along its central axis (i.e., the axial direction) is less than its length in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The flat screw 40 is configured such that the rotation axis RX, which is its center of rotation, is parallel to the Z direction.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the flat screw 40 is housed within the screw housing 31. The upper surface 47 of the flat screw 40 is connected to the drive motor 32, and the flat screw 40 rotates within the screw housing 31 by the rotational driving force generated by the drive motor 32. The drive motor 32 is driven under the control of the control unit 300. Alternatively, the flat screw 40 can also be driven by the drive motor 32 via a speed reducer.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, a spiral-shaped groove 42 is formed on the lower surface 48 of the flat screw 40, which intersects with the rotation axis RX. The communication path 22 of the aforementioned material supply section 20 communicates with this groove 42 from the side of the flat screw 40. In this embodiment, the groove 42 is divided into three sections by protrusions 43. Furthermore, the number of grooves 42 is not limited to three; it can be one, or even two or more. The groove 42 is not limited to a spiral shape; it can also be a spiral or an inwardly curved shape, or it can be a shape that extends in an arc from the center outwards.

[0033] The lower surface 48 of the flat screw 40 faces the upper surface 52 of the barrel 50, and a space is formed between the groove 42 of the lower surface 48 of the flat screw 40 and the upper surface 52 of the barrel 50. Material is supplied from the material supply section 20 through this space between the flat screw 40 and the barrel 50. Figure 2 The material inlet 44 shown is supplied with raw material MR.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, a barrel heater 58 is embedded in the barrel 50 for heating the raw material MR supplied to the groove 42 of the rotating flat screw 40. A connecting hole 56 is provided in the center of the barrel 50. Figure 3As shown, a plurality of guide grooves 54 are formed on the upper surface 52 of the barrel 50, which are connected to the connecting hole 56 and extend outward in a spiral shape from the connecting hole 56. Alternatively, one end of the guide groove 54 may not be connected to the connecting hole 56. Alternatively, the guide groove 54 may be omitted.

[0035] The raw material MR supplied to the groove 42 of the flat screw 40 is plasticized within the groove 42 and flows along the groove 42 due to the rotation of the flat screw 40, and is guided towards the central portion 46 of the flat screw 40 as a molding material. The fluid, paste-like molding material flowing into the central portion 46 is supplied to the ejector portion 60 through a connecting hole 56 provided in the center of the barrel 50. Furthermore, in the molding material, all kinds of substances constituting the molding material may not be melted. The molding material only needs to be transformed into a fluid state as a whole by melting at least some of the substances constituting the molding material.

[0036] Figure 1 The ejection section 60 includes a nozzle 61 for ejecting molding material, a flow path 65 for molding material disposed between the flat screw 40 and the nozzle opening 62, and an ejection control section 77 for controlling the ejection of molding material.

[0037] Nozzle 61 is connected to the communication hole 56 of barrel 50 through flow path 65. Nozzle 61 sprays the molding material generated in plasticizing section 30 from the nozzle opening 62 at the front end toward stage 210.

[0038] The ejection control unit 77 includes an ejection adjustment unit 70 for opening and closing the flow path 65 and an attraction unit 75 for attracting and temporarily storing the shaping material.

[0039] An ejection adjustment unit 70 is disposed within the flow path 65, and the opening degree of the flow path 65 is changed by rotating within the flow path 65. In this embodiment, the ejection adjustment unit 70 is constituted by a butterfly valve. The ejection adjustment unit 70 is driven by a first drive unit 74 under the control of the control unit 300. The first drive unit 74 is, for example, constituted by a stepper motor. By controlling the rotation angle of the butterfly valve using the first drive unit 74, the control unit 300 can adjust the flow rate of the molding material flowing from the plasticizing section 30 through the nozzle 61, that is, the amount of molding material ejected from the nozzle 61. The ejection adjustment unit 70 can adjust the amount of molding material ejected and can control the start / stop of the flow of molding material.

[0040] The suction unit 75 is connected between the ejection adjustment unit 70 and the nozzle opening 62 in the flow path 65. The suction unit 75 temporarily attracts the molding material in the flow path 65 when the ejection of molding material from the nozzle 61 stops, suppressing the tailing phenomenon where the molding material droops as a line is drawn out from the nozzle opening 62. In this embodiment, the suction unit 75 is composed of a plunger. The suction unit 75 is driven by a second drive unit 76 under the control of the control unit 300. The second drive unit 76 is, for example, composed of a stepper motor or a rack and pinion mechanism that converts the rotational force of the stepper motor into the parallel motion of the plunger.

[0041] The stage 210 is positioned opposite the nozzle opening 62 of the nozzle 61. In the first embodiment, the shaping surface 211 of the stage 210 opposite the nozzle opening 62 of the nozzle 61 is configured to be parallel to the X and Y directions, i.e., the horizontal direction. A stage heater 212 is provided on the stage 210 to suppress the rapid cooling of the shaping material ejected onto the stage 210. The stage heater 212 is controlled by the control unit 300.

[0042] Under the control of the control unit 300, the moving mechanism 230 changes the relative position of the stage 210 and the nozzle 61. In this embodiment, the position of the nozzle 61 is fixed, and the moving mechanism 230 moves the stage 210. The moving mechanism 230 is composed of a three-axis positioner that moves the stage 210 along the X, Y, and Z axes by the driving force of three motors. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the movement of the nozzle 61 refers to the relative movement of the nozzle 61 and the ejection part 60 relative to the stage 210.

[0043] Alternatively, in other embodiments, instead of moving the stage 210 via the moving mechanism 230, a structure can be adopted where the stage 210 is fixed in position, and the moving mechanism 230 moves the nozzle 61 relative to the stage 210. Furthermore, a structure can be adopted where the moving mechanism 230 moves the stage 210 in the Z direction and the nozzle 61 in the X and Y directions, or vice versa. Even with these structures, the relative positional relationship between the nozzle 61 and the stage 210 can be changed.

[0044] The control unit 300 is a control device that controls the overall movement of the 3D modeling apparatus 100. The control unit 300 is composed of a computer having one or more processors 310, a storage device 320 including a main storage device and auxiliary storage devices, and an input / output interface for receiving and outputting signals to the outside. The processor 310 executes programs stored in the storage device 320, controlling the modeling unit 110 and the moving mechanism 230 according to modeling data acquired from the information processing device 400, to model the object on the stage 210. Alternatively, the control unit 300 can be implemented using a structure composed of circuits instead of a computer.

[0045] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the state of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 modeling an object. In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, as explained above, the solid raw material MR is plasticized to generate modeling material MM. While maintaining the distance between the modeling surface 211 of the stage 210 and the nozzle 61, the control unit 300 changes the position of the nozzle 61 relative to the stage 210 along the direction of the modeling surface 211 of the stage 210, and ejects the modeling material MM from the nozzle 61. The modeling material MM ejected from the nozzle 61 continuously accumulates along the moving direction of the nozzle 61.

[0046] The control unit 300 repeatedly moves the nozzle 61 to form a layer ML. After forming a layer ML, the control unit 300 moves the position of the nozzle 61 relative to the stage 210 in the Z direction. Furthermore, layers ML continue to be deposited on the layer ML that has been formed up to this point, thereby shaping the object.

[0047] Regarding the control unit 300, for example, when the nozzle 61 moves in the Z direction after completing one layer of ML, or when there are multiple independent shaping areas in each layer, the ejection of shaping material from the nozzle 61 may be temporarily interrupted. In this case, the flow path 65 is blocked by the ejection adjustment unit 70, stopping the ejection of shaping material MM from the nozzle opening 62, and the shaping material in the nozzle 61 is temporarily attracted by the suction unit 75. After changing the position of the nozzle 61, the control unit 300 discharges the shaping material in the suction unit 75 and opens the flow path 65 by the ejection adjustment unit 70, thereby restarting the accumulation of shaping material MM from the changed position of the nozzle 61.

[0048] Figure 5This is an explanatory diagram showing a simplified structure of the information processing device 400. The information processing device 400 is configured as a computer consisting of a CPU 410, a memory 420, a storage device 430, a communication interface 440, and an input / output interface 450 interconnected via a bus 460. Input devices 470, such as a keyboard and mouse, and display devices 480, such as a liquid crystal display, are connected to the input / output interface 450. The information processing device 400 is connected to the control unit 300 of the 3D modeling device 100 via the communication interface 440.

[0049] CPU 410 functions as a first processing unit 411, a display control unit 412, a receiving unit 413, and a second processing unit 414 by executing programs stored in storage device 430.

[0050] The first processing unit 411 generates a support structure for supporting the modeling object modeled by the three-dimensional modeling device 100 according to preset conditions.

[0051] The display control unit 412 displays the shape of the object and the shape of the support structure generated by the first processing unit 411 on the screen of the display device 480.

[0052] The receiving unit 413 receives removal information for instructing the removal of areas in the support structure generated by the first processing unit 411.

[0053] The second processing unit 414 generates support data for modeling the support structure using the three-dimensional modeling device 100, based on the support structure generated by the first processing unit 411 and the removal information received by the receiving unit 413.

[0054] The information processing device 400 sends modeling data, including body data for modeling the main body of the model and support data for modeling the support structure, to the control unit 300 of the three-dimensional modeling device 100. The control unit 300 controls the ejection unit 60 and the moving mechanism 230 according to the received modeling data to model the model and the support structure for supporting the model on the stage 210.

[0055] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the modeling data generation process performed by the information processing device 400.

[0056] In step S10, the first processing unit 411 of the information processing apparatus 400 acquires shape data representing the three-dimensional shape of the model from another computer, recording medium, or storage device 430. The shape data represents the shape of the three-dimensional model created using 3D CAD software or 3D CG software. For example, STL or AMF format data can be used as the shape data.

[0057] In step S20, the first processing unit 411 generates a support structure for supporting the shape represented by the shape data according to preset conditions. The conditions for generating the support structure are specified in advance by the system or the user. These conditions include, for example, conditions for generating the location of the support structure in the shape. For example, a protrusion or a bridging portion can be specified as the location for generating the support structure. A protrusion refers to a portion that extends out of the shape without support at the bottom. A bridging portion refers to a bridge-shaped portion that is supported at both ends. The first processing unit 411 automatically generates a support structure for supporting the shape according to the conditions indicated by the system or the user.

[0058] In step S30, the display control unit 412 displays a screen showing the shape of the model and the shape of the support structure generated by the first processing unit 411 on the display device 480.

[0059] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a geometric shape (MD) and its supporting structure (SC). In Figure 7 In the display, the shape of the model MD is shown, featuring a shape representing the letter "F" of the alphabet. In this embodiment, the display control unit 412 displays the support structure SC semi-transparently to distinguish it from other areas. Figure 7 In the diagram, the portion corresponding to the support structure SC is shaded. Figure 7 The diagram shows an example where, according to preset conditions, the support structure SC is automatically generated between the protrusion OB and the lowest surface LS corresponding to the shaping surface 211 of the stage 210. Figure 7 In the example shown, no support structure SC is generated in the gap portion GP between the two protrusions OB1 and OB2 contained in the shape MD.

[0060] exist Figure 6 In step S40, the receiving unit 413 receives removal information indicating a region to be removed from the support structure SC generated by the first processing unit 411. The receiving unit 413 receives regions removed via a mouse and keyboard connected to the information processing device 400. The receiving unit 413 may receive two or more removal requests, not just one. Figure 7 The area in the middle represents the support structure SC, which is semi-transparently displayed by the display control unit 412 to distinguish it from other areas. It is also the area where the support structure SC can be removed.

[0061] In step S50, the display control unit 412 displays a screen showing the removal information received in step S40 on the display device 480.

[0062] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of removing the information RI. For example... Figure 8As shown, the display control unit 412 displays the removal range represented by the removal information RI in a bar shape on the screen. Figure 8 In this design, the removal information RI is represented by a square column, but the display control unit 412 can also represent the removal information RI by a cylinder or other shapes with a fixed height. The user uses a mouse and keyboard to move the position of the removal information RI represented by the columnar shape, thereby allowing any area within the support structure SC to be designated as the removal information RI. Furthermore, for example, the user can drag the edges and vertices of the columnar shape with the mouse, thereby arbitrarily changing the size of the removal range represented by the removal information RI. For example, if the user uses a mouse or other means to move the columnar shape from outside the area of ​​the model MD into the area where the columnar shape can be configured, the display control unit 412 can also notify the user that the columnar shape can be configured at this position by changing the color of the columnar shape.

[0063] The display control unit 412 can also automatically adjust the height of the columnar shape according to the shape of the sculptor MD at the position where the columnar shape is configured. In this case, for example, when the display control unit 412 has a protrusion OB or bridging portion of the sculptor MD at the position where the columnar shape is to be configured, the height of the columnar shape is adjusted to the height from the bottom surface LS to the protrusion OB or bridging portion.

[0064] The display control unit 412 can distinguish between the support structure SC and the removal information RI generated by the first processing unit 411. In this embodiment, the display control unit 412 displays the support structure SC with higher transparency than the removal information RI, thereby distinguishing between them. For example, the display control unit 412 may display the removal information RI in an opaque color different from the model MD, and display the support structure SC in a transparent color. Alternatively, the display control unit 412 may display the support structure SC and the removal information RI in different colors or different patterns.

[0065] In Figure 6 In step S60, the second processing unit 414 generates modeling data. The modeling data includes body data for modeling the model MD and support data for modeling the support structure.

[0066] When generating the body data, the second processing unit 414 analyzes the shape data acquired in step S10 and cuts the shape of the model MD into multiple layers along the XY plane. Furthermore, the second processing unit 414 generates movement path information representing the movement path of the nozzle 61, so that while forming the outer shell of each layer, its internal area is filled with a preset fill rate and fill pattern. The movement path information includes data representing multiple linear movement paths. Each movement path contained in the movement path information includes ejection amount information representing the amount of modeling material ejected along that movement path. The second processing unit 414 generates movement path information and ejection amount information for all layers of the model MD, thereby generating body data. The body data is represented, for example, using G-code.

[0067] When generating support data, the second processing unit 414 cuts the support structure SC generated in step S20, after removing the portion corresponding to the removal information RI received in step S40, into multiple layers along the XY plane. Furthermore, the second processing unit 414 generates movement path information representing the movement path of the nozzle 61, so that the internal areas of each layer are filled with a preset fill rate and fill pattern while forming the outer shell of each layer. The movement path information includes data representing multiple linear movement paths. Each movement path contained in the movement path information includes ejection amount information representing the amount of molding material ejected along that movement path. The second processing unit 414 generates movement path information and ejection amount information for all layers of the support structure SC, thereby generating support data. The support data, like the body data, is represented, for example, using G-code.

[0068] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a display example of visualizing the modeling data generated by the second processing unit 414. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the modeling data includes body data BD for modeling the object and support data SD for modeling the support structure. In the support structure SC, the portion removed according to the removal information RI does not generate support data SD, but instead becomes a cut-out state.

[0069] The CPU 410 of the information processing device 400 sends the modeling data generated by the modeling data generation process described above to the control unit 300 of the three-dimensional modeling device 100. The control unit 300 controls the ejection unit 60 and the moving mechanism 230 according to the modeling data obtained from the information processing device 400, thereby modeling the model object MD and the supporting structure SC on the modeling surface 211 of the stage 210.

[0070] According to the information processing apparatus 400 of this embodiment described above, even if the support structure SC supporting the model MD is automatically generated according to preset conditions, and support structures SC are generated in areas that are not needed, the user can remove the support structures SC for those areas later. Therefore, it is possible to configure suitable support structures SC for the model MD, thereby improving the modeling accuracy of the model MD.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the removal information RI used to remove a portion of the support structure SC is displayed on the screen in a bar shape, so that the user can easily identify the removal information RI.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support structure SC generated by the first processing unit 411 and the removal information RI can be displayed separately, making it easy to identify the position of the removal information RI in the support structure SC. In particular, in this embodiment, the support structure SC generated by the first processing unit 411 is displayed with higher transparency than the removal information RI, making it even easier to identify the position of the removal information RI in the support structure SC.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the removable area of ​​the support structure SC can be displayed separately from other areas, making it easy for the user to specify the removal information RI.

[0074] B. Second implementation method:

[0075] In the first embodiment described above, the area specified by the removal information RI in the support structure SC generated by the first processing unit 411 is removed from the support structure SC. In contrast, in the second embodiment, not only can a portion of the support structure SC be removed using the removal information RI, but also newly added areas to the support structure SC generated by the first processing unit 411 can be processed, thereby expanding or even increasing the support structure SC.

[0076] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of the modeling data generation process performed by the information processing device 400 in the second embodiment. Figure 10 In China, for the sake of Figure 6 The steps in the modeling data generation process shown in the first embodiment are labeled with the same step numbers, even though they have the same processing content.

[0077] In step S10, the first processing unit 411 of the information processing device 400 acquires shape data representing the three-dimensional shape of the model MD.

[0078] In step S20, the first processing unit 411 generates a support structure SC for supporting the shape data representation of the object MD according to preset conditions.

[0079] In step S30, the display control unit 412 displays a screen showing the shape of the model MD and the shape of the support structure SC generated by the first processing unit 411 on the display device 480.

[0080] In step S40b, the receiving unit 413 receives the removal information RI and the additional information indicating a newly added area for the support structure SC generated by the first processing unit 411. The receiving unit 413 receives the additional information for the added area via a mouse and keyboard connected to the information processing device 400, just like the removal information RI. The receiving unit 413 may receive more than one additional information. Furthermore, the receiving unit 413 may receive not only the removal information RI and the additional information, but also only the additional information.

[0081] In step S50b, the display control unit 412 displays the removal information RI and the screen indicating the additional information received by the receiving unit 413 together on the display device 480.

[0082] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of AI adding supplementary information. In Figure 11 The diagram shows additional information AI for adding support structures SC to the gap portion GP of the model MD. (Example) Figure 11 As shown, the display control unit 412 displays the additional range represented by the additional information AI in a bar-shaped format on the screen. Figure 11 In this display, the additional information AI is shown in the shape of a square column, but the display control unit 412 can also represent the additional information AI in the shape of a cylinder or other shapes with a fixed height. The user can use the mouse and keyboard to move the position of the additional information AI represented in the column shape. Furthermore, the user can arbitrarily change the size of the additional range represented by the additional information AI by dragging the edges and vertices of the column shape with the mouse.

[0083] The display control unit 412 can also automatically adjust the height of the columnar shape according to the shape of the model MD at the position where the columnar shape is positioned. For example, if the display control unit 412 wants to position the columnar shape at the gap portion GP of the model MD, it makes the height of the columnar shape consistent with the length of the gap in the Z direction. Furthermore, when the display control unit 412 wants to position the columnar shape below the protrusion OB or bridging portion of the model MD, it adjusts the height of the columnar shape to the height from the lowest surface LS to the protrusion OB or bridging portion.

[0084] The display control unit 412 can distinguish between the support structure SC and the additional information AI generated by the first processing unit 411. In this embodiment, the display control unit 412 displays the support structure SC with a higher transparency than the additional information AI, thereby distinguishing between them. For example, the display control unit 412 displays the additional information AI in an opaque color different from the model MD, and displays the support structure SC in a transparent color. Alternatively, the display control unit 412 can also display the support structure SC and the additional information AI in different colors or different patterns.

[0085] The display control unit 412 can also display the area where additional information AI can be added to the support structure SC in a way that distinguishes it from other areas. For example, the display control unit 412 can display the gap portion GP in the model MD where the support structure SC is not generated in the first processing unit 411 by flashing. In this way, the user can easily specify the area where the support structure SC can be added. Furthermore, when it is allowed that the support structure SC extends outward relative to the model MD in the X or Y direction, the display control unit 412 can also display the largest area where the support structure SC can be generated in a way that distinguishes it from other areas.

[0086] In step S60, the second processing unit 414 generates modeling data including body data and support data. In this step S60, the second processing unit 414 generates support data for modeling a new support structure SC that embodies the removed information RI and the added information AI in the support structure SC generated by the first processing unit 411.

[0087] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing an example of the modeling data generated by the second processing unit 414. Figure 12 The example shown illustrates only the additional information AI for the support structure SC. By incorporating the additional information AI for the support structure SC, it is possible to appropriately add support structures SC to gaps, GPs, etc., in the model MD.

[0088] In this embodiment, when the second processing unit 414 generates modeling data in the above-mentioned step S60, if the area specified by the removal information RI and the area specified by the addition information AI at least partially overlap, it generates support data SD based on the information of the removal information RI and the information of the addition information AI that was subsequently received by the receiving unit 413 in step S40b.

[0089] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the support structure SC when the removed information RI and the added information AI coincide. Figure 13 The example shown is where the receiving unit 413 first receives the removal information RI and then receives the addition information AI. Figure 13The overlapping portion of the area specified by the removal information RI and the area specified by the supplementary information AI is represented by a mesh line. The overlapping portion represented by the mesh line is consistent with the area specified by the supplementary information AI.

[0090] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing an example of the updated support structure SC. The removed information RI and added information AI are displayed as follows: Figure 13 In the indicated state, when the user performs a pre-defined update operation, the display control unit 412 displays as follows: Figure 14 The updated support structure SC, showing the removal of information RI and the addition of information AI, is displayed on the screen. Figure 14 In the example shown, a new support structure SC is generated from the support structure SC that is removed using removal information RI, and a new support structure SC is generated using addition information AI. The second processing unit 414 generates support data SD based on the updated support structure SC, thereby enabling the generation of support data SD based on the information received by the receiving unit 413 from the removal information RI and the addition information AI.

[0091] According to the second embodiment described above, the support structure SC automatically generated by the first processing unit 411 can not only remove unnecessary parts, but also add support structures SC for necessary parts. Therefore, appropriate support structures SC can be configured for the model MD, thereby improving the modeling accuracy of the model MD.

[0092] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when the area specified by the removal information RI and the area specified by the addition information AI at least partially overlap, support data SD is generated based on the information of the party subsequently received by the receiving unit 413 in the removal information RI and the addition information AI, i.e., the information subsequently instructed by the user. Therefore, it is easy to make the shape of the support structure SC reflect the user's intention.

[0093] C. Other implementation methods:

[0094] (C1) The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 of the above embodiment includes one modeling section 110, but the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 may also include two modeling sections 110. In this case, one modeling section 110 sprays out modeling material for modeling the modeled object MD, and the other modeling section 110 sprays out support material for modeling the support structure SC. In this way, different materials can be used to model the modeled object MD and the support structure SC.

[0095] (C2) In the above embodiment, the display control unit 412 is not limited to the display device 480 connected to the information processing device 400, but can also display the model MD and support structure SC, remove information RI, and add information AI on other devices connected to the information processing device 400 via the network.

[0096] (C3) In the above embodiment, the shaping section 110 plasticizes the material using a flat screw 40. In contrast, the shaping section 110 may also plasticize the material by rotating a straight screw, for example. Furthermore, the shaping section 110 may also plasticize fibrous materials using a heater.

[0097] (C4) In the above embodiment, the material extrusion method of stacking plasticized materials was described as an example, but it can also be applied to various methods such as inkjet printing, DMD (Direct Metal Deposition), and adhesive jetting.

[0098] D. Other methods:

[0099] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various structures without departing from its spirit. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features described below can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the above problems or to achieve some or all of the above effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as an essential element in this specification, it can be appropriately removed.

[0100] (1) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing apparatus is provided. The information processing apparatus includes: a first processing unit that generates a support structure for supporting an object modeled by a three-dimensional modeling device according to preset conditions; a display control unit that displays the shape of the object and the shape of the support structure generated by the first processing unit on a screen; a receiving unit that receives removal information for indicating a region to be removed from the support structure generated by the first processing unit; and a second processing unit that generates support data for modeling the support structure by the three-dimensional modeling device based on the support structure generated by the first processing unit and the removal information received by the receiving unit.

[0101] In this way, appropriate support structures can be configured for the object, thus improving the accuracy of the object's shape.

[0102] (2) Alternatively, in the above-described manner, the display control unit may display the removal information in a bar-shaped format on the screen. If this is the case, the removal information is easier to identify.

[0103] (3) In the above-described manner, the display control unit may also be able to distinguish between the support structure and the removal information generated by the first processing unit. In this manner, the location of the removal information in the support structure can be easily identified.

[0104] (4) In the above method, the display control unit may also display the support structure generated by the first processing unit with a higher transparency than the removed information. In this way, the location of the removed information in the support structure can be easily identified.

[0105] (5) In the above method, the receiving unit may also receive the area added to the support structure generated by the first processing unit, and the second processing unit generates the support data based on the removal information and the information of the party subsequently received by the receiving unit in the addition information, provided that at least a portion of the area specified using the removal information overlaps with the area specified using the addition information. In this manner, the shape of the support structure is more likely to reflect the user's intent.

[0106] (6) In the above-described manner, the display control unit may also display the removable area of ​​the support structure in a way that distinguishes it from other areas. In this manner, removal information can be easily specified.

[0107] (7) In the above method, the receiving unit may also receive the area to be added to the support structure generated by the first processing unit, and the display control unit may display the area to be added to the support structure in a way that distinguishes it from other areas. According to this method, the area to be added to the support structure can be easily specified.

[0108] This disclosure is not limited to the information processing apparatus described above, and can be implemented in various ways, such as through a three-dimensional modeling system, a computer program, or a tangible recording medium in which the computer program is non-volatile and readable by a computer.

Claims

1. An information processing device, characterized in that, have: The first processing unit generates a support structure for supporting the model created by the three-dimensional modeling device according to preset conditions. The display control unit displays the shape of the model and the shape of the support structure generated by the first processing unit on the screen; The receiving department will accept the area to be removed, as specified by the user, in the support structure generated by the first processing department, as removal information; as well as The second processing unit generates support data for modeling the support structure using the three-dimensional modeling device, based on the support structure generated by the first processing unit and the removal information received by the receiving unit. The display control unit displays the removal information in a columnar shape on the screen, and automatically adjusts the height of the columnar shape according to the shape of the object at the position where the columnar shape is configured.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display control unit is able to distinguish between the support structure and the removal information generated by the first processing unit.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The display control unit displays the support structure generated by the first processing unit with higher transparency than the information removal.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving unit receives additional information indicating the addition of areas to the support structure generated by the first processing unit. When the area specified by the removal information overlaps with at least a portion of the area specified by the addition information, the second processing unit generates the support data based on the information of the party subsequently accepted by the receiving unit in the removal information and the addition information.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display control unit displays the removable areas of the support structure in a way that distinguishes them from other areas.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving unit receives additional information indicating the addition of areas to the support structure generated by the first processing unit. The display control unit will display the areas that can be added to the support structure in a way that distinguishes them from other areas.

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