Manufacturing method of eye member, manufacturing method of three-dimensional molded object, eye member, and three-dimensional molded object

Abstract

To efficiently manufacturing an eye member mounted to a three-dimensional molded object.SOLUTION: A method for manufacturing an eye member mounted to a three-dimensional molded object includes the steps of: acquiring three-dimensional data of the eye member including an eyeball section that includes a base section, and a covering section that is positioned in one side of the base section and is positioned so as to cover the base section while the base section includes a pupil section provided on a surface in one side of the base section and a peripheral section that is positioned in the periphery of the pupil section and is inclined at a predetermined angle to one side from the pupil section; generating instruction data for instructing a three-dimensional printer to mold the eye member on the basis of three-dimensional data; and molding the eye member by discharging a molding material to the three-dimensional printer on the basis of instruction data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing an eye member and a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a technology for manufacturing eye components that allow the eyes of a three-dimensional object modeled after a character to appear to follow the gaze of a person viewing the three-dimensional object. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-074525 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a method for manufacturing eye parts to be attached to facial parts of a doll body, characterized by including an iris part molding step for molding an iris part that covers the front surface of the eye part, a pupil part molding step for molding a pupil part that has a convex front surface and a protruding part that protrudes from the rear surface of the iris part and protrudes into the iris part, and a base part molding step for molding a base part so that the part where the pupil part is not formed is in contact with the rear surface of the iris part.

[0005] The degree of tracking of the eye component varies depending on the design (position, color, shape, dimensions, etc.) of each part that makes up the eye component. Therefore, in order to achieve natural tracking, it was necessary to repeatedly make prototypes while changing the design of each part. However, since the eye component that is tracked is manufactured by combining multiple parts or repeatedly molding multiple materials with different colors or materials, a large amount of man-hours was required for prototyping.

[0006] Furthermore, the use of tracking eyes in three-dimensional objects with a human motif has been widely used. Therefore, a wealth of knowledge has been accumulated regarding the manufacturing of tracking eyes for human motifs. Therefore, when designing a new tracking eye for a human motif, it is possible to refer to previous designs, thereby reducing the man-hours required for design and prototyping. On the other hand, when the character used as the motif for a three-dimensional object is a fictional creature, the eye design may be unique. Furthermore, the degree of tracking that the viewer perceives as natural varies depending on the position and size of the character's eyes, face, and overall body. On the other hand, when the character used as the motif for a three-dimensional object is a fictional creature, the position and size of the character's eyes, face, and overall body may be unique to that character. For these reasons, it is often difficult to refer to previous knowledge when designing tracking eyes. Furthermore, when the character used as the motif for a three-dimensional object is a fictional creature, the eye shape varies from design to design. Therefore, when designing tracking eyes, it is difficult to refer to previously manufactured designs of eye parts for other characters. Furthermore, because the design is unique, the strength and safety of the manufactured eye components must be carefully verified.For these reasons, when manufacturing eye components based on fictional creature characters, it is necessary to repeat the design and prototyping many times to establish an appropriate design, which requires a much greater number of man-hours than when manufacturing three-dimensional objects based on human motifs.

[0007] For the above reasons, there has been a demand for a method for efficiently manufacturing mesh members to be attached to a three-dimensional object.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to efficiently manufacture eye members to be attached to a three-dimensional object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A method for manufacturing an eye component to be attached to a three-dimensional object, the method comprising the steps of: acquiring 3D data of the eye component, the eye component including a base portion and a covering portion located on one side of the base portion and covering the base portion, the base portion including a pupil portion provided on the surface on one side of the base portion, and a peripheral portion located on the periphery of the pupil portion and inclined at a predetermined angle to one side from the pupil portion; generating instruction data based on the 3D data to instruct a 3D printer to form the eye component; and forming the eye component by causing the 3D printer to eject a modeling material based on the instruction data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, tracking eye members can be efficiently manufactured. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 2A to 2C are schematic diagrams illustrating a manufacturing process of a three-dimensional object 5 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of a mesh member 7 manufactured in this embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view along the line AA of the eye member 7 manufactured in this embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is another example of the cross-sectional view of the eye member 7 taken along line AA. [Figure 5] 10 is another example of the cross-sectional view of the eye member 7 taken along line AA. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the system 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 10. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the data structure of object information 1831. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of an instruction data generation process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of a forming process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings for explaining the embodiment, the same components are generally designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0013] <0 Overview of the 3D object> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the manufacturing process of a three-dimensional object 5 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the three-dimensional object 5 is a three-dimensional object imitating a specific fictional creature character. Note that the object to be manufactured as the three-dimensional object 5 is not limited to a fictional creature. The three-dimensional object 5 may also imitate a fictional artificial object, an actual creature, an actual artificial object, etc. Note that in this embodiment, it is not assumed that the three-dimensional object 5 includes an object imitating a human being.

[0014] In particular, the three-dimensional object 5 manufactured in this embodiment is an object modeled after a specific character and installed in tourist facilities such as theme parks and amusement parks. The three-dimensional object 5 is manufactured to reproduce the expected size, for example. By installing the three-dimensional object 5 in a tourist facility, the world of the story in which the character appears is portrayed in the facility. Furthermore, visitors to the facility can view the three-dimensional object 5 from various angles and take videos or photos of the three-dimensional object 5, thereby improving the user experience. Note that the installation location of the three-dimensional object 5 is not limited to tourist facilities, and it may be installed in various locations depending on the purpose.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the three-dimensional object 5 has a main body 6 that resembles the main body of a character, and eye members 7 that resemble the eyes of the character.

[0016] The main body 6 has an attachment region 61 for attaching the eye member 7. The attachment region 61 has, for example, a recess that follows the shape of the eye member 7. For example, if the eye member 7 resembles the eyeball of a character, the attachment region 61 has a recess that follows the outline of the character's eyeball. Furthermore, for example, if the eye member 7 resembles the eyeball of a character and the skin around the eyeball, the attachment region 61 has a recess that follows the outline of the skin imitated by the eye member 7. The eye member 7 is attached to the attachment region 61 by being embedded in the recess of the attachment region 61. When embedding the eye member 7 in the recess, the eye member 7 may be fixed to the attachment region 61 by, for example, fitting, fixing with bolts and nuts, welding, or bonding with an adhesive.

[0017] The manufacturing process of the three-dimensionally shaped object 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. First, the main body 6 is manufactured using any modeling method. Then, the eye members 7 are manufactured using a 3D printer. The three-dimensionally shaped object 5 is manufactured by attaching the eye members 7 to the attachment regions 61 of the main body 6. When attaching the eye members 7 to the attachment regions 61, the boundary between the attachment regions 61 and the eye members 7 may be subjected to surface treatment such as polishing, painting, or embedding of a filler. This makes the boundary between the attachment regions 61 and the eye members 7 less noticeable.

[0018] In this embodiment, the main body 6 is manufactured using, for example, FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastics). However, the material of the main body 6 is not limited to FRP. The material of the main body 6 may be metal such as iron or steel, resin such as polyurethane or acrylic, wood, etc. Also, in this embodiment, the eye members 7 are manufactured using, for example, acrylic resin. However, the material of the eye members 7 is not limited to this. The material of the eye members 7 may be natural resin, synthetic resin, plaster, metal powder, etc.

[0019] <0.1 Details of the mesh material> FIG. 2 is a front view of the eye member 7 manufactured in this embodiment. FIG. 3 is an AA cross-sectional view of the eye member 7 manufactured in this embodiment. FIG. 4 is another example of an AA cross-sectional view of the eye member 7. FIG. 5 is another example of an AA cross-sectional view of the eye member 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the eye member 7 has an eyeball portion 71 and a main body region 72. Note that the eye member 7 does not necessarily have to have the main body region 72.

[0020] The eyeball portion 71 is a portion that resembles the eyeball of a character. As shown in FIG.

[0021] The base portion 711 is a portion that serves as the foundation of the eyeball portion 71. As shown in FIG.

[0022] The pupil portion 7111 is a portion that resembles the pupil of a character's eyeball. As shown in FIG. 3, the pupil portion 7111 is provided in the center of the base portion 711 on one surface of the base portion 711. The pupil portion 7111 does not have to be provided in the center of the base portion 711. As shown in FIG. 3, the pupil portion 7111 has, for example, a planar shape. As shown in FIG. 4, the pupil portion 7111 may have a curved shape. The curved shape of the pupil portion 7111 may be, for example, a convex shape as shown in FIG. 4, or may be a concave shape or other shape. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the pupil portion 7111 may refer to the vertex portion of the corner formed by the peripheral portion 7112 of the base portion 711. The degree of gaze tracking of the eye member 7 changes depending on parameters such as the position of the pupil portion 7111 (particularly, the position relative to the peripheral portion 7112 and the first surface 7121 of the covering portion 712), color, shape, size, etc. Therefore, the designer of the eye member 7 adjusts parameters such as the position of the pupil portion 7111 (particularly, the position relative to the peripheral portion 7112 and the first surface 7121 of the covering portion 712), color, shape, size, etc. to achieve gaze tracking that is appropriate for the character to be modeled.

[0023] The peripheral portion 7112 is a portion that imitates the peripheral portion of the pupil of the character. For example, the peripheral portion 7112 may represent the black portion of the character's eyeball. The peripheral portion 7112 is located on the periphery of the pupil portion 7111 and is provided so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle to one side from the pupil portion 7111. The degree of tracking of the eye member 7 changes depending on parameters such as the position, color, shape, and dimensions of the peripheral portion 7112 (particularly, the angle of inclination from the pupil portion 7111). Therefore, the designer of the eye member 7 adjusts the color, shape, and dimensions of the peripheral portion 7112 (particularly, the angle of inclination from the pupil portion 7111) to achieve appropriate tracking for the character to be modeled.

[0024] The pupil portion 7111 and the peripheral portion 7112 are made of materials with different appearances. Here, "different appearances" means that the difference in appearance occurs due to differences in at least one of the material, color, and transparency, for example. This expresses the difference in appearance between the pupil portion of the character's eyeball and the peripheral portion of the pupil.

[0025] Furthermore, the base portion 711 may have a portion on the periphery of the periphery portion 7112 that has an appearance different from that of the periphery portion 7112. This portion may represent, for example, the whites of the character's eyes.

[0026] The covering portion 712 is a portion that resembles the surface of the character's eyeball (cornea portion). As shown in FIG. 3, the covering portion 712 is located on one side of the base portion 711 so as to cover the base portion 711. The covering portion 712 is made of a light-transmitting material. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, when the eye member 7 is viewed from one side of the covering portion 712, the appearance of the pupil portion 7111 and the peripheral portion 7112 can also be seen through the covering portion 712.

[0027] 3, the covering portion 712 has a first surface 7121 that is exposed to the outside and does not contact the pupil portion 7111, and a second surface 7122 that is not exposed to the outside and contacts the pupil portion 7111. The first surface 7121 has a curved shape. The degree of gaze tracking of the eye member 7 changes depending on parameters such as the position, color, shape (particularly, the distance between the first surface 7121 and the pupil portion 7111), and dimensions (particularly, the size and curvature of the first surface 7121) of the covering portion 712. Therefore, the designer of the eye member 7 adjusts parameters such as the position, color, shape (particularly, the distance between the first surface 7121 and the pupil portion 7111), and dimensions (particularly, the size and curvature of the first surface 7121) of the covering portion 712 to achieve gaze tracking appropriate for the character to be modeled.

[0028] The second surface 7122 does not have to be in contact with the pupil portion 7111. In this case, the area between the second surface 7122 and the pupil portion 7111 may be filled with a predetermined material that transmits light, or may be hollow.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, by providing the pupil portion 7111 at a predetermined distance on the other side of the first surface 7121 of the covering portion 712, the pupil portion 7111 can be made to appear as if it is following (tracking) the person looking at the eye member 7. As described above, the degree of tracking of the eye member 7 varies depending on parameters such as the position, color, shape, and dimensions of the pupil portion 7111, the peripheral portion 7112, and the covering portion 712 (including the first surface 7121 and the second surface 7122). Therefore, in order to achieve tracking that is appropriate for the character to be modeled, it is necessary to adjust these parameters while repeatedly designing and prototyping the eye member 7.

[0030] The main body region 72 is a portion that resembles the skin surrounding the character's eyeball. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main body region 72 is provided so as to be in contact with the eyeball portion 71. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the main body region 72 is provided so as to surround the eyeball portion 71. The main body region 72 is made of a material that has an appearance similar to that of the vicinity of the attachment region 61 of the main body portion 6. As a result, when the eye member 7 is attached to the attachment region 61, the boundary between the main body portion 6 and the eye member 7 is inconspicuous, and the three-dimensionally shaped object 5 has a natural appearance.

[0031] <1 Overall system configuration> Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the system 1. The system 1 shown in Fig. 6 includes, for example, a terminal device 10 and a 3D printer 30. The terminal device 10 and the 3D printer 30 are connected via, for example, a network 80.

[0032] 6 is realized by, for example, a desktop personal computer (PC) or a laptop PC. Alternatively, the terminal device 10 may be realized by, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet compatible with a mobile communication system. Furthermore, the terminal device 10 may be realized by, for example, a wearable terminal such as an HMD (Head Mount Display).

[0033] The terminal device 10 includes a communication IF (Interface) 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, a memory 15, a storage 16, and a processor 19. The input device 13 is a device (e.g., a mouse, a keyboard, etc.) for receiving input operations from a user. The output device 14 is a device (e.g., a display, a speaker, etc.) for presenting information to a user.

[0034] The terminal device 10 is configured by a computer equipped with an arithmetic unit and a storage device. The basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer realized by the hardware configuration will be described later. Regarding the terminal device 10, explanations that overlap with the basic hardware configuration and basic functional configuration of the computer will be omitted.

[0035] The 3D printer 30 is a modeling device that models the eye member 7 in accordance with information transmitted from the terminal device 10. The 3D printer 30 models the eye member 7 by any method, such as material extrusion, stereolithography, or inkjet, using a modeling material appropriate for that method. The 3D printer 30 includes, for example, a discharge unit that discharges the modeling material and a platform on which the discharged modeling material is layered. In this embodiment, the discharge unit of the 3D printer 30 is capable of switching between and discharging a plurality of different modeling materials. The 3D printer 30 may also model the main body 6 by any method.

[0036] <Configuration of terminal device> Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the terminal device 10 shown in Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 7, the terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 120, an input device 13, an output device 14, an audio processing unit 17, a microphone 171, a speaker 172, a position information sensor 150, a camera 160, a motion sensor 170, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. The blocks included in the terminal device 10 are electrically connected by, for example, a bus or the like.

[0037] The communication unit 120 performs processing such as modulation and demodulation for the terminal device 10 to communicate with other devices. The communication unit 120 performs transmission processing on signals generated by the control unit 190 and transmits them to an external device (for example, a server). The communication unit 120 performs reception processing on signals received from an external device and outputs the signals to the control unit 190.

[0038] The input device 13 is a device for inputting instructions or information by a user operating the terminal device 10. The input device 13 is realized by, for example, a reader, a keyboard 131, a mouse 132, etc. If the terminal device 10 is a smartphone, the input device 13 may be realized by a touch-sensitive device or the like that inputs instructions by touching the operation surface. The input device 13 converts instructions input by the user into electrical signals and outputs the electrical signals to the control unit 190. The input device 13 may also include, for example, a receiving port that receives electrical signals input from an external input device.

[0039] The output device 14 is a device for presenting information to a user operating the terminal device 10. The output device 14 is realized, for example, by a display 141 or the like. The display 141 displays data according to the control of the control unit 190. The display 141 is realized, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display or the like.

[0040] The audio processing unit 17 performs, for example, digital-to-analog conversion processing of an audio signal. The audio processing unit 17 converts a signal provided from the microphone 171 into a digital signal and provides the converted signal to the control unit 190. The audio processing unit 17 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 172. The audio processing unit 17 is realized, for example, by a processor for audio processing. The microphone 171 receives audio input and provides an audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 17. The speaker 172 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing unit 17 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the terminal device 10.

[0041] The position information sensor 150 is a sensor that detects the position of the terminal device 10, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. The GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. In the satellite positioning system, signals are received from at least three or four satellites, and the current position of the terminal device 10 equipped with the GPS module is detected based on the received signals. The position information sensor 150 may detect the current position of the terminal device 10 from the position of the wireless base station to which the terminal device 10 is connected.

[0042] The storage unit 180 is realized by, for example, the memory 15, the storage 16, etc., and stores data and programs used by the terminal device 10. The storage unit 180 stores, for example, 3D data 183 and instruction data 184.

[0043] The 3D data 183 is data relating to a 3D object that represents the shape of the eye member 7 in 3D. The 3D data 183 is stored in the storage unit 180 in any format, such as an obj file. The 3D data 183 may include data relating to the 3D object of the main body unit 6.

[0044] In the 3D data 183, the 3D object of the eye member 7 is formed in a manner in which the 3D objects of each part included in the eye member 7 are distinguishable from each other. For example, the 3D object of the eye member 7 is formed in a manner in which the 3D object of the eyeball portion 71 and the 3D object of the main body region 72 are distinguishable from each other. Furthermore, for example, the 3D object of the eyeball portion 71 is formed in a manner in which the 3D object of the base portion 711 and the 3D object of the covering portion 712 are distinguishable from each other. Furthermore, for example, the 3D object of the base portion 711 is formed in a manner in which the 3D object of the pupil portion 7111 and the 3D object of the peripheral portion 7112 are distinguishable from each other.

[0045] The 3D data 183 includes object information 1831, which is information about a 3D object related to the 3D data 183. Note that the 3D data 183 does not need to include some or all of the information included in the object information 1831, and some or all of the information included in the object information 1831 may be associated with the 3D data 183 and stored in the storage unit 180.

[0046] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of object information 1831. Note that Fig. 8 is just an example and does not exclude data that is not listed. Object information 1831 includes an item "object ID," an item "object name," an item "coordinates," and an item "texture information."

[0047] The item "object ID" is an item for storing an object ID that identifies an object. The object ID is, for example, an ID that identifies a 3D object of the eye member 7 and 3D objects of each part of the eye member 7 (the eyeball part 71, the main body region 72, the base part 711, the covering part 712, the pupil part 7111, and the peripheral part 7112). In the 3D data 183, when a predetermined 3D object (parent object) includes other 3D objects (child objects), the object ID of the parent object and the object ID of the child object may be associated with each other by a group structure, a hierarchical structure, or the like. For example, in the present embodiment, the object ID of the 3D object of the eye member 7, the object ID of the 3D object of the eyeball part 71, and the object ID of the 3D object of the main body region 72 may be associated with each other.

[0048] The item "object name" is an item for storing the name of an object. Specifically, the item "object name" stores the name of a predetermined part of the object to be formed, which corresponds to the 3D object identified by the object ID. For example, the item "object name" stores names indicating the base part 711, the covering part 712, etc., included in the eye member 7.

[0049] The item "coordinates" is an item for storing coordinate values ​​that indicate the position of a 3D object. Specifically, the "coordinate" item stores the x-coordinate, y-coordinate, and z-coordinate values ​​of a 3D object. For example, the "coordinate" item stores the coordinate values ​​of the center of a 3D object.

[0050] The item "texture information" is an item for storing texture information related to the texture of a 3D object. Specifically, the "Texture Information" item stores information about visual effects applied to the surface of a 3D object, such as the color, gloss, roughness, transparency, etc. of the surface of the 3D object.

[0051] The instruction data 184 is data describing the contents of an operation command for instructing the 3D printer 30 to model the eye member 7. Specifically, the instruction data 184 includes information on any setting items according to the modeling method of the 3D printer 30. For example, the instruction data 184 includes information on the setting of the movement path of the discharge unit of the 3D printer 30, information on the control settings of the discharge unit, information on the settings for solidifying the discharged modeling material (temperature settings, light irradiation settings, etc.), etc. The instruction data 184 is expressed, for example, by G-code.

[0052] The control unit 190 is realized by the processor 19 reading a program stored in the storage unit 180 and executing instructions included in the program. The control unit 190 controls the operation of the terminal device 10. The control unit 190 functions as an operation reception unit 191, a transmission / reception unit 192, a presentation control unit 193, and an instruction data generation unit 194 by operating in accordance with the program.

[0053] The operation reception unit 191 performs processing for receiving instructions or information input from the input device 13. For example, the operation reception unit 191 receives instructions or information input from the keyboard 131, the mouse 132, etc.

[0054] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 191 receives audio information input from the microphone 171. Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives audio data that is input from the microphone 171 and converted into digital data by the audio processing unit 17.

[0055] The transmitting / receiving unit 192 performs processing for the terminal device 10 to transmit and receive data to and from external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0056] The presentation control unit 193 controls the output device 14 and the like to present information such as information provided to the user by executing a program stored in the storage unit 180, information provided to the user from the 3D printer 30, and the like.

[0057] The instruction data generation unit 194 generates the instruction data 184 based on the 3D data 183. Specifically, the instruction data generation unit 194 slices the 3D object of the eye member 7 related to the 3D data 183 along a predetermined plane (for example, an xy plane defined in the 3D data 183) into multiple layers that overlap in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined plane (for example, the z-axis direction defined in the 3D data 183), and outputs the instruction data 184 describing the contents of an operation command for the 3D printer 30 to form the multiple layers.

[0058] <2 operations> (Instruction data generation process) The command data generation process of this embodiment will be described below. The command data generation process is a process for generating command data 184 based on 3D data 183. Fig. 9 is a flowchart of the command data generation process of this embodiment.

[0059] The user models the eye member 7 in advance using predetermined modeling software and creates 3D data 183. At this time, the user designs the position, shape, and dimensions of the pupil portion 7111, the inclination angle of the peripheral portion 7112, and the shape of the covering portion 712 included in the eye member 7 so that the pupil portion 7111 appears to follow the gaze of the person viewing the three-dimensionally molded object 5. This makes the three-dimensionally molded object 5 having the eye member 7 appear to follow the gaze of the person viewing the three-dimensionally molded object 5. The user stores the created 3D data 183 in the storage unit 180 of the terminal device 10.

[0060] In step S101, the terminal device 10 acquires the 3D data 183 from the storage unit 180. Specifically, the terminal device 10 receives an operation by a user and thereby acquires the 3D data 183 from the storage unit 180. The terminal device 10 starts a predetermined application program (for example, any slicer software) and reads the 3D data 183.

[0061] In step S102, the terminal device 10 presents to the user a setting UI related to the generation of the instruction data 184. Specifically, the terminal device 10 generates the setting UI based on the 3D data 183 read in step S101, and presents it to the user via the display 141.

[0062] The setting UI includes, for example, an area for displaying a 3D object of the eye member 7 and 3D objects of each part included in the eye member 7.

[0063] The setting UI also includes an area that displays setting items for the modeling for each object ID in the object information 1831. The terminal device 10, for example, references each record in the object information 1831 and displays an area for inputting setting items for each object ID. Examples of setting items include the following: (Settings for slicing 3D data) Number of sliced ​​layers Slice Spacing (Settings regarding the placement of the model on the platform of the 3D printer 30) - The position of the object on the platform -Size of the object on the platform - Orientation of the object on the platform (Modeling material settings) -Specifying the molding material (color, transparency, material, type, etc.) (Settings for the operation of the 3D printer 30) Discharge unit operating speed Discharge section movement path -Building material supply -Material discharge temperature - Settings related to the solidification of the modeling material (such as the cooling temperature of the modeling material, the light settings for irradiating the modeling material (irradiation time, irradiation wavelength, etc.))

[0064] The user configures settings related to the formation of the eye member 7 by inputting information for each setting item displayed in the setting UI. In the setting UI, information may be input for each object ID for a predetermined setting item, for any plurality of object IDs, or for all object IDs at once. In particular, the parts included in the eye member 7 (the eyeball portion 71, the main body region 72, the base portion 711 and the covering portion 712 included in the eyeball portion 71, and the pupil portion 7111 and the peripheral portion 7112 included in the base portion 711) may be formed using different colors and materials of molding materials. In this case, the terminal device 10 individually accepts input of setting items for each object ID corresponding to each part included in the eye member 7. For example, the terminal device 10 may assign different settings to the portion of the 3D data 183 corresponding to the covering portion 712, the portion of the periphery 7112, and the portion of the pupil 7111 by accepting information input into the setting items for the object IDs corresponding to the covering portion 712, the peripheral portion 7112, and the pupil 7111, respectively. Furthermore, the terminal device 10 may assign different settings to the portion of the 3D data 183 corresponding to the covering portion 712 and the portion of the main body region 72 by accepting information input into the setting items for the object IDs corresponding to the covering portion 712 and the main body region 72, respectively.

[0065] The setting UI also includes an area for displaying a button for accepting an operation for inputting an instruction to generate the instruction data 184. When the button accepts an input operation from the user, the terminal device 10 proceeds to the processing of step S103.

[0066] In step S103, the terminal device 10 accepts settings related to the shape of the eye member 7. Specifically, the terminal device 10 accepts information input by the user for each setting item of the setting UI presented in step S102. Note that the terminal device 10 may automatically perform modeling settings based on the information stored in each item of the object information 1831, without accepting information input from the user. For example, based on texture information (e.g., information related to color) stored in the item "texture information" of a predetermined record of the object information 1831, the terminal device 10 may assign a modeling material setting (e.g., a setting related to the color of the modeling material) when modeling a 3D object related to the record.

[0067] The terminal device 10 slices the 3D object of the eye member 7 based on information about each setting item received from the user. Specifically, the terminal device 10 slices the 3D object of the eye member 7, whose position, size, and orientation have been set according to the slice interval received from the user, into multiple layers. Furthermore, based on information about each setting item received from the user, the terminal device 10 determines the operation details of the 3D printer 30 for modeling each sliced ​​layer (settings for the movement path of the discharge unit, control settings for the discharge unit, settings for solidifying the discharged modeling material, etc.).

[0068] In step S104, the terminal device 10 generates instruction data 184 based on the slicing result. Specifically, the terminal device 10 converts the operation content of the 3D printer 30 determined in step S103 into instruction data 184 that can be executed by the 3D printer 30. For example, the terminal device 10 generates the instruction data 184 by converting information determined in step S103, such as the movement path of the discharge unit of the 3D printer 30, the control settings of the discharge unit, and the temperature settings, into G-code format. The terminal device 10 stores the generated instruction data 184 in the storage unit 180.

[0069] (Modeling processing) The forming process of this embodiment will be described. The forming process is a process for forming the eye member 7 based on the instruction data 184. Fig. 10 is a flowchart of the forming process of this embodiment.

[0070] First, the terminal device 10 executes an application for controlling the 3D printer 30 based on an operation by a user.

[0071] In step S201, the terminal device 10 instructs the 3D printer 30 to model the eye member 7 by transmitting instruction data 184 related to the eye member 7 to the 3D printer 30. Specifically, the terminal device 10 acquires instruction data 184 related to the eye member 7 from the storage unit 180 based on an operation by the user, and transmits the data to the 3D printer 30.

[0072] In step S202, the 3D printer 30 forms the eye member 7 based on the instruction data 184 received from the terminal device 10. Specifically, the 3D printer 30 reads the instruction data 184 received from the terminal device 10, discharges the modeling material from the discharge unit in accordance with the commands described in the instruction data 184, and layers the modeling material on the platform. Then, the 3D printer 30 solidifies the modeling material layered on the platform in accordance with the commands described in the instruction data 184, and forms the eye member 7. The modeling material used for modeling is, for example, acrylic resin, but any modeling material can be used in accordance with the instruction data 184.

[0073] Furthermore, in step S202, the 3D printer 30 switches and discharges the modeling materials assigned to each portion of the eye member 7 in accordance with the settings made in step S102 of the instruction data generation processing, thereby modeling each portion of the eye member 7 using different modeling materials. For example, the covering portion 712 and the base portion 711 of the eye member 7 are modeled using modeling materials with different appearances. Furthermore, for example, the pupil portion 7111 and the peripheral portion 7112 of the base portion 711 are modeled using modeling materials with different appearances. Furthermore, for example, the eyeball portion 71 and the main body region 72 are modeled using modeling materials with different appearances. This allows the external features of the character to be modeled to be accurately reproduced.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is not necessary to manufacture the parts made of different materials separately in different processes, and it is possible to manufacture the eye members collectively in one process, which makes it possible to efficiently manufacture the eye members.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the eye member including multiple parts made of different materials can be efficiently manufactured in a single batch, design changes for each part included in the eye member can be made quickly. This allows for rapid prototyping of multiple design proposals. Therefore, design studies for achieving appropriate visual tracking in the eye member can be efficiently carried out.

[0076] As described above, the eye member 7 is manufactured by the instruction data generation process and the modeling process. In the manufactured eye member 7, the base portion 711 and the covering portion 712 are formed of materials with different appearances. On the other hand, as in step S202 of the modeling process, the base portion 711 and the covering portion 712 are formed integrally in a single process. Also, in the manufactured eye member 7, the eyeball portion 71 and the main body region 72 are formed of materials with different appearances. On the other hand, as in step S202 of the modeling process, the eyeball portion 71 and the main body region 72 are formed integrally in a single process.

[0077] Furthermore, the eye member 7 manufactured by the instruction data generation process and the modeling process is attached to the attachment area 61 of the main body portion 6 modeled by any modeling method, thereby manufacturing a three-dimensional object 5 equipped with a tracking eye member.

[0078] <Summary> In the manufacturing method described above, 3D data is acquired for an eye member 7 including an eyeball portion 71 including a base portion 711 and a covering portion 712 located on one side of the base portion 711 and covering the base portion 711, the base portion 711 including a pupil portion 7111 provided on one surface of the base portion 711 and a peripheral portion 7112 located on the periphery of the pupil portion 7111 and inclined at a predetermined angle to one side from the pupil portion 7111. Furthermore, in the manufacturing method described above, instruction data is generated based on the 3D data to instruct a 3D printer to form the eye member 7. Furthermore, in the manufacturing method described above, the eye member 7 is formed by causing the 3D printer to eject a modeling material based on the instruction data. This allows the eye member 7 to be attached to a three-dimensionally shaped object 5 to be efficiently manufactured.

[0079] In the manufacturing method described above, different settings may be assigned to the portion of the 3D data corresponding to the covering portion 712, the portion corresponding to the pupil portion 7111, and the portion corresponding to the peripheral portion 7112, and the modeling material may be ejected based on the settings assigned in the step of generating instruction data. This makes it possible to efficiently manufacture, in a batch, an eye member 7 that includes multiple portions with different modeling settings.

[0080] In the manufacturing method described above, the position, shape, and dimensions of the pupil portion 7111, the inclination angle of the peripheral portion 7112, and the shape of the covering portion 712 included in the eye member 7 may be designed so that the pupil portion 7111 appears to follow the person viewing the three-dimensionally shaped object 5. This allows the tracking eye member 7 to be manufactured efficiently.

[0081] In the manufacturing method described above, the eye member 7 includes the main body region 72 that contacts the eyeball portion 71, and different settings may be assigned to the portion of the 3D data that corresponds to the covering portion 712 and the portion that corresponds to the main body region 72, and the modeling material may be ejected based on the assigned settings. This makes it possible to efficiently manufacture, in a batch, eye members 7 that include multiple portions with different modeling settings.

[0082] Furthermore, as described above, the three-dimensional object 5 may be manufactured by attaching the manufactured eye members 7 to the corresponding attachment regions 61. This allows the three-dimensional object 5 including the eye members 7 to be manufactured efficiently.

[0083] As described above, the eye member 7 may be manufactured by a process including the steps of: acquiring 3D data of the eye member 7, the eye member 7 including the base portion 711 and the covering portion 712 located on one side of the base portion 711 and covering the base portion 711, the base portion 711 including the pupil portion 7111 provided on the surface on one side of the base portion 711, and the peripheral portion 7112 located on the periphery of the pupil portion 7111 and inclined at a predetermined angle to one side from the pupil portion 7111; generating instruction data for instructing a 3D printer to form the eye member 7 based on the 3D data; and discharging a modeling material in the 3D printer based on the instruction data to form the eye member 7. This allows the eye member 7 to be attached to the three-dimensionally shaped object 5 to be manufactured efficiently.

[0084] As described above, the three-dimensional object 5 may have the mesh members 7. This makes it possible to efficiently manufacture the three-dimensional object 5 having the mesh members 7.

[0085] As described above, the eye member 7 has an eyeball simulating an eyeball, and the eyeball portion 71 has a base portion 711 and a covering portion 712 located on one side of the base portion 711 and positioned so as to cover the base portion 711, and the base portion 711 has a pupil portion 7111 provided on the surface on one side of the base portion 711 and a peripheral portion 7112 located on the periphery of the pupil portion 7111 and inclined at a predetermined angle from the pupil portion 7111 to one side, and the base portion 711 and the covering portion 712 are formed from materials having different appearances, and the base portion 711 and the covering portion 712 may be formed integrally. As a result, the eye member 7 is formed integrally without combining individual parts, which makes the eye member 7 easier to handle and increases the strength of the eye member 7 compared to when it is separated into individual parts.

[0086] As described above, the eye member 7 has a main body region 72 that is in contact with the eyeball portion 71 and that resembles the area surrounding the eyeball, and the eyeball portion 71 and the main body region 72 are formed from materials that have different appearances, and the eyeball portion 71 and the main body region 72 may be formed integrally. This allows the eye member 7 to be formed integrally without combining individual parts, making the eye member 7 easier to handle and increasing the strength of the eye member 7 compared to when it is separated into individual parts.

[0087] Furthermore, as described above, the three-dimensionally shaped object 5 may have the mesh members 7. This allows the mesh members 7 to be formed integrally without combining individual parts, which makes the mesh members 7 easier to handle and increases the strength of the mesh members 7 compared to when they are separated into individual parts.

[0088] <3 Basic computer hardware configuration> 11 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90. The computer 90 includes at least a processor 94, a main memory device 95, an auxiliary memory device 96, and a communication IF (interface) 99. These are electrically connected to one another by a bus.

[0089] The processor 94 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0090] The main storage device 95 is used to temporarily store programs and data to be processed by the programs, etc. For example, it is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0091] The auxiliary storage device 96 is a storage device for saving data and programs, such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a semiconductor memory.

[0092] The communication IF 99 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for communicating with other computers via a network using wired or wireless communication standards.

[0093] The network is composed of the Internet, LAN, various mobile communication systems constructed by wireless base stations, etc. For example, the network includes 3G, 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), wireless networks that can connect to the Internet via a predetermined access point (e.g., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), etc. In the case of a wireless connection, communication protocols include, for example, Z-Wave (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. In the case of a wired connection, the network also includes a network that is directly connected using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, etc.

[0094] It should be noted that the computer 90 can be virtually realized by distributing all or part of each hardware configuration across multiple computers 90 and interconnecting them via a network. In this way, the computer 90 is a concept that includes not only a computer 90 housed in a single housing or case, but also a virtualized computer system.

[0095] <Basic functional configuration of computer 90> A description will be given of the functional configuration of a computer realized by the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90 shown in Fig. 11. The computer includes at least the functional units of a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit.

[0096] The functional units of the computer 90 can also be realized by distributing all or part of the functional units among multiple computers 90 interconnected via a network. The computer 90 is a concept that includes not only a single computer 90 but also a virtualized computer system.

[0097] The control unit is realized by the processor 94 reading various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 96, expanding them in the main storage device 95, and executing processing in accordance with the programs. The control unit can realize functional units that perform various types of information processing depending on the type of program. In this way, the computer is realized as an information processing device that processes information.

[0098] The storage unit is realized by a main storage device 95 and an auxiliary storage device 96. The storage unit stores data, various programs, and various databases. Furthermore, the processor 94 can allocate a storage area corresponding to the storage unit in the main storage device 95 or the auxiliary storage device 96 in accordance with the programs. Furthermore, the control unit can cause the processor 94 to execute processes for adding, updating, and deleting data stored in the storage unit in accordance with the various programs.

[0099] A database refers to a relational database, which manages data sets called tables, which are structured by rows and columns, by relating them to each other. In a database, a table is called a table, a column in a table is called a column, and a row in a table is called a record. In a relational database, relationships between tables can be set and associated.

[0100] Typically, each table has a column set as a key for uniquely identifying a record, but setting a key to a column is not essential. The control unit can cause the processor 94 to add, delete, or update records in a specific table stored in the storage unit according to various programs.

[0101] The communication unit is realized by the communication IF 99. The communication unit realizes the function of communicating with other computers 90 via a network. The communication unit can receive information transmitted from other computers 90 and input the information to the control unit. The control unit can cause the processor 94 to execute information processing on the received information in accordance with various programs. Furthermore, the communication unit can transmit information output from the control unit to other computers 90.

[0102] The functions performed by the components described herein may be implemented in circuitry or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), a CPU (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to perform the described functions. A processor includes transistors and other circuits and is considered to be circuitry or processing circuitry. A processor may also be a programmed processor that executes programs stored in memory. In this specification, a circuitry, unit, or means is hardware that is programmed to realize or performs the described functions, which may be any hardware disclosed herein or any hardware known to be programmed to realize or perform the described functions. If the hardware is a processor considered to be a type of circuitry, the circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of the hardware and software used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0103] Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the inventions.

[0104] <Additional Notes> The matters described in the above embodiments will be supplemented below. (Appendix 1) A method for manufacturing an eye component to be attached to a three-dimensional object, the method comprising the steps of: acquiring 3D data of the eye component, the eye component including a base portion and a covering portion located on one side of the base portion and covering the base portion, the base portion including a pupil portion provided on the surface on one side of the base portion, and a peripheral portion located on the periphery of the pupil portion and inclined at a predetermined angle to one side from the pupil portion; generating instruction data based on the 3D data to instruct a 3D printer to form the eye component; and forming the eye component by causing the 3D printer to eject a modeling material based on the instruction data. (Appendix 2) A manufacturing method as described in Appendix 1, wherein in the step of generating instruction data, different settings are assigned to the portion of the 3D data corresponding to the covering portion, the portion corresponding to the pupil portion, and the portion corresponding to the peripheral portion, and in the step of modeling, modeling material is ejected based on the settings assigned in the step of generating instruction data. (Appendix 3) The manufacturing method described in Appendix 1, wherein the position, shape and dimensions of the pupil portion, the inclination angle of the peripheral portion and the shape of the covering portion included in the eye member are designed so that the pupil portion appears to follow the viewer of the three-dimensional object. (Appendix 4) The eye member includes a main body region that contacts the eyeball portion, and in the step of generating instruction data, different settings are assigned to the portion of the 3D data that corresponds to the covering portion and the portion that corresponds to the main body region, and in the step of modeling, modeling material is ejected based on the settings assigned in the step of generating instruction data. (Appendix 5) A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, comprising attaching a mesh member manufactured by the manufacturing method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4 to a corresponding attachment region. (Appendix 6) An eye component to be attached to a three-dimensional object, the eye component including a base portion and a covering portion located on one side of the base portion and covering the base portion, the base portion including a pupil portion provided on the surface on one side of the base portion and a peripheral portion located on the periphery of the pupil portion and inclined at a predetermined angle to one side from the pupil portion, the eye component manufactured by a process including the steps of: acquiring 3D data of the eye component including an eye component; generating instruction data for instructing a 3D printer to form the eye component based on the 3D data; and forming the eye component by causing the 3D printer to eject a modeling material based on the instruction data. (Appendix 7) A three-dimensional object having the mesh member described in Appendix 6. (Appendix 8) An eye component having an eyeball portion simulating an eyeball, the eyeball portion having a base portion and a covering portion located on one side of the base portion and covering the base portion, the base portion having a pupil portion provided on the surface on one side of the base portion and a peripheral portion located on the periphery of the pupil portion and inclined at a predetermined angle from the pupil portion to one side, the base portion and the covering portion being formed from materials each having a different appearance, and the base portion and the covering portion being formed integrally. (Appendix 9) An eye component as described in Appendix 8, having a main body region that is in contact with the eyeball portion and that resembles the surrounding area of ​​the eyeball, the eyeball portion and the main body region being formed from materials that have different appearances, and the eyeball portion and the main body region being formed integrally. (Appendix 10) A three-dimensional object having the mesh member according to claim 8 or 9. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1. System 10...Terminal device 12...Communication IF 120…Communications Department 13...Input device 131...Button 14...Output device 141...Display 15...Memory 16…Storage 17...Audio processing unit 171...Mike 172...Speaker 180...Storage section 19...Processor 190...Control unit 30...3D printer

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an eye member to be attached to a three-dimensional object, comprising: a step of acquiring 3D data of an eye member including an eyeball portion including a base portion and a covering portion located on one side of the base portion and covering the base portion, the base portion including a pupil portion provided on a surface of the one side of the base portion and a peripheral portion located on the periphery of the pupil portion and inclined at a predetermined angle from the pupil portion to the one side; generating instruction data for instructing a 3D printer to form the eye member based on the 3D data; and forming the eye member by causing the 3D printer to eject a modeling material based on the instruction data.

2. In the step of generating the instruction data, different settings are assigned to a portion of the 3D data corresponding to the covering portion, a portion of the 3D data corresponding to the pupil portion, and a portion of the 3D data corresponding to the peripheral portion, respectively; In the modeling step, a modeling material is discharged based on the settings assigned in the instruction data generating step. The method of claim 1.

3. The position, shape and size of the pupil portion, the inclination angle of the peripheral portion and the shape of the covering portion included in the eye member are designed so that the pupil portion appears to follow the viewer of the three-dimensional object. The method of claim 1.

4. the eye member includes a body region that contacts the eyeball; In the step of generating the instruction data, different settings are assigned to a portion of the 3D data corresponding to the covering portion and a portion of the 3D data corresponding to the main body region; In the modeling step, a modeling material is discharged based on the settings assigned in the instruction data generating step. The method of claim 1.

5. A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, comprising attaching an eye member manufactured by the manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 to a corresponding attachment region.

6. An eye member to be attached to a three-dimensional object, a step of acquiring 3D data of an eye member including an eyeball portion including a base portion and a covering portion located on one side of the base portion and covering the base portion, the base portion including a pupil portion provided on a surface of the one side of the base portion and a peripheral portion located on the periphery of the pupil portion and inclined at a predetermined angle from the pupil portion to the one side; generating instruction data for instructing a 3D printer to form the eye member based on the 3D data; and forming the eye member by causing the 3D printer to eject a modeling material based on the instruction data.

7. A three-dimensional object having the mesh member according to claim 6.

8. An eye member having an eyeball portion simulating an eyeball, The eyeball portion is A base portion; a covering portion located on one side of the base portion and covering the base portion; and The base portion is a pupil portion provided on the one surface of the base portion; a peripheral portion located on the periphery of the pupil portion and inclined at a predetermined angle from the pupil portion to the one side; and the base portion and the covering portion are formed of materials having different appearances, The base portion and the covering portion are integrally formed.

9. a main body region that is in contact with the eyeball portion and that simulates a peripheral portion of the eyeball; the eyeball portion and the main body region are formed of materials having different appearances, The eyeball portion and the main body region are integrally formed. The eye element according to claim 8.

10. A three-dimensional object having the mesh member according to claim 8 or 9.

Images