Data generation method and method of manufacturing three dimensional shaped object

Abstract

To provide a technique for efficiently performing test shaping of a three dimensional shaped article.SOLUTION: The data generation method includes a first acquisition step of acquiring first shape data representing a three dimensional shape of a first solid object and first shaping data generated based on the first shape data, a display step of displaying the first solid object based on the first shape data, a second acquisition step of acquiring an item of interest, a determination step of determining a target region of the first solid object displayed on a display unit based on a designation region for designating a range in a three dimensional space, and a data generation step of selecting data of a portion corresponding to the target region in the first shaping data and generating a plurality of pieces of second shaping data for shaping a second solid object. In the data generation step, each second shaping data is generated by determining one or more parameter items related to three dimensional shaping according to the item of interest and setting a plurality of parameter conditions including a parameter value of each parameter item for each second shaping data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Regarding a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, Patent Document 1 describes a method in which a raft layer is formed on a stage, and then a 3D solid model is printed on the raft layer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-71244 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When test printing a 3D object to check the actual printing state of a part of the 3D object, problems such as a longer printing time or a larger amount of printing material may occur because parts other than the part that needs to be checked are also printed. These problems are particularly noticeable when test printing a large-sized 3D object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a data generation method for generating modeling data for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by stacking layers by discharging a modeling material from a discharging unit toward a stage. The data generation method includes a first acquisition step of acquiring first shape data representing a three-dimensional shape of a first object as the three-dimensional object and first modeling data generated based on the first shape data and for modeling the first object, a display step of displaying the first object on a display unit based on the first shape data, a second acquisition step of acquiring a user's interest in modeling the three-dimensional object, a determination step of determining a target area of ​​the first object displayed on the display unit based on a designated area that specifies a range in three-dimensional space, and a data generation step of selecting data of a portion of the first modeling data that corresponds to the target area, and generating a plurality of second modeling data for modeling a second object as the three-dimensional object. In the data generation process, one or more parameter items related to three-dimensional modeling are determined according to the item of interest, and multiple parameter conditions including parameter values ​​of each of the parameter items are set for each of the second modeling data, thereby generating each of the second modeling data.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, the method comprising: a first acquisition step of acquiring first shape data representing a three-dimensional shape of a first object as the three-dimensional object, and first modeling data generated based on the first shape data and for modeling the first object, a display step of displaying the first object on a display unit based on the first shape data, a second acquisition step of acquiring a user's interest in modeling of the three-dimensional object, a determination step of determining a target area of ​​the first object displayed on the display unit based on a designated area that specifies a range in three-dimensional space, a data generation step of selecting data of a portion of the first modeling data that corresponds to the target area, and generating a plurality of second modeling data for modeling a second object as the three-dimensional object, and a modeling step of performing three-dimensional modeling by stacking layers by discharging modeling material from a discharging unit toward a stage, based on each of the second modeling data. A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, in which, in the data generation process, one or more parameter items related to three-dimensional modeling are determined in accordance with the item of interest, and multiple parameter conditions including parameter values ​​of each of the parameter items are set for each of the second modeling data, thereby generating each of the second modeling data. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a three-dimensional printing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the underside of a flat screw. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing the top side of the barrel. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating how the three-dimensional printing apparatus prints a model. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing apparatus. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart of a formation process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a first schematic diagram illustrating generation of modeling data. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a second schematic diagram illustrating generation of modeling data. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a first object represented by first shape data. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which first shape data is read into slicer software. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing examples of interest items and parameter items. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of a determination step in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first example of a data generation process in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of the determination step in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of the data generating process in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of the data generating process in the first embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart of a formation process according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] 10A to 10C are views showing examples of a determination step and an inclusive area determination step in the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a data generation process in the second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a new data generation process in the second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a determination step and a data generation step in the third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first example of a new data generating step in the third embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second example of a new data generating step in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A. First embodiment: FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a three-dimensional printing system 10 according to a first embodiment. Arrows indicating mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions are shown in FIG. 1. The X and Y directions are parallel to a horizontal plane, and the Z direction is a vertically upward direction. The arrows indicating the X, Y, and Z directions are also shown in other figures as appropriate so that the illustrated directions correspond to those in FIG. 1. In the following description, when specifying the direction, positive and negative signs are used in combination to indicate the direction indicated by the arrow in each figure, with "+" indicating the direction indicated by the arrow and "-" indicating the opposite direction. Hereinafter, the +Z direction will also be referred to as "up" and the -Z direction as "down."

[0009] The three-dimensional printing system 10 includes a three-dimensional printing device 100 and an information processing device 400. The three-dimensional printing device 100 of this embodiment is a device that prints a model by a material extrusion method. The three-dimensional printing device 100 includes a control unit 300 for controlling each unit of the three-dimensional printing device 100. The control unit 300 and the information processing device 400 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

[0010] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 includes a modeling unit 110 that generates and dispenses a modeling material, a modeling stage 210 that serves as a base for the model, and a movement mechanism 230 that controls the dispense position of the modeling material.

[0011] Under the control of the control unit 300, the modeling unit 110 ejects a modeling material, which is a plasticized solid material, onto the stage 210. The modeling unit 110 includes a material supply unit 20, which is a supply source of raw materials before they are converted into the modeling material, a plasticization unit 30, which converts the raw materials into the modeling material, and a discharge unit 60, which discharges the modeling material.

[0012] The material supply unit 20 supplies the raw material MR to the plasticizing unit 30. The material supply unit 20 is configured, for example, by a hopper that stores the raw material MR. The material supply unit 20 is connected to the plasticizing unit 30 via a communication passage 22. The raw material MR is fed into the material supply unit 20 in the form of powder or pellets. As the raw material MR, for example, a thermoplastic resin such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS), polypropylene resin (PP), polyethylene resin (PE), or polyacetal resin (POM) is used.

[0013] The plasticizing unit 30 plasticizes the raw material MR supplied from the material supply unit 20 to generate a paste-like modeling material that exhibits fluidity, and then guides the material to the discharge unit 60. In this embodiment, "plasticization" is a concept that includes melting, and refers to changing a material from a solid to a fluid state. Specifically, for materials that undergo glass transition, plasticization refers to raising the temperature of the material above the glass transition point. For materials that do not undergo glass transition, plasticization refers to raising the temperature of the material above the melting point.

[0014] The plasticizing section 30 includes a screw case 31, a drive motor 32, a flat screw 40, and a barrel 50. The flat screw 40 is also called a rotor or a scroll. The barrel 50 is also called a screw facing portion.

[0015] The flat screw 40 is housed in a screw case 31. An upper surface 47 of the flat screw 40 is connected to the drive motor 32, and the flat screw 40 rotates in the screw case 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. The flat screw 40 may be driven by the drive motor 32 via a reducer.

[0016] 2 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the lower surface 48 side of the flat screw 40. To facilitate understanding of the technology, the flat screw 40 shown in FIG. 2 is shown with the positional relationship between the upper surface 47 and the lower surface 48 shown in FIG. 1 reversed in the vertical direction. The flat screw 40 has a roughly cylindrical shape in which the length in the axial direction, which is the direction along its central axis, is shorter than the length in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The flat screw 40 is positioned so that the rotation axis RX, which is its rotation center, is parallel to the Z direction.

[0017] A spiral groove 42 is formed on a lower surface 48 of the flat screw 40, which is a surface that intersects with the rotation axis RX. The communication passage 22 of the material supply unit 20 described above communicates with the groove 42 from the side surface of the flat screw 40. In this embodiment, three grooves 42 are formed, separated by ridges 43. The number of grooves 42 is not limited to three, and may be one, or two or more. The groove 42 is not limited to a spiral shape, but may also be a spiral or involute curve shape, or may have a shape that extends in an arc from a center portion 46 to the outer periphery.

[0018] 1, 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. Raw material MR is supplied to this space between the flat screw 40 and the barrel 50 from the material supply section 20 through a material inlet 44 shown in FIG.

[0019] A barrel heater 58 is embedded in the barrel 50 to heat the raw material MR supplied into the groove 42 of the rotating flat screw 40. A communication hole 56 is provided in the center of the barrel 50.

[0020] 3 is a schematic plan view showing the top surface 52 of the barrel 50. A plurality of guide grooves 54 are formed on the top surface 52 of the barrel 50, and are connected to the communicating holes 56 and extend spirally from the communicating holes 56 toward the outer periphery. Note that one end of the guide grooves 54 does not have to be connected to the communicating holes 56. Also, the guide grooves 54 can be omitted.

[0021] The raw material MR supplied into the groove 42 of the flat screw 40 is plasticized in the groove 42, flows along the groove 42 due to the rotation of the flat screw 40, and is guided to the central portion 46 of the flat screw 40 as a modeling material. The pasty modeling material that has flowed into the central portion 46 and exhibits fluidity is supplied to the discharge portion 60 through a communication hole 56 provided in the center of the barrel 50. Note that it is not necessary for all types of substances constituting the modeling material to be plasticized. It is sufficient for the modeling material to be converted into a fluid state as a whole by plasticizing at least some of the types of substances constituting the modeling material.

[0022] The discharge unit 60 in FIG. 1 includes a nozzle 61 that discharges the modeling material, a flow path 65 for the modeling material provided between the flat screw 40 and the nozzle opening 62, and a discharge control unit 77 that controls the discharge of the modeling material.

[0023] The nozzle 61 is connected to the communication hole 56 of the barrel 50 through a flow path 65. The nozzle 61 discharges the modeling material produced in the plasticizing section 30 from a nozzle opening 62 at the tip thereof toward the stage 210.

[0024] The discharge control unit 77 includes a discharge adjustment unit 70 that opens and closes the flow path 65, and a suction unit 75 that sucks in the modeling material and temporarily stores it.

[0025] The discharge adjustment unit 70 is provided in the flow path 65 and changes the opening degree of the flow path 65 by rotating within the flow path 65. In this embodiment, the discharge adjustment unit 70 is configured by a valve. The discharge 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 configured by, for example, a stepping motor. The control unit 300 can adjust the flow rate of the modeling material flowing from the plasticizing unit 30 to the nozzle 61, i.e., the discharge amount of the modeling material discharged from the nozzle 61, by using the first drive unit 74 to control the rotation angle of the discharge adjustment unit 70. The discharge adjustment unit 70 can adjust the discharge amount of the modeling material and can also control the on / off of the outflow of the modeling material.

[0026] The suction unit 75 is connected between the discharge adjustment unit 70 and the nozzle opening 62 in the flow path 65. When the discharge of the modeling material from the nozzle 61 stops, the suction unit 75 temporarily sucks the modeling material in the flow path 65, thereby suppressing the tailing phenomenon in which the modeling material hangs like a string from the nozzle opening 62. In this embodiment, the suction unit 75 is configured with 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 configured with, for example, a stepping motor or a rack-and-pinion mechanism that converts the rotational force of the stepping motor into translational motion of the plunger.

[0027] The stage 210 is disposed at a position facing the nozzle opening 62 of the nozzle 61. In the first embodiment, the modeling surface 211 of the stage 210 facing the nozzle opening 62 of the nozzle 61 is disposed so as to be parallel to the X and Y directions, i.e., the horizontal direction. The stage 210 is provided with a stage heater 212 for preventing the modeling material discharged onto the stage 210 from cooling suddenly. The stage heater 212 is controlled by the control unit 300.

[0028] The movement mechanism 230 changes the relative position between the stage 210 and the nozzle 61 under the control of the control unit 300. In this embodiment, the position of the nozzle 61 is fixed, and the movement mechanism 230 moves the stage 210. The movement mechanism 230 is configured by a three-axis positioner that moves the stage 210 in three axial directions, that is, the X, Y, and Z directions, using the driving forces of three motors. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, movement of the nozzle 61 means moving the nozzle 61 and the discharge unit 60 relative to the stage 210.

[0029] In other embodiments, instead of a configuration in which the moving mechanism 230 moves the stage 210, a configuration in which the moving mechanism 230 moves the nozzle 61 relative to the stage 210 while the position of the stage 210 is fixed may be employed. Alternatively, a configuration in which the moving mechanism 230 moves the stage 210 in the Z direction and moves the nozzle 61 in the X and Y directions, or a configuration in which the moving mechanism 230 moves the stage 210 in the X and Y directions and moves the nozzle 61 in the Z direction may be employed. Even with these configurations, the relative positional relationship between the nozzle 61 and the stage 210 can be changed.

[0030] 1 shows only one modeling unit 110, the 3D modeling device 100 may include multiple modeling units 110. By including multiple modeling units 110, different types of modeling materials can be discharged from each modeling unit 110. Therefore, for example, the main body of the modeled object and the support structure that supports the modeled object can be modeled using different types of modeling materials.

[0031] The control unit 300 is a control device that controls the overall operation of the 3D printing apparatus 100. The control unit 300 is configured by a computer that includes one or more processors 310, a storage device 320 including a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device, and an input / output interface that inputs and outputs signals to and from the outside. The processor 310 executes a program stored in the storage device 320 to control the printing unit 110 and the movement mechanism 230 in accordance with printing data acquired from the information processing device 400, and prints a printed object on the stage 210. Note that the control unit 300 may be realized by a combination of circuits instead of being configured by a computer.

[0032] 4 is an explanatory diagram that schematically shows how the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 prints a model. In the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100, as described above, the raw material MR in a solid state is plasticized to produce the modeling material MM. The control unit 300 discharges the modeling material MM from the nozzle 61 while changing the position of the nozzle 61 relative to the stage 210 in a direction along the modeling surface 211 of the stage 210, while maintaining the distance between the nozzle 61 and the modeling surface 211 of the stage 210. The modeling material MM discharged from the nozzle 61 is continuously deposited in the direction of movement of the nozzle 61.

[0033] The control unit 300 repeatedly moves the nozzle 61 to form layers ML. After forming one layer ML, the control unit 300 moves the position of the nozzle 61 relative to the stage 210 in the Z direction, which is the stacking direction of the layers ML. Then, a model is formed by stacking additional layers ML on the layers ML that have been formed so far.

[0034] The control unit 300 may temporarily suspend the discharge of the modeling material from the nozzle 61, for example, when the nozzle 61 moves in the Z direction after completing one layer ML or when each layer has multiple independent modeling regions. In this case, the discharge adjustment unit 70 closes the flow path 65 to stop the discharge of the modeling material MM from the nozzle opening 62, and the suction unit 75 temporarily sucks the modeling material from the nozzle 61. After changing the position of the nozzle 61, the control unit 300 opens the flow path 65 with the discharge adjustment unit 70 while discharging the modeling material from the suction unit 75, thereby restarting the deposition of the modeling material MM from the new position of the nozzle 61.

[0035] 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing device 400. The information processing device 400 is configured as a computer in which a CPU 410, a memory 420, a storage device 430, a communication interface 440, and an input / output interface 450 are interconnected via a bus 460. An input device 470 such as a keyboard or a mouse, and a display unit 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 three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 via the communication interface 440.

[0036] The CPU 410 functions as a data generation unit 411 by executing a program stored in the storage device 430. The data generation unit 411 generates modeling data that the 3D modeling device 100 uses to model a 3D object. The modeling data includes, for each layer obtained by slicing the shape of the model into multiple slices, path information that indicates the movement path of the nozzle 61 and discharge amount information that indicates the amount of modeling material discharged on each movement path.

[0037] 6 is a flowchart of a modeling process executed in the three-dimensional modeling system 10. The modeling process is a process for realizing the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object according to the present disclosure and the data generation method according to the present disclosure. The processes of steps S10 to S60 shown in FIG. 6 are executed by the information processing device 400, and the process of step S70 is executed by the three-dimensional modeling device 100. The processes of steps S10 to S60 correspond to the processes for realizing the data generation method according to the present disclosure.

[0038] In step S10, the data generation unit 411 of the information processing device 400 acquires first shape data SD1. In step S10, the data generation unit 411 acquires the first shape data SD1, for example, from another computer, a recording medium, or the storage device 430. The first shape data SD1 is data representing the three-dimensional shape of a three-dimensional object. Hereinafter, a three-dimensional object having a three-dimensional shape represented by the first shape data SD1 will also be referred to as a first object OB1. The first shape data SD1 is created using three-dimensional CAD software, three-dimensional CG software, or the like. Data representing a three-dimensional shape, such as the first shape data SD1, is also collectively referred to as "shape data." As the shape data, for example, data in STL format or AMF format is used. In FIG. 6, the three-dimensional shape represented by the shape data is hatched with a dotted pattern.

[0039] In step S20, the data generation unit 411 acquires the first modeling data MD1. The first modeling data MD1 is modeling data for modeling the first object OB1. In step S10, the data generation unit 411 generates the first modeling data MD1 by analyzing the first shape data SD1 using, for example, slicer software, and acquires the first modeling data MD1. Note that in other embodiments, the data generation unit 411 may acquire the first modeling data MD1 from another computer or a recording medium. Steps S10 and S20 correspond to a first acquisition step in this disclosure.

[0040] In step S30, the data generation unit 411 displays the three-dimensional shape of the three-dimensional object on the display unit 480 based on the first shape data SD1 acquired in step S10. Specifically, in step S30, the three-dimensional shape of the first object OB1 is displayed on the display unit 480. Step S30 corresponds to the display step in this disclosure. Note that in step S30 in this embodiment, in addition to the three-dimensional shape of the first object OB1, supplementary information, which will be described later, is also displayed on the display unit 480.

[0041] In step S40, the data generation unit 411 acquires the user's items of interest. The items of interest relate to the formation of a three-dimensional object. In this embodiment, the data generation unit 411 acquires the items of interest input by the user via the input device 470. Details of the items of interest will be described later. Note that the data generation unit 411 may associate the items of interest acquired in step S40 with, for example, the user's identification information and store them in another computer, a recording medium, or the storage device 430. Step S40 corresponds to a third acquisition step in the present disclosure.

[0042] In step S50, the data generation unit 411 determines a target area MA of the three-dimensional object displayed on the display unit 480 based on a designated area DA that specifies a range in three-dimensional space. More specifically, the target area MA is an area of ​​the three-dimensional shape of the first object OB1 represented by the first shape data SD1 that overlaps with the designated area DA. The designated area DA may include a spatial region where the three-dimensional shape of the first object OB1 does not exist, or may not include a spatial region. As shown in FIG. 6 , in the first embodiment, the data generation unit 411 determines the designated area DA by receiving a designation of the range of the designated area DA from the user via the input device 470. The designated area DA is determined, for example, by the user inputting numerical coordinates representing the range of the designated area DA using a keyboard or by operating a mouse to drag and select the range of the designated area DA. The designated area DA may be determined as a continuous area that includes multiple separate areas selected by the user. Of the first object OB1, a target portion, which is a portion corresponding to the target area MA, is actually printed by the 3D printing device 100. Hereinafter, of the first object OB1, a portion corresponding to a non-target area different from the target area MA will also be referred to as a "non-target portion." In this embodiment, the non-target portion is not printed by the 3D printing device 100. Step S50 corresponds to the determination step in this disclosure.

[0043] In step S60, the data generation unit 411 selects data of a portion of the first printing data MD1 that corresponds to the determined target area MA, and generates second printing data MD2. In step S60, multiple pieces of second printing data MD2 are generated. The second printing data MD2 is printing data for printing a second object OB2. The second object OB2 is a part of the first object OB1, and includes at least the target portion. In this embodiment, the second object OB2 corresponds to the target portion. Step S60 corresponds to the data generation step in this disclosure.

[0044] In the data generation step, the data generation unit 411 determines one or more parameter items related to three-dimensional printing in accordance with the item of interest acquired in step S40. The data generation unit 411 then generates each piece of second printing data MD2 by setting multiple parameter conditions for each piece of second printing data MD2. That is, different parameter conditions are set for each piece of second printing data MD2. The parameter conditions include parameter values ​​for each parameter item. Note that "different parameter conditions" means that the combinations of parameter values ​​included in the parameter conditions are different. In particular, when there is a single parameter item, "different parameter conditions" means that the parameter values ​​for that parameter item are different. The parameter conditions determined for each piece of second printing data MD2 are reflected in each piece of second printing data MD2. As a result, each second object OB2 is printed under different printing conditions that reflect the parameter conditions.

[0045] In step S70, the control unit 300 of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 performs three-dimensional printing based on the second printing data MD2. Specifically, in step S70, the control unit 300 first acquires each piece of second printing data MD2 generated by the data generation unit 411 in step S60. Next, the control unit 300 controls the discharging unit 60 and the moving mechanism 230 based on each piece of acquired second printing data MD2, and causes the discharging unit 60 to discharge the printing material toward the stage 210 to stack layers, thereby printing each second object OB2 on the stage 210. Step S70 corresponds to the printing process in this disclosure.

[0046] Fig. 7 is a first schematic diagram illustrating the generation of modeling data. Fig. 8 is a second schematic diagram illustrating the generation of modeling data. Figs. 7 and 8 show how second modeling data MD2 is generated for a doughnut-shaped first object OB1.

[0047] First, the data generation unit 411 analyzes the first shape data SD1 representing the shape of the first object OB1, and generates first printing data MD1 for printing the entire first object OB1, as shown on the left side of FIG. 7. To generate the first printing data MD1, the data generation unit 411 generates printing paths for each of the outer shell region SA representing the outer shell of the first object OB1 and the infill region IA present inside the outer shell region SA, thereby generating the first printing data MD1. More specifically, the data generation unit 411 analyzes the first shape data SD1 acquired in step S10 and slices the first object OB1 into multiple layers along the XY plane. Then, the data generation unit 411 determines printing paths for each of the outer shell region SA for forming the contour of each layer and the infill region IA present inside the outer shell region SA. The printing paths are path information representing the movement path of the nozzle 61. The path information includes data representing multiple linear movement paths. Each movement path included in the path information includes discharge amount information indicating the amount of modeling material dispensed along that movement path. The data generation unit 411 generates a modeling path by generating path information and discharge amount information for all layers constituting the first object OB1. The line width of the modeling path is determined based on the length of the movement path represented by that modeling path and the amount of modeling material dispensed along that movement path. On the left side of FIG. 7, as the modeling path for modeling the first object OB1, two modeling paths along the outline of the target area MA are shown. Also, as the modeling path for modeling the infill area IA, a modeling path with a concentric infill pattern in which the filling rate of the infill area IA is 100% is shown. A concentric infill pattern is a pattern in which the outline shape of the object gradually becomes smaller toward the center. The filling rate of the infill area IA refers to the proportion of the infill area IA filled with the modeling material. In this embodiment, the filling rate is expressed as the ratio of the area of ​​the infill area IA filled with the modeling material to the area of ​​the entire infill area IA. The number of laps of the modeling pass for modeling the outer shell area SA, the infill pattern for modeling the infill area IA, and the filling rate may be set arbitrarily by the user.

[0048] Next, the data generation unit 411 generates second modeling data MD2 by selecting and extracting data of a portion corresponding to the target area MA from the first modeling data MD1, as shown on the right side of Fig. 7. In this embodiment, in the second acquisition process, a modeling path for enclosing the cross section CS along which the three-dimensional shape represented by the first modeling data MD1 is cut by the target area MA is not generated. In other words, in the second acquisition process, a new modeling path is not generated.

[0049] FIG. 8 shows how a travel path TP different from the modeling path is generated in the second modeling data MD2. In this embodiment, in the process of generating the second modeling data MD2, the data generation unit 411 converts the modeling path included in the data other than the portion corresponding to the target area MA of the first modeling data MD1 into a travel path TP. The travel path TP is a path for moving the nozzle 61 from the discharge end position to the next discharge start position without discharging the modeling material. The data generation unit 411 converts the modeling path into a travel path TP by setting the discharge amount information of the modeling path for modeling the portion other than the portion corresponding to the target area MA to zero. Note that the data generation unit 411 may also construct a travel path that connects the modeling paths over the shortest distance.

[0050] Note that the second printing data MD2 may include support data. When the target portion includes an overhanging portion, the data generation unit 411 generates support data to support the target portion from below. An overhanging portion refers to a protruding portion of a three-dimensional object that is not supported below. In this embodiment, the term "overhanging portion" also includes a bridge portion. A bridge portion refers to a bridge-shaped portion of a three-dimensional object that is supported at both ends. The data generation unit 411 generates support data by identifying a spatial area below the overhanging portion and generating a printing path for that spatial area according to predetermined conditions.

[0051] 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a first object OB1 represented by the first shape data SD1. In FIG. 9, the three-dimensional shape of a first object OB1a represented by the first shape data SD1a is shown as an example of the first object OB1.

[0052] The first object OB1a has a cylindrical shape that is bifurcated along the way. The first object OB1a has a main body portion BD, a first cylindrical portion CL1, a second cylindrical portion CL2, and a flange-shaped portion FL.

[0053] The main body portion BD has a hollow cylindrical shape as a whole. A flange-shaped portion FL is provided on the first end E1 side of the main body portion BD in the axial AX1 direction. The main body portion BD has a hemispherical portion HM on the second end E2 side in the axial AX1 direction. Hereinafter, the direction in the axial AX1 direction from the first end E1 side toward the second end E2 side will also be referred to as the first direction D1. The hemispherical portion HM has a hemispherical shape that is convex in the first direction D1. The end of the hemispherical portion HM on the first direction D1 side forms the second end E2. Hereinafter, the first object OB1a will be described assuming that the first direction D1 is oriented in the +Z direction, unless otherwise specified.

[0054] A first opening OP1 is formed at the first end E1. A second opening OP2 is formed at the second end E2. A third opening OP3 is formed in a curved portion of the hemispherical portion HM that is different from the second end E2. The first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3 each connect the hollow portion within the main body portion BD to the outside.

[0055] The first cylindrical portion CL1 has a hollow cylindrical shape along the axis AX1. The first cylindrical portion CL1 is thinner than the main body portion BD. The first cylindrical portion CL1 is arranged on the first direction D1 side of the main body portion BD so that the first hollow portion HL1 of the first cylindrical portion CL1 communicates with the second opening portion OP2. More specifically, the first cylindrical portion CL1 is arranged to protrude in the +Z direction from the end of the main body portion BD on the first direction D1 side. The second cylindrical portion CL2 has a hollow cylindrical shape. The second cylindrical portion CL2 is thinner than the main body portion BD. The second cylindrical portion CL2 is arranged so that the axis AX2 of the second cylindrical portion CL2 intersects with the axis AX1. The direction of the axis AX2 is inclined from the direction perpendicular to the axis AX1. The second cylindrical portion CL2 is arranged on the hemispherical portion HM so that the second hollow portion HL2 of the second cylindrical portion CL2 communicates with the third opening portion OP3. More specifically, the second cylindrical portion CL2 is provided so as to protrude in the +Z direction and the +X direction from the hemispherical portion HM of the main body portion BD.

[0056] The flange portion FL has a circular flange shape. The flange portion FL is arranged so that the thickness direction of the flange portion FL is along the first direction D1. The flange portion FL has a first through hole TH1, a second through hole TH2, and a third through hole TH3. The first through hole TH1, the second through hole TH2, and the third through hole TH3 each penetrate the flange portion FL in the thickness direction, i.e., in the first direction D1.

[0057] 9 shows the first object OB1a as well as a connecting member that is connected to the first object OB1a. Specifically, FIG. 9 shows a first piping member PP1, a second piping member PP2, a base member PM, a first fixing member FP1, and a second fixing member FP2 as connecting members. The first piping member PP1 has a first insertion portion IP1 that is inserted into and fitted with the first hollow portion HL1. The first insertion portion IP1 is cylindrical and has an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the opening diameter of the first hollow portion HL1. The second piping member PP2 has a second insertion portion IP2 that is inserted into and fitted with the second hollow portion HL2. The second insertion portion IP2 is cylindrical and has an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the opening diameter of the second hollow portion HL2. The base member PM has a rectangular plate shape.

[0058] The base member PM is disposed such that the thickness direction of the base member PM is aligned with the first direction D1. The base member PM has a pin portion PN, a first fixing hole FH1, and a second fixing hole FH2. The pin portion PN protrudes in the first direction D1 from the surface of the base member PM on the first direction D1 side. The pin portion PN has a solid cylindrical shape and an outer diameter slightly smaller than the opening diameter of the third through hole TH3. The pin portion PN is inserted into and fitted into the third through hole TH3. The first fixing hole FH1 and the second fixing hole FH2 are each provided on the surface of the base member PM on the first direction D1 side. The first fixing hole FH1 has approximately the same opening diameter as the first through hole TH1 and is located at a position corresponding to the first through hole TH1 in the XY directions. Similarly, the second fixing hole FH2 has approximately the same opening diameter as the second through hole TH2 and is located at a position corresponding to the second through hole TH2 in the XY directions. The first fixing member FP1 has a first shank AP1. The first shank AP1 is solid and cylindrical, with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the opening diameter of the first through-hole TH1, and is inserted into and fitted with the first through-hole TH1 and the first fixing hole FH1. The second fixing member FP2 has a second shank AP2. The second shank AP2 is solid and cylindrical, with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the opening diameter of the second through-hole TH2, and is inserted into and fitted with the second through-hole TH2 and the second fixing hole FH2. By fitting the first fixing member FP1, the second fixing member FP2, and the pin portion PN in this manner, the flange-shaped portion FL is fixed to the base member PM.

[0059] The first shape data SD1 in this embodiment includes incidental information. The incidental information is information that is added to the three-dimensional shape of the first object OB1 in the first shape data SD1. The incidental information in this embodiment includes accuracy information and connectivity information. The accuracy information indicates the required accuracy for each portion of the first object OB1. A "portion of the first object OB1" in the incidental information is, for example, a portion configured by one or more voxels or one or more polygons. A "portion of the first object OB1" may be, for example, a portion grouped by shape or function of the first object OB1, such as the main body portion BD, the flange portion FL, the first through-hole TH1, or the second through-hole TH2. The connectivity information is information regarding the connection of each portion of the first object OB1 with other members.

[0060] In this embodiment, the data generation unit 411 is configured to be able to display the incidental information on the display unit 480. The incidental information may be displayed, for example, near a portion of the first object OB1 associated with the incidental information, or may be displayed as a list on the display unit 480. Furthermore, for example, when a portion of the first object OB1 associated with the incidental information is selected by the user, the incidental information may be displayed as a pop-up near the portion or in an arbitrary area on the display unit 480.

[0061] The accuracy information indicates, for example, dimensional accuracy and surface accuracy. FIG. 9 shows first dimensional information AC1, second dimensional information AC2, and third dimensional information AC3 as examples of accuracy information. The first dimensional information AC1 is associated with the first through hole TH1 and indicates the dimension and dimensional accuracy of the opening diameter of the first through hole TH1. The second dimensional information AC2 is associated with the second through hole TH2 and indicates the dimension and dimensional accuracy of the opening diameter of the second through hole TH2. The third dimensional information AC3 is associated with the third through hole TH3 and indicates the dimension and dimensional accuracy of the opening diameter of the third through hole TH3. As shown in FIG. 9, the dimensional accuracy indicated by the first dimensional information AC1 and the second dimensional information AC2 is ±0.1 mm. The dimensional accuracy indicated by the third dimensional information AC3 is ±0.05 mm. That is, in the first object OB1, the dimensional accuracy required for the opening diameter of the third through hole TH3 is higher than the dimensional accuracy required for the opening diameters of the first through hole TH1 and the second through hole TH2.

[0062] The connection information may be, for example, simply information indicating that some connecting member is connected to each portion of the first object OB1, or may be identification information of the connecting member connected to each portion of the first object OB1. Furthermore, the connection information may be information indicating the three-dimensional shape of the connecting member, information indicating the dimensions of the connecting member, or information indicating the precision of the connecting member. FIG. 9 shows examples of the connection information, including first connection information CN1, second connection information CN2, and third connection information CN3. The first connection information CN1 is associated with the first cylindrical portion CL1 and represents information regarding the connection between the first cylindrical portion CL1 and the first piping member PP1. The second connection information CN2 is associated with the second cylindrical portion CL2 and represents information regarding the connection between the second cylindrical portion CL2 and the second piping member PP2. The third connection information CN3 is associated with the flange-shaped portion FL and represents information regarding the connection between the flange-shaped portion FL and the base member PM, the first fixing member FP1, and the second fixing member FP2. In this embodiment, the connection information is information indicating the three-dimensional shape of the connecting member. It can also be said that the three-dimensional shapes of the first piping member PP1, the second piping member PP2, the base member PM, the first fixing member FP1, and the second fixing member FP2 in FIG. 9 each represent a three-dimensional shape represented by the connection information.

[0063] Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the first shape data SD1a is loaded into the slicer software. Fig. 10 shows a display screen SS displayed by the slicer software function on the display unit 480. When the first shape data SD1a is loaded into the slicer software, as shown in Fig. 10, the slicer software handles information representing the three-dimensional shape of the first object OB1a, but does not handle any additional information.

[0064] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing examples of items of interest and parameter items. FIG. 11 shows examples of items of interest and examples of parameter items determined according to each example item of interest. Specifically, FIG. 11 shows the overall shape, accuracy, and strength-weight balance of a three-dimensional object as examples of items of interest. FIG. 11 also shows model enlargement ratio, layer pitch, void removal, fill ratio, and infill pattern as examples of parameter items. In this embodiment, when the overall shape is determined as the item of interest, the model enlargement ratio is determined as the parameter item. When accuracy is determined as the item of interest, the layer pitch and void removal are determined as the parameter items. When strength-weight balance is determined as the item of interest, the fill ratio and infill pattern are determined as the parameter items.

[0065] "Overall shape" shown in FIG. 11 is an item of interest related to the overall shape of the three-dimensional object to be formed. "Overall shape" includes "overall size." "Accuracy" is an item of interest related to the accuracy of the three-dimensional object to be formed, for example, the surface accuracy and dimensional accuracy of each part of the three-dimensional object. "Strength and weight balance" is an item of interest related to the balance between the strength and weight of the three-dimensional object. In other words, the strength and weight balance relates to the strength and weight of the three-dimensional object. In this embodiment, for example, in step S40 of FIG. 6, the data generation unit 411 displays each of the items of interest shown in FIG. 11 on the display unit 480 so that the user can select them. Then, the data generation unit 411 acquires one or more items of interest selected by the user.

[0066] "Model enlargement ratio" shown in FIG. 11 is a parameter item that represents the enlargement ratio of the second object OB2 from the reference size. The reference size in this embodiment is the size of the portion of the three-dimensional shape represented by the first shape data SD1 that corresponds to the second object OB2. "Layer pitch" is a parameter item that represents the height of each layer ML. "Gap removal" is a parameter item that relates to whether or not to remove voids contained in the layer ML. In other words, void removal relates to the void volume, which is the amount of voids contained in the layer ML. "Filling ratio" is a parameter item that represents the filling ratio of the infill area IA described above. "Infill pattern" is a parameter item that represents the type of infill pattern described above.

[0067] A "gap" in layer ML refers to an area of ​​the three-dimensional shape represented in the shape data where no modeling path is generated due to setting values ​​such as the line width, number of cycles, number of lines, and path pattern of the modeling path when generating the modeling data. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the parameter value for gap removal is determined as either a parameter value indicating that gap removal is ON or a parameter value indicating that gap removal is OFF. When gap removal is ON, for example, a command to expand the line width of the path near the gap or a new modeling path to fill the gap is added to the modeling data containing the gap. The ON and OFF states of gap removal are represented by arbitrary parameter values ​​that are different from each other, such as "1" and "2." In a similar manner, each different infill pattern is represented by a different arbitrary parameter.

[0068] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of the determination step. The left side of FIG. 12 shows how a circular designated area DAa is determined. The designated area DAa includes a first through hole TH1, a second through hole TH2, and a third through hole TH3. Specifically, the designated area DAa is determined as a continuous area including mutually separated areas DA1, DA2, and DA3 specified by the user. Areas DA1 to DA3 are each cylindrical areas. Areas DA1 to DA3 have the same shape and size. Area DA1 includes the first through hole TH1. Area DA2 includes the second through hole TH2. Area DA3 includes the third through hole TH3.

[0069] In this embodiment, the display unit 480 displays the shape of the first object OB1 along with the accompanying information, allowing the user to specify the designated area DA while appropriately checking the accompanying information on the display unit 480. For example, in the example of FIG. 12, the user specifies one or more areas to include the first through hole TH1, the second through hole TH2, and the third through hole TH3, each of which has associated accuracy information. As a result, the above areas DA1 to DA3 are specified, and the designated area DAa is determined. The right side of FIG. 12 also shows how the target area MAa is determined. The target area MAa is an area of ​​the first object OB1a that overlaps with the designated area DAa. The target area MAa is an area that includes the flange-shaped portion FL. Specifically, the target area MAa includes only the flange-shaped portion FL of the first object OB1a.

[0070] 12, in this embodiment, the data generation unit 411 displays the determined target area MA on the display unit 480. In other embodiments, the data generation unit 411 does not have to display the target area MA on the display unit 480.

[0071] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a first example of the data generating step. FIG. 13 illustrates an example in which the target area MAa shown in FIG. 12 is determined as the target area MA in the determining step, and the overall shape is acquired as the item of interest in the second acquiring step. In the example of FIG. 13, the data generating unit 411 determines a model magnification ratio as a parameter item in accordance with the overall shape as the item of interest. Then, the data generating unit 411 determines parameter conditions, each having a different parameter value for the model magnification ratio, for each of the second forming data MD2. In the example of FIG. 13, conditions Cn1a, Cn1b, Cn1c, Cn1d, and Cn1e as parameter conditions are set for the second forming data Dt1a, Dt1b, Dt1c, Dt1d, and Dt1e, respectively. The conditions Cn1a, Cn1b, Cn1c, Cn1d, and Cn1e include parameter values ​​for the model magnification ratio of +10%, +8%, +6%, +4%, and +2%, respectively. The second formation data Dt1a, Dt1b, Dt1c, Dt1d, and Dt1e are generated as formation data for forming a second object OB2 with model enlargement ratios of +10%, +8%, +6%, +4%, and +2%, respectively.

[0072] Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of the determination step. The left side of Fig. 14 shows how the designated area DAb is determined. The designated area DAb is a rectangular parallelepiped area. The designated area DAb is determined, for example, as a result of designating one or more areas so as to include the second cylindrical portion CL2 associated with the second linkage information CN2. The right side of Fig. 14 shows how the target area MAb is determined. The target area MAb is an area of ​​the first object OB1a that overlaps with the designated area DAb.

[0073] 12 and 14, the shape of the designated area DA may be any shape. The shape of the designated area DA may be any shape, such as various cylindrical shapes, various columnar shapes, various conical shapes, spherical shapes, hemispherical shapes, or shapes including various curved shapes and curved surface shapes. The number of designated areas DA may also be any number. For example, the number of designated areas DA is not limited to one, but may be two. The number, shape, and size of the designated areas DA may be selectable by the user via the input device 470.

[0074] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a second example of the data generating step. Fig. 15 shows an example in which the target area MAb shown in Fig. 14 is determined as the target area MA in the determining step, and accuracy is acquired as the item of interest in the second acquiring step. In the example of Fig. 15, the data generating unit 411 determines layer pitch and void removal as parameter items in accordance with accuracy as the item of interest. Then, the data generating unit 411 determines, for each of the second forming data MD2 to be generated, parameter conditions each having a different combination of parameter values ​​for layer pitch and void removal.

[0075] In the example of FIG. 15, conditions Cn2a, Cn2b, Cn2c, Cn2d, Cn2e, and Cn2f are set as parameter conditions for the second modeling data Dt2a, Dt2b, Dt2c, Dt2d, Dt2e, and Dt2f, respectively. The combination of parameter values ​​for layer pitch and void removal under condition Cn2a is a combination of a value representing a layer pitch of 0.3 mm and a value representing void removal being ON. As a result, the second modeling data Dt2a is generated as modeling data for modeling a second object OB2 with a layer pitch of 0.3 mm and with void removal performed. Conditions Cn2b to Cn2f are also determined in substantially the same manner as condition Cn2a. The parameter value for layer pitch under condition Cn2b is a value representing a layer pitch of 0.3 mm. The parameter value for layer pitch under conditions Cn2c and Cn2d is a value representing a layer pitch of 0.2 mm. The parameter value for layer pitch under conditions Cn2e and Cn2f is a value representing a layer pitch of 0.1 mm. The parameter value for gap removal under conditions Cn2c and Cn2e is a value representing gap removal ON. The parameter value for gap removal under conditions Cn2b, Cn2d, and Cn2f is a value representing gap removal OFF.

[0076] Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating a third example of the data generating process. Fig. 16 illustrates an example in which a target area MAb is determined as the target area MA in the determining process, and a strength weight balance is acquired as the item of interest in the second acquiring process. In the example of Fig. 16, the data generating unit 411 determines a filling rate and an infill pattern as parameter items according to the strength weight balance as the item of interest. Then, the data generating unit 411 determines, for each of the second forming data MD2, parameter conditions each having a different combination of parameter values ​​for the filling rate and the infill pattern.

[0077] In the example of FIG. 16, conditions Cn3a, Cn3b, Cn3c, Cn3d, Cn3e, and Cn3f are determined as parameter conditions for the second modeling data Dt3a, Dt3b, Dt3c, Dt3d, Dt3e, and Dt3f, respectively. The combination of parameter values ​​for the filling rate and infill pattern under condition Cn3a is a combination of a value representing a filling rate of 90% and a value representing pattern Pt1. Pattern Pt1 is a zigzag infill pattern. As a result, the second modeling data Dt3a is generated as modeling data for modeling a second object OB2 with a filling rate of 90% and a zigzag infill pattern. Conditions Cn3b to Cn3f are also substantially similar to condition Cn3a. The parameter value for the filling rate under condition Cn3b is a value representing a filling rate of 90%. The parameter value for the filling rate under conditions Cn3c and Cn3d is a value that represents a filling rate of 80%. The parameter value for the filling rate under conditions Cn3e and Cn3f is a value that represents a filling rate of 70%. The parameter value for the infill pattern under conditions Cn3c and Cn3e is a value that represents pattern Pt1. The parameter value for the infill pattern under conditions Cn3b, Cn3d, and Cn3f is a value that represents pattern Pt2. Pattern Pt2 is a honeycomb-shaped infill pattern.

[0078] 6, a portion of the first object OB1 that includes the target portion is formed as each second object OB2 based on each second formation data MD2 acquired as described above. In this embodiment, in step S70, the target portion is formed as each second object OB2.

[0079] According to the first embodiment described above, the target area MA of the first object OB1 displayed on the display unit 480 based on the first shape data SD1 is determined based on the designated area DA. Then, from the first modeling data MD1 generated based on the first shape data SD1, data of a portion corresponding to the determined target area MA is selected, thereby obtaining multiple pieces of second modeling data MD2. Three-dimensional modeling is then performed based on each piece of obtained second modeling data MD2. This reduces the modeling time during test modeling and the amount of modeling material used. This effect is particularly noticeable when performing test modeling of a large-sized three-dimensional object.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the auxiliary information included in the first shape data SD1 is displayed on the display unit 480. Therefore, the user can specify the designated area DA while visually checking the three-dimensional shape of the first object OB1 and the auxiliary information displayed on the display unit 480. As a result, the likelihood that the designated area DA and the target area MA will be appropriately determined is increased, and the likelihood that test printing will be performed more effectively is increased. In particular, in this embodiment, accuracy information is included in the auxiliary information, so it is possible to easily specify a designated area DA in which, for example, a portion of the first object OB1 requiring higher accuracy will be test printed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, connection information is included in the auxiliary information, so it is possible to easily specify a designated area DA in which, for example, a portion of the first object OB1 to which a connecting member is connected will be test printed. It is preferable that the portion of the first object OB1 to which the connecting member is connected is formed to have at least the accuracy and strength necessary to appropriately connect the connecting member. In this embodiment, by test printing the portion of the first object OB1 associated with the supplementary information, it is possible to efficiently search for printing conditions that enable more appropriate printing of a three-dimensional object including such a portion.

[0081] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, data of a portion corresponding to the target area MA is selected from the first printing data MD1 for printing the entire first object OB1, and second printing data MD2 for printing a second object OB2 including a symmetrical portion is generated. Therefore, the second object OB2 can be printed using the same printing path as when printing the entire first object OB1. As a result, the printing accuracy of the target portion can be made closer to the printing accuracy when printing the entire first object OB1. Here, for example, unlike the present embodiment, in an embodiment in which data of a portion corresponding to the target area MA is selected from the first shape data SD1 and printing data is generated based on the selected data, i.e., a pre-selected shape, a printing path different from that of the first printing data MD1 is usually generated for the portion corresponding to the cross section CS shown in FIG. 7 . More specifically, in other embodiments, for example, in the first modeling data MD1, a modeling path is generated for modeling the infill area IA in a portion of the part corresponding to the cross section CS, whereas in the modeling data generated based on the selected shape, a modeling path is generated for modeling the outer shell area SA in the entire portion corresponding to the cross section CS. In contrast, in this embodiment, a modeling path for modeling the infill area IA can be generated in both the first modeling data MD1 and the second modeling data MD2 in a portion of the part corresponding to the cross section CS.

[0082] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the data generating unit 411 accepts the designation of the designated area DA from the user, so the user can designate the designated area DA to be any range.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the data generation step, one or more parameter items are determined according to the item of interest, and parameter conditions including parameter values ​​of each parameter item are set for each piece of second modeling data MD2, thereby generating each piece of second modeling data MD2. Therefore, by performing test modeling based on each piece of second modeling data MD2, each second object OB2 can be modeled under different modeling conditions depending on the item of interest. By checking the shape and characteristics of each second object OB2 modeled in this way, the user can efficiently explore modeling conditions for modeling a three-dimensional object with the desired shape and characteristics.

[0084] In this embodiment, the item of interest includes the overall shape of the 3D object, and the parameter item includes the model magnification ratio. According to this embodiment, in test printing, 3D printing is performed in accordance with each of the generated second printing data MD2, thereby making it possible to print second objects OB2 with different model magnification ratios. By checking the overall shape of each of the second objects OB2 printed in this manner, the user can efficiently explore printing conditions for optimizing the overall shape.

[0085] Here, for example, during or after modeling, cooling of the layers of the modeling material constituting the three-dimensional object can cause the three-dimensional object to shrink overall, resulting in a change in its overall shape. Furthermore, for example, when a three-dimensional object is manufactured as a work-in-progress using a modeling material containing a powder of a metallic material, such as a metal or ceramic, and a binder, and the manufactured work-in-progress is sintered to obtain a finished three-dimensional object, the three-dimensional object can shrink overall and change its overall shape due to sintering. In such cases, if a three-dimensional object is manufactured at the same actual size as the desired size, the overall shape of the resulting three-dimensional object may differ from the desired shape. To suppress such shape differences due to shrinkage of the three-dimensional object, it is effective to enlarge the three-dimensional object in advance by a predetermined magnification in anticipation of the shrinkage. Therefore, when the item of interest is the overall shape of a three-dimensional object, by determining the model enlargement rate as a parameter item, it is possible to efficiently search for modeling conditions that can effectively suppress differences in the overall shape.

[0086] In this embodiment, the item of interest includes the accuracy of the three-dimensional object, and the parameter items include the layer pitch and the void volume. According to this embodiment, in test printing, by performing three-dimensional printing in accordance with each of the generated second printing data MD2, second objects OB2 having different layer pitches and void volumes can be printed. By checking the accuracy of each of the second objects OB2 printed in this manner, the user can efficiently explore printing conditions for optimizing the accuracy. Note that, from the perspective of achieving this effect, if the item of interest includes accuracy, it is preferable that at least one of the layer pitch and the void volume be determined as the parameter item.

[0087] Generally, the smaller the layer pitch and the smaller the amount of voids, the more precisely the three-dimensional object is formed. As a result, the accuracy of the three-dimensional object improves. On the other hand, the smaller the layer pitch and the smaller the amount of voids, the longer the modeling time required to form the three-dimensional object. Therefore, when the accuracy of the three-dimensional object is of interest, by determining at least one of the layer pitch and the amount of voids as a parameter, it is possible to efficiently find modeling conditions that achieve both the desired accuracy and the desired modeling time.

[0088] In this embodiment, the items of interest include the strength and weight of the three-dimensional object, and the parameters include the fill rate and infill pattern. According to this embodiment, in test printing, by performing three-dimensional printing in accordance with each of the generated second printing data MD2, second objects OB2 with different fill rates and infill patterns can be printed. By checking the strength and weight of each of the second objects OB2 printed in this manner, the user can efficiently explore printing conditions for optimizing the strength and weight. From the perspective of achieving this effect, when the items of interest include at least one of strength and weight, it is preferable to determine at least one of fill rate and infill pattern as the parameter items.

[0089] Here, for example, the higher the filling rate, the higher the density of the modeling material in the three-dimensional object, and the stronger the three-dimensional object tends to be. On the other hand, the higher the filling rate, the heavier the three-dimensional object becomes. Similarly, the strength and weight of the three-dimensional object can change by changing the infill pattern. Therefore, when the items of interest include at least one of the strength and weight of the three-dimensional object, determining at least one of the filling rate and the infill pattern as a parameter item makes it possible to efficiently search for modeling conditions that achieve, for example, a desired high strength and a desired low weight.

[0090] B. Second embodiment: FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the modeling process in the second embodiment. The configuration of the 3D modeling system 10 in the second embodiment is the same as that of the 3D modeling system 10 in the first embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the modeling process in the second embodiment includes an inclusive area determination process in step S55, a third acquisition process in step S80, a new data generation process in step S90, and a new modeling process in step S100. In addition, in the modeling process in FIG. 17, the process contents of the determination process in step S50b and the data generation process in step S60b are different from steps S50 and S60 in FIG. 6. In FIG. 17, the same steps as in FIG. 6 are assigned the same step numbers. Points of the modeling process that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first embodiment. Note that the processes of steps S55, S80, and S90 are executed by the information processing device 400, and the process of step S100 is executed by the 3D modeling device 100.

[0091] In step S50b, data generation unit 411 determines a plurality of target regions MA including a first target region and a second target region. The plurality of target regions MA are determined based on a plurality of designated regions DA including a first designated region and a second designated region. The first target region is determined based on the first designated region. The second target region is determined based on the second designated region.

[0092] In step S55, the data generation unit 411 determines an inclusive area for the target area MA. The inclusive area is an area that includes the target area MA and a predetermined non-target area connected to the target area MA. The inclusive area corresponds to a part of the three-dimensional shape of the first object OB1. As will be described later, the inclusive area in this embodiment includes the target area MA as well as at least one of an extracted area and a connected area. Note that inclusive areas do not need to be determined for all target areas MA; for example, inclusive areas may be determined only for target areas MA that satisfy predetermined conditions.

[0093] In the data generation process of step S60b, the data generation unit 411 generates second printing data MD2 for each target area MA by selecting data of a portion of the first printing data MD1 that corresponds to the inclusive area or data of a portion that corresponds to the target area MA. Specifically, for a target area MA for which an inclusive area has been determined, the data generation unit 411 generates partial data for printing the inclusive area by selecting data of a portion of the first printing data MD1 that corresponds to the inclusive area. For a target area MA for which an inclusive area has not been determined, the data generation unit 411 generates partial data for printing the target area MA by selecting data of a portion of the first printing data MD1 that corresponds to the target area MA. The second printing data MD2 includes each of the partial data generated in this manner. In addition, each of the second printing data MD2 in this embodiment is data for printing a second object OB2 that includes a first partial object and a second partial object. The first partial object includes a portion that corresponds to the first target area. The second partial object includes a portion corresponding to the second target region.

[0094] In the third acquisition process of step S80, the data generation unit 411 acquires an evaluation value for each second object OB2 formed based on each piece of second formation data MD2. The data generation unit 411 may acquire an evaluation value input by the user via the input device 470, for example. The data generation unit 411 may also use, as the evaluation value, the difference between a value based on various parameters in each piece of second formation data MD2 and a value based on measurement results of each second object OB2 that was actually formed. In this case, the evaluation value is defined such that, for example, the smaller the difference, the better the evaluation result.

[0095] The evaluation values ​​in this embodiment include a first evaluation value and a second evaluation value. The first evaluation value is an evaluation value for the first partial object. The second evaluation value is an evaluation value for the second partial object.

[0096] In the new data generation process of step S90, the data generation unit 411 generates new printing data for printing the first object OB1, based on the evaluation values ​​acquired in step S80. In step S90, the data generation unit 411 generates new printing data based on, for example, statistics obtained by statistically processing the evaluation values. Examples of statistics include maximum values, minimum values, median values, average values, variances, and standard deviations.

[0097] More specifically, in the new data generation process in this embodiment, the data generation unit 411 generates, among the new modeling data, data for modeling a first target region based on a first parameter condition, and generates data for modeling a second target region based on a second parameter condition. The first parameter condition is the parameter condition with the highest first evaluation value. The second parameter condition is the parameter condition with the highest second evaluation value.

[0098] In the new modeling process of step S100, the control unit 300 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 acquires the new modeling data generated in step S90, and performs three-dimensional modeling based on the new modeling data, thereby modeling a first modeled object OB1.

[0099] 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the determination step and the inclusive area determination step in the second embodiment. FIG. 18 shows a target area MAc determined based on a designated area DAc. The target area MAc includes a first target area MAc1, a second target area MAc2, and a third target area MAc3. In this embodiment, the first target area MAc1, the second target area MAc2, and the third target area MAc3 are each a mutually separate target area MA. Furthermore, the third target area MAc3 includes a mutually separate partial area MP3a, MP3b, and MP3c.

[0100] The first target region MAc1 is a region of the first object OB1a that overlaps with the first designated region DAc1 that is included in the designated region DAc. The first target region MAc1 includes the first cylindrical portion CL1. Specifically, the first target region MAc1 includes only the first cylindrical portion CL1 of the first object OB1a. The second target region MAc2 is a region of the first object OB1a that overlaps with the second designated region DAc2 that is included in the designated region DAc. The second target region MAc2 includes the second cylindrical portion CL2. Specifically, the second target region MAc2 includes only the second cylindrical portion CL2 of the first object OB1a. The third target region MAc3 is a region of the first object OB1a that overlaps with the third designated region DAc3 that is included in the designated region DAc. The third target region MAc3 includes partial regions MP3a, MP3b, and MP3c that are separated from each other. The third designated region DAc3 includes regions DP3a, DP3b, and DP3c that are separated from one another. The partial regions MP3a, MP3b, and MP3c are regions of the first object OB1a that overlap with the regions DP3a, DP3b, and DP3c, respectively.

[0101] 18 shows a first inclusive area CA1, a second inclusive area CA2, and a third inclusive area CA3, which are inclusive areas. In this embodiment, the second object OB2a formed using the second formation data MD2 includes a first partial object P1 corresponding to the first inclusive area CA1, a second partial object P2 corresponding to the second inclusive area CA2, and a third partial object P3 corresponding to the third inclusive area CA3.

[0102] The first inclusive area CA1 is composed of a first target area MAc1 and an extraction area EA1. Such an extraction area is extracted to maintain the height of the target area MA in the second modeling data MD2 in the stacking direction at the same height as the height of the target area MA in the first modeling data MD1 in the stacking direction. Specifically, the extraction area EA1 is a region connecting the first end E1 and the first target area MAc1. The second inclusive area CA2 is composed of a second target area MAc2 and an extraction area EA2. The extraction area EA2 is a region connecting the first end E1 and the second target area MAc2. Here, depending on the height of the target area MA in the stacking direction, the distance of the target area MA from the stage 210 or the modeling unit 110 during modeling changes, and the amount of heat reaching the target area MA from the barrel heater 58 or the stage heater 212 changes. Therefore, if the height of the target area MA in the stacking direction differs between the second modeling data MD2 and the first modeling data MD1, the shape and characteristics of the target part to be modeled may differ between the cases where the second modeling data MD2 and the first modeling data MD1 are used. By extracting the extraction area EA1, it is possible to suppress such differences in the shape and characteristics of the target part resulting from differences in the height of the target area MA in the stacking direction.

[0103] The third inclusive area CA3 is composed of a third target area MAc3 and a connection area CP3. This area connects the partial areas included in the target area MA. The connection area CP3 includes a connection area CP3a, a connection area CP3b, and a connection area CP3b. The connection area CP3a linearly connects the partial areas MP3a and MP3b. The connection area CP3b linearly connects the partial areas MP3b and MP3c. The connection area CP3c linearly connects the partial areas MP3a and MP3c. By setting such connection areas, even if the target area MA includes multiple separate partial areas, a three-dimensional object in which the partial areas are appropriately connected can be formed in test printing. This improves user convenience, for example, in terms of managing and transporting the three-dimensional object formed by test printing.

[0104] 18, in step S60b shown in FIG. 17, for the first target region MAc1 in which the first inclusive region CA1 has been determined, the data generation unit 411 generates partial data for forming the first inclusive region CA1 by selecting data of a portion of the first formation data MD1 that corresponds to the first inclusive region CA1. Similarly, for the second target region MAc2, the data generation unit 411 generates partial data for forming the second inclusive region CA2 by selecting data of a portion of the first formation data MD1 that corresponds to the second inclusive region CA2. Furthermore, for the third target region MAc3, the data generation unit 411 generates partial data for forming the third inclusive region CA3 by selecting data of a portion of the first formation data MD1 that corresponds to the third inclusive region CA3.

[0105] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the data generation process in the second embodiment. Fig. 19 shows an example in which a first target area MAc1, a second target area MAc2, and a third target area MAc3 are determined as the target area MA in the determination process, and accuracy is acquired as the item of interest in the second acquisition process.

[0106] In the example of FIG. 19, conditions Cn4a, Cn4b, Cn4c, Cn4d, Cn4e, and Cn4f are determined as parameter conditions for the second modeling data Dt4a, Dt4b, Dt4c, Dt4d, Dt4e, and Dt4f, respectively. For example, the combination of parameter values ​​of the filling rate and the infill pattern in condition Cn4a is a combination of a value representing a filling rate of 90% and a value representing the pattern Pt1. In addition, conditions Cn4b to Cn4f are determined in substantially the same manner as condition Cn4a. The parameter value of the filling rate in condition Cn4b is a value representing a filling rate of 90%. The parameter value of the filling rate in conditions Cn4c and Cn4d is a value representing a filling rate of 80%. The parameter value of the filling rate in conditions Cn4e and Cn4f is a value representing a filling rate of 70%. The parameter value of the infill pattern in conditions Cn4c and Cn4e is a value representing the pattern Pt1. The parameter values ​​of the infill patterns in the conditions Cn4b, Cn4d, and Cn4f are values ​​that represent the pattern Pt2.

[0107] The second formation data Dt4a to Dt4f correspond to the second formation data MD2 for forming the second object OB2, which has a first partial object P1, a second partial object P2, and a third partial object P3, under different conditions. It can also be said that the second formation data Dt4a to Dt4f each include data for forming the first partial object P1, data for forming the second partial object P2, and data for forming the third partial object P3. For example, in step S70 of Fig. 17 , the control unit 300 forms the first partial object P1 to the third partial object P3 with a filling rate of 90% and using the infill pattern of pattern Pt1, based on the second formation data Dt4a.

[0108] 19 shows a first evaluation value, a second evaluation value, and a third evaluation value. The first evaluation value is an evaluation value for the first partial object P1. The second evaluation value is an evaluation value for the second partial object P2. The third evaluation value is an evaluation value for the third partial object P3. In the example of FIG. 19, the first parameter condition is condition Cn4f. The second parameter condition is condition Cn4b. The third parameter condition, which is the parameter condition with the highest third evaluation value, is condition Cn4b.

[0109] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a new data generation process in the second embodiment. Fig. 20 shows how new modeling data ND1a for modeling a first object OB1a is generated. Of the new modeling data ND1a, data NP1 for modeling a first target region MAc1 is generated based on condition Cn4f, which is a first parameter condition. Of the new modeling data ND1a, data NP2 for modeling a second target region MAc2 is generated based on condition Cn4b, which is a second parameter condition. Of the new modeling data ND1a, data NP3 for modeling a third target region MAc3 is generated based on condition Cn4c, which is a third parameter condition.

[0110] In the example of FIG. 20, data NP1 to NP3 are divided based on the Z coordinates of the first to third target regions MAc1 to MAc3. More specifically, data NP3 is generated as modeling data for modeling a portion from the bottom edge of the first object OB1a to the top edge of the third target region MAc3, which is the lowest of the target regions MA. In the example of FIG. 20, the bottom edge of the first object OB1a is defined by the bottom edge of the third target region MAc3. Data NP2 is generated as modeling data for modeling a portion from the top edge of the third target region MAc3 to the top edge of the second target region MAc2, which is located below the first target region MAc1. Data NP1 is generated as modeling data for modeling a portion from the top edge of the second target region MAc2 to the top edge of the first object OB1a. In the example of FIG. 20, the top edge of the first object OB1a is defined by the top edge of the first target region MAc1. In this embodiment, 50% or more of the volume of first target region MAc1 is included in the area formed by data NP1, 50% or more of the volume of second target region MAc2 is included in the area formed by data NP2, and 50% or more of the volume of third target region MAc3 is included in the area formed by data NP3.

[0111] According to the second embodiment described above, in the third acquisition step, an evaluation value is acquired for each second object OB2 that is formed based on each piece of second formation data MD2. Therefore, the data generation unit 411 can, for example, display each acquired evaluation value on the display unit 480, or generate new formation data based on each acquired evaluation value.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the new data generation step, new printing data for printing the first object OB1 is generated based on the evaluation values ​​acquired in the third acquisition step. According to this embodiment, new printing data can be appropriately generated by using the evaluation results of each second object OB2 printed by test printing. Then, by printing the first object OB1 based on the new printing data, it is possible to increase the possibility of obtaining a more appropriate first object OB1.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, of the new modeling data, data for modeling the first target region is generated based on the first parameter conditions that result in the highest first evaluation value for the first partial object. Of the new modeling data, data for modeling the second target region is generated based on the second parameter conditions that result in the highest second evaluation value for the second partial object. According to this aspect, it is possible to optimize the modeling conditions for modeling each target region MA in the new modeling data by using the evaluation results of the first partial objects and the second partial objects modeled by test modeling.

[0114] In other embodiments, different parameter conditions may not be applied to each target area MA when generating new shaping data. In this case, in the example of FIG. 20, new shaping data may be generated based on only the condition Cn4b with the highest average evaluation value. Furthermore, new shaping data may be generated based on only the parameter condition with the highest evaluation value for the target area MA with the highest priority among the first target area MAc1 to the third target area MAc3. This makes it easier to generate new shaping data.

[0115] In other embodiments, the partial data included in the second formation data MD2 may not necessarily be generated collectively, but may be generated separately. Different parameter values ​​may be assigned to each partial data. For example, in the example of Fig. 19, a value representing a pattern Pt1 may be assigned to the partial data for forming the first partial object P1 in the second formation data Dt4a, and a value representing a pattern Pt2 may be assigned to the partial data for forming the second partial object P2 in the second formation data Dt4b.

[0116] C. Third embodiment: FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the determination process and data generation process in the third embodiment. The configuration of the 3D printing system 10 in the third embodiment is the same as that of the 3D printing system 10 in the first embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, in the third embodiment, the parameter items include the arrangement direction of the target area MA in the second printing data MD2. In this embodiment, of the steps shown in FIG. 17, the processing contents of steps S10 to S55 and steps S70 to S100 are the same as those in the second embodiment, so the processing contents of step S60b will be mainly described below.

[0117] 21, the stage surface direction, which is the surface direction of the stage 210, is the XY direction. Also, on the right side of Fig. 21, the target area MA is arranged so that the first direction D1 faces a direction different from the +Z direction.

[0118] 21 shows a target area MAd determined based on a designated area DAd. The designated area DAd includes a first designated area DAd1 and a second designated area DAd2. The target area MAd includes a first target area MAd1 and a second target area MAd2. The first target area MAd1 and the second target area MAd2 are target areas MA that are separate from each other. The first target area MAd1 also includes partial areas MP1a and MP1b that are separate from each other. The partial areas MP1a and MP1b correspond to the first target area MAc1 and the second target area MAc2 shown in FIG. 18, respectively. The second target area MAd2 corresponds to the target area MAa shown in FIG. 12.

[0119] FIG. 21 also shows a fourth inclusive area CA4, which is an inclusive area for the first target area MAd1. The fourth inclusive area CA4 is composed of the first target area MAd1 and a connection area CP4. The connection area CP4 connects the partial areas MP1a and MP1b. In this embodiment, in step S60b of FIG. 17, for the first target area MAd1 for which the fourth inclusive area CA4 has been determined, the data generation unit 411 generates partial data for forming the fourth inclusive area CA4 by selecting data of a portion of the first modeling data MD1 that corresponds to the fourth inclusive area CA4. For the second target area MAd2 for which an inclusive area has not been determined, the data generation unit 411 generates partial data for forming the second target area MAd2 by selecting data of a portion of the first modeling data MD1 that corresponds to the second target area MAc2.

[0120] FIG. 21 shows how conditions Cn5a, Cn5b, Cn5c, and Cn5d are determined as parameter conditions for the second formation data Dt5a, Dt5b, Dt5c, and Dt5d, respectively.

[0121] The parameter value in condition Cn5a is a value representing an arrangement direction in which the axis AX1 of the first cylindrical portion CL1 is aligned with the Z direction and the bottom surface BT1 of the first cylindrical portion CL1 faces the -Z direction. The parameter value in condition Cn5b is a value representing an arrangement direction in which the first axis direction DX1 faces the -Z direction. The first axis direction DX1 is a direction along the intermediate axis AX3, extending from the main body portion BD toward the bottom surfaces BT1 and BT2. The intermediate axis AX3 is an axis that bisects the smaller angle between the axis AX1 of the first cylindrical portion CL1 and the axis AX2 of the second cylindrical portion CL2. The parameter value in condition Cn5c is a value representing an arrangement direction in which the axis AX2 of the second cylindrical portion CL2 is aligned with the Z direction and the bottom surface BT2 of the second cylindrical portion CL2 faces the -Z direction. Determining the arrangement direction of the target region MA in the second modeling data MD2 using such parameter conditions is synonymous with determining the slicing direction in which the target region MA is sliced ​​into layers in the second modeling data MD2.

[0122] The arrangement direction represented by the parameter conditions is not limited to the above and may be any direction. For example, the axial direction of any shaft portion, the surface direction of any flat portion, or the longitudinal direction of any elongated portion may be aligned with or perpendicular to the surface direction of the stage 210. The shaft portion is any of various shaft-shaped portions within the target area MA, such as a rod-shaped portion, a column-shaped portion, or a cylindrical portion. The flat portion does not have to be configured as a uniform plane, and may be, for example, a plane with grooves or recesses formed on its surface, or a plane with protrusions or projections formed on its surface. The elongated portion is a portion whose length in one of three orthogonal directions is longer than its length in the other two directions.

[0123] The first evaluation value and the second evaluation value are shown in Fig. 21. In the example of Fig. 21, the first parameter condition is condition Cn5d, and the second parameter condition is condition Cn5a.

[0124] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing a first example of a new data generation process in the third embodiment. Fig. 22 shows how new modeling data ND2a for modeling a first object OB1a is generated. Of the new modeling data ND2a, data NQ1 for modeling the first target region MAd1 is generated based on condition Cn5d, which is a first parameter condition. Of the new modeling data ND2a, data NQ2 for modeling the second target region MAd2 is generated based on condition Cn5a, which is a second parameter condition. In this way, it is possible to optimize the modeling conditions for modeling each target region MA, or more specifically, the direction in which the layers of each target region MA are modeled.

[0125] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a second example of the new data generation process in the third embodiment. FIG. 23 shows how new modeling data ND3a for modeling a first object OB1a is generated. The new modeling data ND3a is generated based only on the condition Cn5d with the highest average evaluation value shown in FIG. 21. This makes it possible to generate the new modeling data ND3a more easily. Furthermore, the first object OB1a can be modeled more easily based on the new modeling data ND3a.

[0126] According to the third embodiment described above, the parameter items include the arrangement direction of the target area MA in the second printing data MD2. Therefore, the user can efficiently search for an appropriate arrangement direction by checking the shape and characteristics of each second object OB2 to be printed by test printing.

[0127] Note that, when the item of interest includes at least one of the accuracy, strength, and modeling time of the three-dimensional object, it is more preferable that the parameter item include the arrangement direction. This makes it possible to generate multiple second modeling data MD2 with different arrangement directions of the target region MA depending on the accuracy, strength, or modeling time of the item of interest. For example, the surface accuracy of a surface portion included in the three-dimensional object is likely to be improved when the surface portion and the layer ML are parallel, i.e., when the surface portion and the stacking direction are perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, in a three-dimensional object, the strength in the extension direction of the layer ML is likely to be higher than the strength in the stacking direction. Furthermore, the modeling time is likely to be shortened when the longitudinal direction of the long portion of the three-dimensional object is parallel to the extension direction of the layer ML. Therefore, when the item of interest includes accuracy, strength, or modeling time, determining the arrangement direction as a parameter item makes it possible to efficiently explore modeling conditions for optimizing the accuracy, strength, or modeling time.

[0128] D. Other Embodiments: (D1) In each of the above embodiments, the designated area DA is determined by being specified by the user. However, the designated area DA may be determined by the data generation unit 411, for example, rather than being directly specified by the user. For example, the data generation unit 411 may determine the designated area DA based on the accompanying information. More specifically, the data generation unit 411 may determine, as the designated area DA, an area including a region associated with the accompanying information. Furthermore, the data generation unit 411 may determine, as the designated area DA, an area including a region for which a value of accuracy, etc., included in the accompanying information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. When the data generation unit 411 determines the designated area DA based on the accompanying information in this way, it is preferable that the shape of the designated area DA be determined according to the shape of the region associated with the accompanying information on which the designated area DA is based. Specifically, if the shape of the region associated with the accompanying information on which the designated area DA is based is three-dimensional, it is preferable that the shape of the designated area DA be an enlarged shape of that three-dimensional shape. Furthermore, if the shape of the region associated with the accompanying information on which the designated area DA is based is planar, it is preferable that the shape of the designated area DA be an enlarged shape of the three-dimensional shape corresponding to that planar shape.

[0129] The designated area DA may also be determined according to the item of interest. For example, if the item of interest is "accuracy," an area including a portion associated with accuracy information may be determined as the designated area DA. In this case, an area including a portion for which the required accuracy is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold may also be determined as the designated area DA. In this way, the target area MA can be determined according to the item of interest, and a portion of the first object OB1 that corresponds to the item of interest can be modeled as the second object OB2. As a result, test modeling can be performed more effectively.

[0130] (D2) In each of the above embodiments, the data generation unit 411 acquires items of interest input by the user. However, the data generation unit 411 may acquire items of interest without relying on input by the user. For example, the data generation unit 411 may estimate items of interest of the user based on items of interest and modeling data stored in another computer, a recording medium, or the storage device 430, and acquire items of interest based on the estimation result.

[0131] (D3) In each of the above embodiments, the items of interest include at least one of overall shape, accuracy, strength, and weight. However, instead of or in addition to these, other items of interest may be included. Also, in each of the above embodiments, the parameter items include at least one of model magnification ratio, layer pitch, void volume, fill rate, infill pattern, and arrangement direction. However, instead of or in addition to these, other parameter items may be included. Also, the combination of the items of interest and the parameter items determined in accordance with the items of interest may be arbitrary.

[0132] (D4) In each of the above embodiments, a shaping path for surrounding the cutting surface CS is not generated in the second acquisition process. In contrast, a shaping path for surrounding at least a portion of the cutting surface CS may be generated in the second acquisition process. In other words, a new shaping path may be generated in the second acquisition process.

[0133] (D5) In each of the above embodiments, the number of parameter conditions determined for a parameter item may be any number.

[0134] (D6) In each of the above embodiments, for example, the control unit 300 may have the functions of the information processing device 400. In this case, the information processing device 400 does not have to be provided separately from the control unit 300.

[0135] (D7) In each of the above embodiments, the molding unit 110 plasticizes the material using the flat screw 40. However, the molding unit 110 may also plasticize the material by, for example, rotating an in-line screw. Alternatively, the molding unit 110 may also plasticize the filament-shaped material using a heater.

[0136] (D8) In the above embodiments, a material extrusion method for laminating plasticized material has been described as an example, but the present disclosure can be applied to various methods, such as an inkjet method, a DMD (Direct Metal Deposition) method, and a binder jet method.

[0137] E. Other forms: The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be realized in various forms without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the present disclosure can also be realized in the following forms. The technical features in the above embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described below can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the problems of the present disclosure or to achieve some or all of the effects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0138] (1) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a data generation method for generating modeling data for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by stacking layers by discharging a modeling material from a discharging unit toward a stage. The data generation method includes a first acquisition step of acquiring first shape data representing a three-dimensional shape of a first object as the three-dimensional object and first modeling data generated based on the first shape data and for modeling the first object, a display step of displaying the first object on a display unit based on the first shape data, a second acquisition step of acquiring a user's interest in modeling the three-dimensional object, a determination step of determining a target area of ​​the first object displayed on the display unit based on a designated area that specifies a range in three-dimensional space, and a data generation step of selecting data of a portion of the first modeling data that corresponds to the target area, and generating a plurality of second modeling data for modeling a second object as the three-dimensional object. In the data generation process, one or more parameter items related to three-dimensional modeling are determined according to the item of interest, and multiple parameter conditions including parameter values ​​of each of the parameter items are set for each of the second modeling data, thereby generating each of the second modeling data. According to this aspect, a modeled object corresponding to the target region of the three-dimensional object is modeled. Therefore, when test modeling is performed to check the actual modeling state of a portion of the three-dimensional object, modeling of portions other than the portion that requires confirmation is suppressed. Furthermore, according to this aspect, by performing test modeling based on each second modeling data, each second object can be modeled under different modeling conditions depending on the item of interest. By checking the shape and characteristics of each second object modeled in this manner, the user can efficiently explore modeling conditions for modeling a three-dimensional object with the desired shape and characteristics.

[0139] (2) In the above embodiment, the item of interest may include an overall shape of the three-dimensional object, and the parameter item may include a magnification ratio of the second object. According to this embodiment, in test printing, second objects having different magnification ratios can be printed by performing three-dimensional printing in accordance with each of the generated second printing data. By checking the overall shape of each of the second objects printed in this manner, a user can efficiently explore printing conditions for optimizing the overall shape.

[0140] (3) In the above embodiment, the item of interest may include the accuracy of the three-dimensional object, and the parameter items may include at least one of the layer pitch of the layers and the amount of voids in the layers. According to this embodiment, by performing three-dimensional printing in test printing according to each generated second printing data, second objects with different layer pitches or different amounts of voids can be printed. By checking the accuracy of each second object printed in this way, a user can efficiently explore printing conditions to optimize the accuracy.

[0141] (4) In the above embodiment, the item of interest may include at least one of the strength and the weight of the three-dimensional object, and the parameter items may include at least one of the filling rate of an infill region of the layer located inside an outer shell region that forms the outline of the three-dimensional object, and an infill pattern that represents a pattern of a path for filling the infill region. According to this embodiment, by performing three-dimensional printing in test printing based on each generated second printing data, second objects with different filling rates of the infill region or different infill patterns can be printed. By checking the strength or weight of each second object printed in this manner, a user can efficiently explore printing conditions for optimizing the strength or weight.

[0142] (5) In the above aspect, a third acquisition step of acquiring an evaluation value for each of the second objects formed based on the second modeling data may be provided. According to this aspect, the acquired evaluation values ​​can be displayed on a display device, and new modeling data can be generated based on the acquired evaluation values.

[0143] (6) The above aspect may further include a step of generating new modeling data for modeling the first object, based on each of the evaluation values. According to this aspect, new modeling data can be appropriately generated by utilizing the evaluation results of each second object modeled by test modeling.

[0144] (7) In the above aspect, the designated area includes a first designated area and a second designated area, the target area includes a first target area based on the first designated area and a second target area based on the second designated area, each of the second modeling data is data for modeling the second object, including a first partial object including the first target area and a second partial object including the second target area, each of the evaluation values ​​includes a first evaluation value for the first partial object and a second evaluation value for the second partial object, and among the new modeling data, the data for modeling the first target area may be generated based on first parameter conditions that are the parameter conditions with the highest first evaluation value, and the data for modeling the second target area may be generated based on second parameter conditions that are the parameter conditions with the highest second evaluation value. According to this aspect, it is possible to optimize the modeling conditions for modeling each target area in the new modeling data by using the evaluation results of each second object modeled by test modeling.

[0145] (8) In the above aspect, the parameter items may include a placement direction of the target area in the second modeling data. According to this aspect, a user can efficiently search for an appropriate placement direction by checking the shape and characteristics of each second object to be modeled by test modeling.

[0146] (9) In the above aspect, the items of interest may include at least one of the accuracy of the three-dimensional object, the strength of the three-dimensional object, and the modeling time required to model the three-dimensional object. According to this aspect, it is possible to efficiently find modeling conditions that optimize the accuracy, strength, or modeling time.

[0147] (10) In the above-described aspect, in the determining step, the designated area may be determined according to the item of interest. According to this aspect, the target area can be determined according to the item of interest, and therefore a portion of the first object corresponding to the item of interest can be formed as the second object. As a result, test forming can be performed more effectively.

[0148] (11) According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, the method comprising: a first acquisition step of acquiring first shape data representing a three-dimensional shape of a first object as the three-dimensional object, and first modeling data generated based on the first shape data and for modeling the first object, a display step of displaying the first object on a display unit based on the first shape data, a second acquisition step of acquiring a user's interest in modeling of the three-dimensional object, a determination step of determining a target area of ​​the first object displayed on the display unit based on a specified area that specifies a range in three-dimensional space, a data generation step of selecting data of a portion of the first modeling data that corresponds to the target area, and generating a plurality of second modeling data for modeling a second object as the three-dimensional object, and a modeling step of performing three-dimensional modeling by stacking layers by discharging modeling material from a discharging unit toward a stage, based on each of the second modeling data. In the data generation process, one or more parameter items related to three-dimensional modeling are determined according to the item of interest, and multiple parameter conditions including parameter values ​​of each of the parameter items are set for each of the second modeling data, thereby generating each of the second modeling data.

[0149] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described data generation method and method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, but can be realized in various forms, such as a three-dimensional printing system, a three-dimensional printing device, an information processing device, a computer program, and a non-transitory tangible recording medium on which a computer program is recorded in a computer-readable manner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 10...3D modeling system, 20...material supply section, 22...communicating passage, 30...plasticizing section, 31...screw case, 32...drive motor, 40...flat screw, 42...groove section, 43...ridge section, 44...material inlet, 46...center section, 47...upper surface, 48...lower surface, 50...barrel, 52...upper surface, 54...guide groove, 56...communicating hole, 58...barrel heater, 60...discharge section, 61...nozzle, 62...nozzle opening, 65...flow path, 70...discharge adjustment section, 74...first drive section, 75...suction section, 7 6...second drive unit, 77...discharge control unit, 100...three-dimensional modeling apparatus, 110...modeling unit, 210...stage, 211...modeling surface, 212...stage heater, 230...movement mechanism, 300...control unit, 310...processor, 320...storage device, 400...information processing device, 410...CPU, 411...data generation unit, 420...memory, 430...storage device, 440...communication interface, 450...input / output interface, 460...bus, 470...input device, 480...display unit

Claims

1. A data generation method for generating modeling data for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by stacking layers by discharging a modeling material from a discharging unit toward a stage, the method comprising: a first acquisition step of acquiring first shape data representing a three-dimensional shape of a first object as the three-dimensional object, and first modeling data that is generated based on the first shape data and is used to model the first object; a display step of displaying the first object on a display unit based on the first shape data; a second acquisition step of acquiring an item of interest of the user regarding the modeling of the three-dimensional model; a determining step of determining a target area of ​​the first object displayed on the display unit based on a designated area that designates a range in a three-dimensional space; a data generating step of selecting data of a portion corresponding to the target region from the first modeling data, and generating a plurality of second modeling data for modeling a second object as the three-dimensional model, A data generation method in which, in the data generation process, one or more parameter items related to three-dimensional modeling are determined in accordance with the item of interest, and each of the second modeling data is generated by setting multiple parameter conditions including parameter values ​​of each of the parameter items for each of the second modeling data.

2. 2. The data generation method according to claim 1, the item of interest includes an overall shape of the three-dimensional object; The parameter items include a magnification ratio of the second object.

3. 2. The data generation method according to claim 1, the item of interest includes accuracy of the three-dimensional object; A data generation method, wherein the parameter items include at least one of a layer pitch of the layer and an amount of voids contained in the layer.

4. 2. The data generation method according to claim 1, the item of interest includes at least one of a strength of the three-dimensional structure and a weight of the three-dimensional structure; the parameter items include at least one of a filling rate of an infill region of the layer that is located inside an outer shell region that forms the outline of the three-dimensional object, and an infill pattern that represents a pattern of a path for filling the infill region.

5. 2. The data generation method according to claim 1, further comprising: a third acquisition step of acquiring an evaluation value for each of the second objects formed based on each of the second forming data.

6. 6. The data generation method according to claim 5, further comprising: a step of generating new modeling data for modeling the first object based on each of the evaluation values.

7. 7. The data generation method according to claim 6, the designated area includes a first designated area and a second designated area; the target area includes a first target area based on the first designated area and a second target area based on the second designated area; each of the second forming data is data for forming the second object, which includes a first partial object including the first target area and a second partial object including the second target area; the evaluation values ​​include a first evaluation value for the first partial object and a second evaluation value for the second partial object; a data generation method in which, of the new modeling data, data for modeling the first target area is generated based on a first parameter condition, which is the parameter condition with the highest first evaluation value, and data for modeling the second target area is generated based on a second parameter condition, which is the parameter condition with the highest second evaluation value.

8. 2. The data generation method according to claim 1, The parameter item includes an arrangement direction of the target region in the second modeling data.

9. 9. The data generation method according to claim 8, The data generating method, wherein the items of interest include at least one of accuracy of the three-dimensional object, strength of the three-dimensional object, and modeling time required to model the three-dimensional object.

10. 10. The data generation method according to claim 1, further comprising: A data generating method, wherein in the determining step, the designated area is determined according to the item of interest.

11. A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, comprising: a first acquisition step of acquiring first shape data representing a three-dimensional shape of a first object as the three-dimensional object, and first modeling data that is generated based on the first shape data and is used to model the first object; a display step of displaying the first object on a display unit based on the first shape data; a second acquisition step of acquiring an item of interest of the user regarding the modeling of the three-dimensional model; a determining step of determining a target area of ​​the first object displayed on the display unit based on a designated area that designates a range in a three-dimensional space; a data generating step of selecting data of a portion corresponding to the target region from the first modeling data, and generating a plurality of second modeling data used to model a second object as the three-dimensional object; a modeling process for executing three-dimensional modeling by stacking layers by discharging a modeling material from a discharging unit toward a stage based on each of the second modeling data, A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, in which, in the data generation process, one or more parameter items related to three-dimensional modeling are determined in accordance with the item of interest, and multiple parameter conditions including parameter values ​​of each of the parameter items are set for each of the second modeling data, thereby generating each of the second modeling data.

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