Data generation method

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of efficiently generating shaping data reflecting a desired support structure.SOLUTION: A data generation method for generating shaping data for shaping a three dimensional shaped object by discharging a shaping material to a shaping surface of a stage to stack layers of the shaping material includes a reception step of displaying at least a part of an overhang portion of the three dimensional shaped object on a display unit and receiving selection of a first region representing at least a part of the overhang portion on the display unit, a region determination step of determining a second region representing at least a part of the overhang portion based on a feature amount of the selected first region, and a generation step of generating data representing a support structure for supporting the determined second region from below in a layer stacking direction. The feature amount includes a feature angle representing an angle of the first region with respect to the modeling surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a data generation method. [Background technology]

[0002] Regarding a data generation method for generating modeling data for forming a three-dimensional object, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for automatically setting the modeling position of a support structure that supports the three-dimensional object. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-47623 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When support structures are automatically set as in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the support structures desired by the user may not be reflected in the modeling data. However, it is inefficient to manually set support structures from scratch or additionally in order to reflect the desired support structures in the modeling data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a data generation method for generating modeling data for forming a three-dimensional object by stacking layers of a modeling material by discharging the modeling material on a modeling surface of a stage. The data generation method includes: a receiving step of displaying at least a portion of an overhanging portion of the three-dimensional object on a display unit and receiving, on the display unit, a selection of a first region representing at least a portion of the overhanging portion; a region determining step of determining a second region representing at least a portion of the overhanging portion based on feature amounts of the selected first region; and a generating step of generating data representing a support structure for supporting the determined second region from below in the layer stacking direction. The feature amounts include a feature angle representing an angle of the first region with respect to the modeling surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [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] 10 is a flowchart of a forming process. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a first example of data generation processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second example of the data generation process in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a third example of the data generation process in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a fourth example of the data generation process in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a fifth example of the data generation process in the first embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first example of a data generation process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first example of route information included in support data. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second example of route information included in support data. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third example of route information included in support data. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second example of the data generation process in the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a first example of a data generation process according to another embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second example of data generation processing in another embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a third example of a data generation process according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] 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."

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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 the center to the outer periphery.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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, a model (described later) and a support structure that supports the model can be modeled using different types of modeling materials.

[0030] 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. Details of the printing data will be described later. Note that the control unit 300 may be realized by a combination of circuits instead of being configured by a computer.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The CPU 410 executes a program stored in the storage device 430 to function as a data generation unit 411. The data generation unit 411 generates modeling data that the three-dimensional modeling device 100 uses to model a three-dimensional object.

[0036] In this embodiment, the modeling data includes first modeling data and second modeling data. The first modeling data is modeling data that serves as the basis for generating the second modeling data. The first modeling data includes model data. The model data is data for modeling a model as a three-dimensional object. The second modeling data includes model data and support data. Note that in this embodiment, the first modeling data does not include support data. The support data is data for modeling a support structure as a three-dimensional object. The support structure supports the model from below in the stacking direction. The support structure is mainly used to support the model during three-dimensional modeling, and is detached from the model and removed after three-dimensional modeling. In this embodiment, the support structure is block-shaped. The meaning of block-shaped includes plate-shaped.

[0037] More specifically, the support structure supports the overhang portion from below. An overhang portion refers to a protruding portion of a model that is not supported below. In this embodiment, the term "overhang portion" also includes a bridge portion. A bridge portion refers to a bridge-shaped portion of a model that is supported at both ends. More specifically, an overhang portion is defined as a portion of a model that is not supported below and whose lower surface has a modeling angle that is equal to or less than a predetermined reference angle. The modeling angle of a certain portion or region refers to the angle of the lower surface of that portion or region relative to the modeling surface 211. In particular, the "modeling angle of the lower surface" refers to the angle of the lower surface relative to the modeling surface 211. The modeling angle is defined as an angle greater than or equal to 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. When the modeling angle of a certain portion is 0 degrees, the lower surface of that portion is parallel to the modeling surface 211. The closer the modeling angle of a certain portion is to 90 degrees, the closer the lower surface of that portion is to perpendicular to the modeling surface 211. The reference angle is defined as an angle less than 90 degrees. Hereinafter, the lower surface of the overhang portion will also be referred to as the overhang surface, and the molding angle of the overhang portion will also be referred to as the overhang angle.

[0038] The modeling data includes path information. The path information is information that represents the movement path of the nozzle 61 for each layer obtained by slicing the shape of the three-dimensional object represented by the model data or the shape of the support structure represented by the support data into multiple slices. The modeling data may also include information about the filling rate of the infill area and information about the infill pattern. The infill area is the area located inside the outer shell area of ​​the three-dimensional object when viewed in the stacking direction. The filling rate is represented by the ratio of the area of ​​the infill area filled with the modeling material to the area of ​​the entire infill area. The infill pattern represents the pattern of the movement path that fills the infill area.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the modeling process executed in the three-dimensional modeling system 10. The modeling process is a process for realizing a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object. The processes of steps S10 to S70 shown in FIG. 6 are executed by the information processing device 400, and the processes of steps S80 and S90 are executed by the three-dimensional modeling device 100. Steps S10 to S70 are a process for generating second modeling data including model data and support data. The process for generating the second modeling data, such as steps S10 to S70, is referred to as a data generation process. In the data generation process in this embodiment, the second modeling data is generated based on the first modeling data.

[0040] In step S10, the data generation unit 411 of the information processing device 400 acquires shape data representing the three-dimensional shape of the model from another computer, a recording medium, or the storage device 430. The shape data is data representing the shape of a model created using three-dimensional CAD software, three-dimensional CG software, or the like. As the shape data, for example, data in STL format, AMF format, or the like is used.

[0041] In step S20, the data generation unit 411 generates first modeling data as model data based on the shape data acquired in step S10, and acquires the generated first modeling data. More specifically, in step S20, the data generation unit 411 generates the first modeling data by analyzing the shape data acquired in step S10 using slicer software.

[0042] In step S30, the data generation unit 411 executes a condition determination process. The condition determination process is a process for determining a feature condition. The feature condition is used to determine a second area, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the data generation unit 411 displays a plurality of predetermined conditions as feature condition candidates on the display unit 480, accepts a selection of a condition on the display unit 480, and determines the selected condition as the feature condition. In step S30, a single condition may be determined as the feature condition, or multiple conditions may be determined as the feature condition. When multiple conditions are determined in step S30, each condition may be used as a logical product, i.e., an AND condition, or as a logical sum, i.e., an OR condition. In this embodiment, each condition is used as a logical product. Details of the feature conditions will be described later.

[0043] In step S40, the data generation unit 411 executes a reception process. The reception process displays at least a portion of an overhanging portion of the three-dimensional object on the display unit 480 and receives a selection of a first region on the display unit 480. The first region represents at least a portion of the overhanging portion. In this embodiment, the data generation unit 411 receives the selection of one facet included in the overhanging portion as the first region. A facet refers to one unit of a mesh that constitutes the model surface. The mesh divides the model surface into multiple triangles or quadrangles. That is, a facet is a triangle or quadrangle that is the smallest unit that constitutes the model surface. In this embodiment, the facet is a triangle. In the reception process, the data generation unit 411 selects the first region by, for example, having the user click a point on the overhanging portion displayed on the display unit 480 via the input device 470. The process of executing the reception process, such as step S40, is also referred to as the reception process.

[0044] In step S50, the data generation unit 411 executes a region determination process. The region determination process is a process for determining a second region based on the feature amounts of the first region selected in the receiving process. The second region is a region that represents at least a part of an overhang portion of the three-dimensional object. The feature amounts of the first region used in step S50 include a feature angle. The feature angle represents the printing angle of the first region with respect to the printing surface 211. A process for executing a region determination process, such as step S50, is also referred to as a region determination process.

[0045] More specifically, in step S50, the data generation unit 411 determines, as the second region, a region that satisfies the feature conditions determined in step S30 based on the feature amounts of the first region. The feature conditions are conditions related to the feature amounts of the first region. In this embodiment, the feature conditions include an equal angle condition, a less-than-angle condition, and an adjacent continuous condition. The equal angle condition is a condition that the angle of the region to be determined with respect to the printing surface 211 is equal to the feature angle. The "region to be determined" refers to a region that is the target of determination as to whether or not it satisfies a condition. The less-than-angle condition is a condition that the angle of the region to be determined with respect to the printing surface 211 is less than the feature angle. The adjacent continuous condition is a condition that the region to be determined is an adjacent continuous region. An adjacent continuous region includes multiple adjacent regions. An adjacent continuous region is an example of a continuous region. A continuous region includes multiple adjacent regions, and in a continuous region, the angular difference between the printing angles of adjacent regions is equal to or less than a predetermined angle threshold. In this embodiment, one region in the adjacent continuous region means one facet. The adjacent continuous region includes a first adjacent region adjacent to the first region. The adjacent continuous region may include a second adjacent region adjacent to the first adjacent region, a region adjacent to the second adjacent region, or a region further adjacent to that region. The adjacent continuous region may also include the first region.

[0046] The second region may include the first region. In this embodiment, when the equal angle condition is determined as the feature condition and when the adjacent continuous condition is determined as the feature condition, the second region includes the first region. On the other hand, when the less than angle condition is determined as the feature condition, the second region does not include the first region. In this embodiment, each condition as a candidate for the feature condition is used as a logical product, so when the less than angle condition is included in the feature condition, the second region does not include the first region.

[0047] In step S55, the data generation unit 411 determines whether the second region has been determined in step S50. If it is determined in step S55 that the second region has not been determined, the data generation unit 411 executes a warning process in step S56. The warning process is executed when the second region has not been determined in the region determination process, and is a process of displaying a warning on the display unit 480. In the warning process, the data generation unit 411 may display, for example, a message on the display unit 480 to prompt the user to confirm whether the selection of the first region is appropriate or a message on the display unit 480 to prompt the user to confirm whether the selection of the feature condition is appropriate. The process of executing the warning process, such as in step S56, is also referred to as a warning process. After completing step S56, the data generation unit 411 proceeds to step S70.

[0048] If it is determined in step S55 that the second region has been determined, in step S60, the data generation unit 411 executes a generation process. The generation process is a process of generating support data based on the second region determined in the region determination process. The support data generated in the generation process includes support data representing a support structure for supporting the second region from below in the stacking direction. Execution of the generation process generates second modeling data. That is, in this embodiment, the second modeling data includes the model data acquired in step S20 and the support data generated in step S60. A process of executing the generation process, such as step S60, is also referred to as a generation process. Note that in the generation process, a support structure for supporting the first region from below may be generated in addition to a support structure for supporting the second region from below. For example, if the first region is not included in the second region, a support structure for supporting the first region from below may be generated. This allows the support structure for supporting the region directly selected by the user to be reflected in the modeling data, thereby further improving user convenience. In the following description, generating data representing a support structure, i.e., generating support data, is also simply referred to as generating a support structure.

[0049] In step S65, the data generation unit 411 executes a display process. The display process is a process for displaying the second region determined in the region determination process on the display unit 480. In this embodiment, in the display process, the data generation unit 411 displays the support structure generated in the generation process on the display unit 480, in addition to the second region. The process of executing the display process is also referred to as a display process.

[0050] In step S70, the data generation unit 411 determines whether to continue the data generation process. In this embodiment, the data generation unit 411 accepts a user selection as to whether to continue the data generation process, and determines whether to continue the data generation process based on the selection result. If the data generation process is to be continued, that is, if the data generation process is not to be completed, the data generation unit 411 returns the process to step S30. If the data generation process is not to be continued, the data generation unit 411 completes the data generation process. In other embodiments, the data generation unit 411 may complete the data generation process when, for example, the generation process has been executed a predetermined number of times, or may complete the data generation process without executing step S70.

[0051] Note that, when the process returns to step S30 based on the determination result of step S70, a feature condition different from that determined in the previous step S30 may be determined in the next step S30. Furthermore, when the same region as the first region selected in the previous step S40 is selected in the next step S40, the data generation unit 411 may, for example, display a warning on the display unit 480. Furthermore, when the data generation unit 411 again performs step S50, the data generation unit 411 may or may not exclude the region determined as the second region in the previous step S50 from regions that may be determined as the second region. When the region determined as the second region in the previous step S50 is not excluded from regions that may be determined as the second region, the data generation unit 411 may or may not exclude, in the next step S60, the portion for which a support structure has already been generated in the previous step S50 from regions for which a support structure may be generated.

[0052] In step S80, the control unit 300 of the three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 acquires the second printing data generated in step S70 from the information processing device 400. Note that if the generation process is executed multiple times, the second printing data acquired in step S70 includes support data generated in each generation process. In step S90, the control unit 300 controls the discharging unit 60 and the moving mechanism 230 in accordance with the second printing data acquired in step S80, and prints a three-dimensional object, i.e., a model and support structure, on the printing surface 211 of the stage 210.

[0053] 7 is a diagram illustrating a first example of the data generation process in the first embodiment. In FIG. 7, an example is shown in which only the equal angle condition is selected as the characteristic condition in step S30 in FIG.

[0054] The left side of FIG. 7 shows the first printing data ZD1 including model data MD representing the model Mm. The model Mm has a substantially Y-shape when viewed in the Y direction. The model Mm has legs LG and overhanging portions OH. The overhanging portions OH include a first overhanging portion OH1 and a second overhanging portion OH2. In three-dimensional printing, the legs are printed so that their lower surfaces directly or indirectly contact the printing surface 211 of the stage 210. The leg LG has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first overhanging portion OH1 protrudes from the upper end of the leg LG in the +X direction. The first overhanging portion OH1 has a first overhanging surface OF1 that is an overhanging surface of the first overhanging portion OH1. The overhanging surface is the surface of the overhanging portion that faces the printing surface 211. The first overhang surface OF1 is a plane parallel to the Y axis and inclined with respect to the X and Z axes. The +X direction side of the first overhang surface OF1 is located closer to the +Z direction than the -X direction side of the first overhang surface OF1. The second overhang portion OH2 protrudes in the -X direction from the upper end of the leg portion LG. The second overhang portion OH2 has a second overhang surface OF2 that is an overhang surface of the second overhang portion OH2. The second overhang surface OF2 is a plane parallel to the Y axis and inclined with respect to the X and Z axes. The -X direction side of the second overhang surface OF2 is located closer to the +Z direction than the +X direction side of the second overhang surface OF2.

[0055] The left side of FIG. 7 shows the selection of the first region AR1 in step S40 of FIG. 6. The first region AR1 is a facet included in the first overhanging surface OF1. In the example of FIG. 7, when the first region AR1 is selected in this manner, the characteristic angle of the first region AR1 is first acquired as the characteristic amount of the first region AR1 in step S50 of FIG. 6. Next, based on the acquired characteristic angle, a region of the overhanging portion OH that satisfies the equal angle condition is determined as the second region AR2, as shown on the right side of FIG. 7. More specifically, in the example of FIG. 7, a region of the overhanging surface of the overhanging portion OH that includes all facets having the same angle as the characteristic angle of the first region AR1 is determined as the second region AR2. That is, in the example of FIG. 7, the first overhanging surface OF1 and the second overhanging surface OF2 are determined as the second region AR2.

[0056] In the example of FIG. 7, the first overhanging surface OF1 determined as the second region AR2 corresponds to the first partial region. The second overhanging surface OF2 determined as the second region AR2 corresponds to the second partial region. The first partial region is a region that includes the first region or is adjacent to the first region. The second partial region is a region that is not continuous with the first partial region, does not include the first region, and is not adjacent to the first region. "The first partial region and the second partial region are not continuous" means that the first partial region and the second partial region do not belong to a single continuous region.

[0057] In the example of FIG. 7, support data SD representing a support structure for supporting the second region AR2 is generated in step S60 of FIG. 6. As a result, in the example of FIG. 7, second printing data ZD2 including the model data MD and the support data SD is generated. The support data SD represents a support structure SP1 for supporting the first overhanging surface OF1 and a support structure SP2 for supporting the second overhanging surface OF2. On the right side of FIG. 7, the support structures are hatched. The support structure SP1 is generated below the first overhanging surface OF1. More specifically, the support structure SP1 is generated on the +X direction side of the leg LG so that its lower surface is in direct or indirect contact with the printing surface 211 and its upper end is in contact with the first overhanging surface OF1 from below. In a similar manner, the support structure SP2 is generated below the second overhanging surface OF2. The support structure SP2 is located on the -X direction side of the leg LG.

[0058] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the data generation process in the first embodiment. Fig. 8 shows an example in which only the less-than-angle condition is selected as the feature condition in step S30 of Fig. 6. In Fig. 8, the support structure is hatched, as in Fig. 7.

[0059] The left side of FIG. 8 shows the first modeling data ZD1b including model data MDb representing the model Mb. The model Mb has a substantially cylindrical shape and is disposed so that its axial direction is along the Y direction. The model Mb includes an overhang portion OHb. The overhang portion OHb includes a third overhang portion OH3, a fourth overhang portion OH4, and a fifth overhang portion OH5. The third overhang portion OH3 is a portion of the model Mb located on the +Z direction side of a hollow portion located in the center of the model Mb. The third overhang portion OH3 has a third overhang surface OF3, which is an overhang surface of the third overhang portion OH3. The third overhang surface OF3 is a curved surface that forms the lower surface of the third overhang portion OH3. The fourth overhang portion OH4 forms a quarter of the model Mb on the -X direction side and the -Z direction side, i.e., a portion that forms the -X direction half of the lower half of the model Mb. The fourth overhang portion OH4 has a fourth overhang surface OF4, which is the overhang surface of the fourth overhang portion OH4. The fourth overhang surface OF4 is a curved surface that forms the lower surface of the fourth overhang portion OH4. The fifth overhang portion OH5 is a portion that forms one-fourth of the model Mb on the +X direction side and the -Z direction side, i.e., a portion that forms the +X direction half of the lower half of the model Mb. The fifth overhang portion OH5 has a fifth overhang surface OF5, which is the overhang surface of the fifth overhang portion OH5. The fifth overhang surface OF5 is a curved surface that forms the lower surface of the fifth overhang portion OH5.

[0060] The left side of FIG. 8 shows the selection of the first region AR1b in step S40 of FIG. 6. The first region AR1b is a facet included in the third overhanging surface OF3. In the example of FIG. 8, when the first region AR1b is selected in this manner, in step S50 of FIG. 6, a region of the overhang portion OHb that satisfies the less-than-angle condition is determined as the second region AR2b based on the characteristic angle of the first region AR1b, as shown on the right side of FIG. 8. More specifically, in the example of FIG. 8, a region of the overhanging surface of the overhanging portion OHb that includes all facets having angles less than the characteristic angle of the first region AR1b is determined as the second region AR2b. In the example of FIG. 8, a portion of the third overhanging surface OF3, a portion of the fourth overhanging surface OF4, and a portion of the fifth overhanging surface OF5 are determined as the second region AR2b.

[0061] 8, the third overhanging surface OF3 determined as the second region AR2b corresponds to the first partial region, and the fourth overhanging surface OF4 and the fifth overhanging surface OF5 determined as the second region AR2 each correspond to the second partial region.

[0062] In the example of FIG. 8, support data SDb representing a support structure for supporting the second region AR2b is generated in step S60 of FIG. 6. As a result, in the example of FIG. 8, second printing data ZD2b including model data MDb and support data SDb is generated. The support data SDb represents a support structure SP3 for supporting a portion of the third overhanging surface OF3, a support structure SP4 for supporting a portion of the fourth overhanging surface OF4, and a support structure SP5 for supporting a portion of the fifth overhanging surface OF5. The support structure SP3 is generated below the third overhanging surface OF3. More specifically, the support structure SP3 is generated within the hollow portion of the model Mm so that its lower end contacts at least a portion of the lower half of the inner circumferential surface of the model Mb and its upper end contacts the third overhanging surface OF3 from below. Furthermore, the support structure SP4 is generated below the fourth overhanging surface OF4. More specifically, the support structure SP4 is generated so that its lower surface directly or indirectly contacts the printing surface 211 and its upper end contacts the fourth overhanging surface OF4 from below. The support structure SP5 is generated below the fifth overhanging surface OF5 in a manner similar to the support structure SP4.

[0063] 9 is a diagram illustrating a third example of the data generation process in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 shows an example in which only the adjacent continuity condition is selected as the feature condition in step S30 of FIG. 6. In FIG. 9, the support structure is hatched, as in FIG. 7. Points in the example of FIG. 9 that are not particularly described are the same as the example of FIG. 7.

[0064] The left side of FIG. 9 shows the first printing data ZD1c including model data MDc representing the model Mc. The model Mc has a substantially Y-shape when viewed in the Y direction. The model Mc includes a leg portion LG and an overhang portion OHc. The overhang portion OHc includes a first overhang portion OH1c and a second overhang portion OH2. The configuration of the overhang portion OHc is similar to that of the overhang portion OH unless otherwise specified. The first overhang portion OH1c has a first overhang surface OF1c. The first overhang surface OF1c includes a first surface portion PF1c and a second surface portion PF2c. The first surface portion PF1c and the second surface portion PF2c are planes that are parallel to the Y axis and inclined with respect to the X axis and Z axis, respectively. The second surface portion PF2c is located on the -X direction side of the first surface portion PF1c and is adjacent to the first surface portion PF1c in the X direction. The printing angle of the first surface portion PF1c is smaller than the printing angle of the second surface portion PF2c. The angular difference between the printing angle of the first surface portion PF1c and the printing angle of the second surface portion PF2c is equal to or less than a reference value. The first overhang surface OF1c corresponds to a continuous region. In other words, the first surface portion PF1c and the second surface portion PF2c are included in the same continuous region.

[0065] The left side of FIG. 9 illustrates the selection of the first region AR1c in step S40 of FIG. 6. The first region AR1c is a facet included in the first surface portion PF1c of the first overhang surface OF1. In the example of FIG. 9, when the first region AR1c is selected in this manner, a region of the overhang portion OHc that satisfies the adjacent continuous condition is determined as the second region AR2c in step S50 of FIG. 6 based on the characteristic angle of the first region AR1c, as shown on the right side of FIG. 9. More specifically, when the first region AR1c is selected, the first overhang surface OF1c corresponds to an adjacent continuous region including one or more facets as the first adjacent region. Furthermore, the second overhang surface OF2 does not correspond to an adjacent continuous region. As a result, in the example of FIG. 9, the first overhang surface OF1c is determined as the second region AR2c, while the second overhang surface OF2 is not determined as the second region AR2c. That is, in the example of FIG. 9, unlike the example of FIG. 7, the second area AR2c includes only the first overhanging surface OF1c and does not include the second overhanging surface OF2.

[0066] In the example of FIG. 9, support data SDc representing a support structure for supporting the second region AR2c is generated in step S60 of FIG. 6. As a result, in the example of FIG. 9, second modeling data ZD2c including model data MDc and support data SDc is generated. The support data SDc represents a support structure SP1c for supporting the first overhanging surface OF1c. SP1c is generated below the first overhanging surface OF1c. The support structure SP1c includes a first support portion PP1c for supporting the first surface portion PF1c and a second support portion PP2c for supporting the second surface portion PF2c. The first support portion PP1c is generated below the first surface portion PF1c. The second support portion PP2c is generated below the second surface portion PF2c.

[0067] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of the data generation process in the first embodiment. Fig. 10 shows an example in which the adjacent continuous condition and the equal angle condition are selected as the feature conditions in step S30 of Fig. 6. In Fig. 10, the support structure is hatched, as in Fig. 7. Points in the example of Fig. 10 that are not particularly described are the same as the example of Fig. 9.

[0068] The left side of FIG. 10 shows how the first region AR1c is selected for the first forming data ZD1c in step S40 of FIG. 6. In the example of FIG. 10, when the first region AR1c is selected in this manner, in step S50 of FIG. 6, a region of the overhang portion OHc that satisfies both the adjacent continuous condition and the equal angle condition is determined as the second region AR2d based on the characteristic angle of the first region AR1c, as shown on the right side of FIG. 10. More specifically, in the example of FIG. 10, similar to the example of FIG. 9, the first overhang surface OF1c corresponds to the adjacent continuous region. Then, all facets of the first overhang surface OF1c that have the same angle as the characteristic angle of the first region AR1c, i.e., all of the first surface portions PF1c, are determined as the second region AR2d. As a result, in the example of FIG. 10, unlike the example of FIG. 9, the second region AR2d includes only the first surface portion PF1c and does not include the second surface portion PF2c.

[0069] In the example of Fig. 10, support data SDd representing a support structure SP1d for supporting the second region AR2d is generated in step S60 of Fig. 6. As a result, in the example of Fig. 10, second modeling data ZD2d including the model data MDc and the support data SDd is generated. Unlike the support structure SP1c shown in Fig. 9, the support structure SP1d includes only a support structure corresponding to the first support portion PP1c, and does not include a support structure corresponding to the second support portion PP2c.

[0070] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating a fifth example of the data generation process in the first embodiment. Fig. 11 shows an example in which the adjacent continuous condition and the less-than-angle condition are selected as the feature conditions in step S30 of Fig. 6. In Fig. 11, the support structure is hatched, as in Fig. 7. Points in the example of Fig. 11 that are not particularly described are the same as the example of Fig. 8.

[0071] The left side of FIG. 11 shows how the first region AR1b is selected for the first shaping data ZD1b in step S40 of FIG. 6. In the example of FIG. 11, when the first region AR1b is selected in this manner, a region of the overhang portion OHb that satisfies both the adjacent continuous condition and the less-than-angle condition is determined as the second region AR2e based on the characteristic angle of the first region AR1b, as shown on the right side of FIG. 11. More specifically, when the first region AR1b is selected, the third overhang surface OF3 corresponds to an adjacent continuous region that includes one or more facets and serves as the first adjacent region. Furthermore, all facets of the third overhang surface OF3 that have a shaping angle less than the characteristic angle of the first region AR1b are determined as the second region AR2e. As a result, in the example of FIG. 11, unlike the example of FIG. 8, the second region AR2e does not include the fourth overhang surface OF4 or the fifth overhang surface OF5 at all.

[0072] In the example of Fig. 11, support data SDe representing a support structure for supporting the second region AR2e is generated in step S60 of Fig. 6. As a result, second formation data ZD2e including the model data MDb and the support data SDe is generated in the example of Fig. 10. Unlike the example of Fig. 8, the support structure in the example of Fig. 11 includes only the support structure SP3.

[0073] According to the manufacturing method of a three-dimensional object in this embodiment described above, the selection of a first region is accepted on the display unit 480, a second region is determined based on the selected first region, and support data representing a support structure for supporting the determined second region from below is generated. Unlike this embodiment, if support data were generated automatically based on predetermined conditions without user selection, the modeling data used for three-dimensional modeling might not reflect the support structure desired by the user, or might reflect a support structure not desired by the user. On the other hand, for example, it would be inefficient for a user to manually set desired support structures one by one. In contrast, in this embodiment, the second region is automatically determined based on the first region that reflects the user's preferences, and support data representing a support structure for supporting the second region from below is automatically generated. Therefore, modeling data reflecting desired support structures can be efficiently generated.

[0074] 7 and 10 in this embodiment, a region of the overhang portion that satisfies the equal angle condition is determined as the second region. In this way, a region having the same modeling angle as the characteristic angle of the first region can be determined as the second region. This makes it possible to reflect support structures that are likely to be structurally desirable in the modeling data, while further reducing the possibility that undesired support structures will be reflected in the modeling data.

[0075] 8 and 11 in this embodiment, a region of the overhang portion that satisfies the less-than-angle condition is determined as the second region. Compared to the first region, the region of the overhang portion that satisfies the less-than-angle condition has a lower surface that is closer to being parallel to the printing surface 211, and is therefore more likely to require a support structure during three-dimensional printing. In this way, in this embodiment, a region that is structurally more likely to require a support structure than the first region can be determined as the second region, and printing data that reflects the desired support structure with a high probability can be generated more efficiently.

[0076] 9 to 11 in this embodiment, a region of the overhang portion having a modeling angle whose angular difference with the characteristic angle of the first region is equal to or less than the angle threshold is determined as the second region. Therefore, support structures that are likely to be structurally desirable can be reflected in the modeling data. Note that, from the viewpoint of generating support structures more efficiently, it is preferable that the angle threshold be greater than 0 degrees. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of further reducing the possibility that undesired support structures are reflected in the modeling data, it is preferable that the angle threshold be equal to or less than 10 degrees, and more preferably equal to or less than 5 degrees.

[0077] 9 to 11 in this embodiment, the first adjacent region of the overhang portion is determined as the second region, so that a support structure that is highly likely to be structurally and positionally desired can be reflected in the modeling data.

[0078] 9 to 11, an adjacent continuous region including the first adjacent region in the overhang portion is determined as the second region, which makes it possible to more efficiently generate modeling data that reflects a support structure that is likely to be structurally and positionally desired.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the display step, the second area determined in the determination step is displayed on the display unit 480. Therefore, the determined second area can be confirmed by the user as visual information.

[0080] In another embodiment, in the display step, the support structure for supporting the first partial region and the support structure for supporting the second partial region may be displayed on the display unit 480 in different display modes. Different display modes refer to different colors and / or patterns. For example, in the example of FIG. 7, the first support portion PP1c may be displayed in red on the display unit 480, and the second support portion PP2c may be displayed in blue. Alternatively, the first support portion PP1c may be displayed in a striped pattern, and the second support portion PP2c may be displayed in a dotted pattern. This allows the support structure for supporting the first partial region and the support structure for supporting the second partial region to be displayed on the display unit 480 in a manner that makes them visually easy to distinguish.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the second region is not determined in the region determination step, a warning is displayed on the display unit 480. Therefore, if the second region is not determined, the user can be prompted to check whether the selection of the first region is appropriate or whether the setting of the feature conditions is appropriate, for example.

[0082] B. Second embodiment: FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first example of a data generation process in the second embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, in the reception process in the second embodiment, the data generation unit 411 is configured to be able to receive selection of multiple facets included in an overhang portion as a first region. In FIG. 12, similar to FIG. 7, the support structure is hatched. The three-dimensional printing apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus 400 in this embodiment are similar to those in the first embodiment in respect of the aspects not specifically described.

[0083] 12 shows first printing data ZD1f including model data MDf representing the model Mf. The model Mf has a first plate portion PL1 and a second plate portion PL2. The model Mf also has overhang portions OHf. The overhang portions OHf include a sixth overhang portion OH6, a seventh overhang portion OH7, an eighth overhang portion OH8, a ninth overhang portion OH9, and a tenth overhang portion OH10, which will be described later.

[0084] The first plate portion PL1 is a rectangular flat plate, and its plate surface is arranged along the X and Z directions. The first plate portion PL1 is shaped so that its end on the -Z direction directly or indirectly contacts the printing surface 211 during three-dimensional printing. The first plate portion PL1 has a first hole portion HL1, a second hole portion HL2, a third hole portion HL3, and a fourth hole portion HL4. The opening shape of each of the first hole portion HL1 to the fourth hole portion HL4 is rectangular and penetrates the first plate portion PL1 in the thickness direction. As a result, the first plate portion PL1 has a sixth overhang portion OH6, a seventh overhang portion OH7, an eighth overhang portion OH8, and a ninth overhang portion OH9. The sixth overhang portion OH6 is located above the first hole portion HL1 and has a sixth overhang surface OF6. The seventh overhang portion OH7 is located above the second hole portion HL2 and has a seventh overhang surface OF7. The eighth overhang portion OH8 is located above the third hole portion HL3 and has an eighth overhang surface OF8. The ninth overhang portion OH9 is located above the fourth hole portion HL4 and has a ninth overhang surface OF9.

[0085] The second plate portion PL2 is a rectangular flat plate, and is arranged so that its plate surface is aligned along the X and Y directions. The second plate portion PL2 extends in the +Y direction from the end of the first plate portion PL1 on the +Z direction side. As a result, the second plate portion PL2 has a tenth overhang portion OH10. The tenth overhang portion OH10 has a tenth overhang surface OF10.

[0086] 12, the first printing data ZD1f includes first support data SD1 in addition to the model data MDf. The first support data SD1 represents a support structure SP6 for supporting the sixth overhanging surface OF6, a support structure SP7 for supporting the seventh overhanging surface OF7, and a support structure SP10 for supporting the tenth overhanging surface OF10. The first printing data ZD1f may be, for example, printing data generated by another computer, or may be printing data generated as the second printing data in the first or second embodiment.

[0087] In this embodiment, a modeling process similar to the modeling process illustrated in FIG. 6 is executed. However, in the reception process of step S40 in this embodiment, the data generation unit 411 first allows the user to select a selection area on the display unit 480 via the input device 470, thereby allowing the user to select a first area included in the selection area. More specifically, in the reception process, the data generation unit 411 first allows the user to select a rectangular selection area by dragging an arbitrary area in three-dimensional space. The selection area selected in this manner may include one or more facets. Then, the data generation unit 411 accepts each facet representing an overhanging surface included in the selection area as the selected first area. On the left side of FIG. 12, one or more facets representing the eighth overhanging surface OF8 and one or more facets representing the ninth overhanging surface OF9 included in the selection area CA are accepted as the first area AR1f.

[0088] In this embodiment, a characteristic angle and a characteristic opening area are acquired as the feature quantities of the first region. The characteristic angles in this embodiment are the molding angles of all facets included in the first region. The characteristic opening area refers to the opening area of ​​the corresponding hole for the first region. A "corresponding hole" for a certain region refers to a hole located directly below that region. The characteristic opening area is acquired when a corresponding hole for the first region exists, and is not acquired when a corresponding hole for the first region does not exist. For example, the opening area of ​​the opening surface of the hole may be used as the opening area of ​​the hole. Furthermore, for example, if the opening area of ​​the hole is not constant in the depth direction of the hole, the average value of the opening area of ​​the hole in the depth direction may be used. The "depth direction of the hole" refers to the direction perpendicular to the opening cross section of the hole.

[0089] In this embodiment, in step S30 of FIG. 6, an equal angle condition and a hole condition are determined as feature conditions. The hole condition is a condition that the opening area of ​​the corresponding hole in the region to be determined is larger than the characteristic opening area. Then, in this embodiment, in step S50, among regions having a modeling angle equal to one of the acquired feature angles, a region in which the opening area of ​​the corresponding hole is larger than the characteristic opening area is determined as the second region. As a result, in this embodiment, holes having an opening area equal to or smaller than the reference area are not determined as the second region, and support structures are not generated for holes having an opening area equal to or smaller than the reference area. Note that the opening areas of the first hole HL1 to the fourth hole HL4 shown in FIG. 12 are each larger than the reference area.

[0090] The right side of FIG. 12 shows the second region AR2f determined in the region determination process of step S50 in FIG. 6. In the example of FIG. 12, the region of the first region AR1f that satisfies the equal angle condition and the hole condition is determined as the second region AR2f. More specifically, in the example of FIG. 12, the eighth overhanging surface OF8 and the ninth overhanging surface OF9 are determined as the second region AR2f. Also, the right side of FIG. 12 shows the second support data SD2 generated in the generation process of step S60 in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the generation process is executed to generate second forming data ZD2f including the model data MDf, the first support data SD1, and the second support data SD2. The second support data SD2 represents a support structure SP8 for supporting the eighth overhanging surface OF8 and a support structure SP9 for supporting the ninth overhanging surface OF9. The support structure SP8 is generated below the eighth overhanging surface OF8. More specifically, the support structure SP8 is generated in the third hole portion HL3 so that its lower end contacts the lower wall that defines the third hole portion HL3 and its upper end contacts the eighth overhang surface OF8 from below. The support structure SP9 is generated below the ninth overhang surface OF9, i.e., in the fourth hole portion HL4, in substantially the same manner as the support structure SP8.

[0091] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a first example of path information included in the support data. FIG. 13 corresponds to the XIII-XIII cross-sectional view of the support structures SP7, SP9, and SP10 shown in FIG. 12. That is, FIG. 13 illustrates a cross section along the XY direction of one layer of a three-dimensional object including the support structures SP7, SP9, and SP10. In the example of FIG. 13, the first support data SD1 includes path information for a first path PD1. The first path PD1 is a movement path for forming the support structures SP7 and SP10. Furthermore, the second support data SD2 includes path information for a second path PD2. The second path PD2 is a movement path for forming the support structure SP9. In the example of FIG. 13, the second path PD2 is a different movement path that is not connected to the first path PD1. Furthermore, the filling rate achieved by the second path PD2 is the same as the filling rate achieved by the first path PD1.

[0092] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a second example of path information included in support data. FIG. 14 illustrates support structures SP7, SP9, and SP10 in a manner similar to that of FIG. 13. In the example of FIG. 14, the second support data SD2 includes path information for the second path PD2b. The fill rate achieved by the second path PD2b is lower than the fill rate achieved by the first path PD1. As a result, unlike the example of FIG. 13, the support structure SP9 in the example of FIG. 14 has voids CV that are not filled with the modeling material.

[0093] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a third example of path information included in support data. FIG. 15 shows support structures SP7, SP9, and SP10 in a manner similar to that of FIG. 13. In the example of FIG. 15, the first support data SD1 includes path information for the first path PD1b. Furthermore, the second support data SD2 includes path information for the second path PD2c. Unlike the second paths PD2 and PD2b, the second path PD2c is a path connected to the first path PD1b.

[0094] Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the data generation process in the second embodiment. In Fig. 16, support structures are hatched, similar to Fig. 12. Points not specifically described in the example of Fig. 16 are similar to the example of Fig. 12.

[0095] The left side of FIG. 16 shows the first modeling data ZD1g representing the model data MDg representing the model Mg. Unlike the model Mf, the model Mg has a fourth hole portion HL4g instead of the fourth hole portion HL4. The opening shape of the fourth hole portion HL4g is an oval shape, unlike the opening shapes of other holes such as the first hole portion HL1. The opening area of ​​the fourth hole portion HL4g is smaller than the opening area of ​​other holes such as the first hole portion HL1. The opening area of ​​the fourth hole portion HL4g is equal to or smaller than the reference area. The overhang portion OHg of the model Mg includes a ninth overhang portion OH9g instead of the ninth overhang portion OH9. The ninth overhang surface OF9g is a curved surface that forms the lower surface of the ninth overhang portion OH9g. The configuration of the model Mg is the same as that of the model Mf unless otherwise described.

[0096] In the example of FIG. 16, by selecting the selected area CA in step S40 of FIG. 6, one or more facets representing the eighth overhanging surface OF8 and one or more facets representing the ninth overhanging surface OF9g are accepted as the first area AR1g. Also in the example of FIG. 16, in step S50 of FIG. 6, the eighth overhanging surface OF8, which satisfies the iso-angle condition and the hole condition, is determined as the second area AR2g, whereas the ninth overhanging surface OF9g, which satisfies only the iso-angle condition but not the hole condition, is not determined as the second area AR2g. Also in the example of FIG. 16, in step S60 of FIG. 6, second support data SD2g is generated based on the second area AR2g. As a result, in the example of FIG. 16, second forming data ZD2g including the model data MDg, the first support data SD1, and the second support data SD2g is generated. The support structure represented by the second support data SD2g thus generated includes a support structure SP8 for supporting the eighth overhang surface OF8, but does not include a support structure for supporting the ninth overhang surface OF9.

[0097] According to the manufacturing method of a three-dimensional object in this embodiment described above, the second area is automatically determined based on the first area that reflects the user's wishes, and support data representing a support structure for supporting the determined second area from below is automatically generated. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently generate modeling data that reflects the desired support structure.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, support structures are not generated in holes with an opening area equal to or smaller than the reference area. Here, when a support structure is generated in a hole with a smaller opening area, the support structure adheres more firmly to the wall of the hole than when a support structure is generated in a hole with a larger opening area. This is because when a support structure is generated in a hole with a smaller opening area, the ratio of the contact surface area to the volume of the support structure increases. The contact surface here refers to the surface of the support structure that contacts the model, more specifically, the surface that contacts the wall of the hole. As a result, when a support structure is generated in a hole with a smaller opening area, it takes more effort to detach the support structure from the model after three-dimensional printing. In this embodiment, by not generating support structures in holes with an opening area equal to or smaller than the reference area, the convenience of detaching the support structure from the model can be improved. Furthermore, support structures generated in holes with a smaller opening area tend to contribute less to supporting the model during three-dimensional printing than support structures generated in holes with a larger opening area. Therefore, by not creating a support structure in a hole having an opening area equal to or smaller than the reference area, the possibility of creating an unnecessary support structure can be reduced.

[0099] In another embodiment, the data generation unit 411 may vary at least one of the shape and density of the support structure when generating a support structure for a hole having an opening area equal to or less than the reference area and when generating a support structure for a hole having an opening area greater than the reference area. The difference in the shape of the support structure may be, for example, whether the support structure is branch-shaped or block-shaped. In this case, for example, the data generation unit 411 may generate a branch-shaped support structure for a hole having an opening area equal to or less than the reference area and a block-shaped support structure for a hole having an opening area greater than the reference area. Branch-shaped support structures tend to have a smaller contact area with the model than block-shaped support structures. Therefore, generating a branch-shaped support structure for a hole having an opening area equal to or less than the reference area improves the ease of detaching the support structure from the model while generating a support structure for a hole having an opening area equal to or less than the reference area. Furthermore, the difference in the shape of the support structure may be achieved, for example, by using a different infill pattern for the movement path used to form the support structure. In this case, it is preferable to generate support structures for holes with opening areas equal to or smaller than the reference area using an infill pattern that reduces the contact area with the model. Furthermore, when varying the density of the support structures, the data generator 411 may generate high-density support structures for holes with opening areas equal to or smaller than the reference area and low-density support structures for holes with opening areas larger than the reference area. Such differences in support structure density can be achieved, for example, by varying the filling rate of the support structures. This configuration also allows support structures to be generated for holes with opening areas equal to or smaller than the reference area, while improving the convenience of detaching the support structures from the model.

[0100] For example, FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a first example of data generation processing in another embodiment. In FIG. 17, support structures are hatched, as in FIG. 12. The example in FIG. 17 is similar to the example in FIG. 16 except for points not specifically described. FIG. 17 illustrates second support data SD2h generated in step S60 in FIG. 6. The support structures represented by the second support data SD2h include a support structure SP9h generated within the fourth hole portion HL4g. Unlike the support structure SP9, the support structure SP9h is a branch-like support structure. As a result, the support structure can be more easily detached from the model Mg after three-dimensional printing, compared to when a block-shaped support structure is generated within the fourth hole portion HL4g.

[0101] C. Other Embodiments: (C-1) In each of the above embodiments, for example, a first selection mode in which one facet is selected as the first region as in the first embodiment, and a second selection mode in which multiple facets can be selected as the first region as in the second embodiment may be configured to be selectable by the user. In this case, the data generation unit 411 may, for example, accept the selection mode designation prior to the accepting step.

[0102] The data generation unit 411 may also have an automatic selection mode in addition to a mode in which the second region is determined based on the selection of the first region. The automatic selection mode is a mode in which the user specifies a feature amount without executing the receiving process, i.e., without receiving the selection of the first region, and the second region is selected based on the specified feature amount. In the automatic selection mode, the data generation unit 411 determines a region that satisfies the feature conditions as the second region based on the specified feature amount. For example, FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the data generation process in another embodiment. In FIG. 18, the model Mm and support structures SP1 and SP2 are illustrated in the same manner as in FIG. 7. FIG. 18 illustrates an example in which only the equal angle condition is selected as the feature condition. In the example of FIG. 18, the user specifies a feature angle that is the same as the modeling angle of the first overhanging surface OF1, and the second region AR2 is determined based on the specified feature angle. Also, for example, FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a third example of the data generation process in another embodiment. In Fig. 19, the model Mb and support structures SP3, SP4, and SP5 are shown in the same manner as in Fig. 8. Fig. 19 shows an example in which only the less-than-angle condition is selected as the characteristic condition. In the example in Fig. 19, the user specifies a characteristic angle that is the same as the build angle of one facet included in the third overhanging surface OF3, and the second area AR2 is determined based on the specified characteristic angle.

[0103] (C-2) Not limited to the second embodiment, in each of the above embodiments, hole conditions may be used as feature conditions in addition to conditions related to feature angles such as an equal angle condition, a less-than-angle condition, and an adjacent continuous condition. Furthermore, the conditions related to feature angles may include a similar angle condition or an adjacent condition in addition to, or instead of, the equal angle condition, the less-than-angle condition, and the adjacent continuous condition. The similar angle condition is a condition that the angular difference between the modeling angle of the region to be determined and the feature angle is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. For example, when only the similar angle condition is used as the feature condition, unlike when the adjacent continuous condition is used as the feature condition, a region having a modeling angle whose angular difference with the feature angle is equal to or less than a threshold is determined as the second region, regardless of whether it is adjacent to the first region. The adjacent condition is a condition that the region to be determined meets the first adjacent condition.

[0104] (C-3) In each of the above embodiments, the condition determination process may not be executed. In this case, the data generation unit 411 may use, for example, a predetermined combination of feature conditions in the region determination process. In this case, the feature conditions may be, for example, any one of the equal angle condition, the less-than-angle condition, and the adjacent continuous condition, a combination of any two of them, or a combination of all three. Furthermore, in addition to the condition related to the feature angle, for example, a hole condition may be used as the feature condition.

[0105] (C-4) In the first embodiment, for example, only one or two of the equal angle condition, the less-than-angle condition, and the adjacent continuous condition may be selectable as the characteristic condition. Furthermore, in addition to or instead of the equal angle condition, the less-than-angle condition, and the adjacent continuous condition, other conditions such as a hole condition may be selectable.

[0106] (C-5) In the second embodiment, the characteristic conditions may include, for example, at least one of a less-than-angle condition and an adjacent continuous condition, instead of or in addition to the equal angle condition. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the conditions related to the characteristic angle may include, in addition to or instead of the equal angle condition, the less-than-angle condition, and the adjacent continuous condition, a similar angle condition or an adjacent condition. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the characteristic conditions do not have to include a hole condition.

[0107] (C-6) In each of the above embodiments, in the display process, it is sufficient that at least the second region determined in the region determination step is displayed on the display unit 480, and the support structure generated in the generation step does not have to be displayed on the display unit 480. Also, in each of the above embodiments, the display process is executed, but the display process does not have to be executed.

[0108] (C-7) In each of the above embodiments, a warning process is executed, but the warning process does not have to be executed.

[0109] D. 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.

[0110] (1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a data generation method for generating modeling data for forming a three-dimensional object by stacking layers of a modeling material by discharging the modeling material on a modeling surface of a stage. The data generation method includes: a receiving step of displaying at least a portion of an overhanging portion of the three-dimensional object on a display unit and receiving, on the display unit, a selection of a first region representing at least a portion of the overhanging portion; a region determining step of determining a second region representing at least a portion of the overhanging portion based on feature amounts of the selected first region; and a generating step of generating data representing a support structure for supporting the determined second region from below in the layer stacking direction. The feature amounts include a feature angle representing an angle of the first region with respect to the modeling surface. According to this aspect, the selection of the first region is accepted on the display unit, the second region is determined based on the selected first region, and data representing a support structure for supporting the determined second region from below is generated, thereby making it possible to efficiently generate modeling data that reflects the desired support structure.

[0111] (2) In the above aspect, in the area determination step, a area of ​​the overhang portion having the angle equal to the characteristic angle may be determined as the second area. According to this aspect, it is possible to reflect support structures that are likely to be structurally desired in the modeling data, and to further reduce the possibility that undesired support structures are reflected in the modeling data.

[0112] (3) In the above aspect, in the area determination step, an area of ​​the overhang portion having the angle less than the characteristic angle may be determined as the second area. According to this aspect, an area that is structurally more likely to require a support structure than the first area can be determined as the second area, and modeling data that reflects the desired support structure with a high probability can be generated more efficiently.

[0113] (4) In the above-described embodiment, in the region determination step, a region of the overhang portion having an angle whose angle difference with the characteristic angle is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold may be determined as the second region. According to this embodiment, a support structure that is likely to be structurally desirable can be reflected in the modeling data.

[0114] (5) In the above embodiment, the region determined as the second region includes a region of the overhang portion that has the angle whose difference with the characteristic angle is equal to or less than the threshold value and is adjacent to the first region. According to this embodiment, a support structure that is likely to be structurally and positionally desired can be reflected in the modeling data.

[0115] (6) In the above-described embodiment, the second region may be determined to be an adjacent continuous region including a plurality of adjacent regions, each of which includes a region adjacent to the first region, where the angle difference between the adjacent regions included in the adjacent continuous region is equal to or less than the threshold. According to this embodiment, it is possible to more efficiently generate modeling data that reflects a support structure that is likely to be structurally and positionally desired.

[0116] (7) In the above aspect, the area determining step may include a display step of displaying the determined second area on the display unit. According to this aspect, the determined second area can be confirmed by a user as visual information.

[0117] (8) In the above embodiment, the second region may include a first partial region that includes the first region or is adjacent to the first region, and a second partial region that is discontinuous with the first partial region, does not include the first region, and is not adjacent to the first region, and the displaying step may further include displaying the support structure for supporting the first partial region and the support structure for supporting the second partial region with different colors and / or patterns. According to this embodiment, the support structure for supporting the first partial region and the support structure for supporting the second partial region can be displayed on the display unit in a manner that makes them visually easy to distinguish.

[0118] (9) In the above embodiment, if the second region is not determined in the region determination step, a warning step may be further provided for displaying a warning on the display unit, and if the region determination step determines an area that satisfies predetermined characteristic conditions related to the feature amount as the second region. According to this embodiment, if the second region is not determined, for example, the user can be prompted to confirm whether the selection of the first region is appropriate or whether the setting of the characteristic conditions is appropriate.

[0119] (10) In the above aspect, the generating step may further generate data representing a support structure for supporting the selected first region from below in the stacking direction. According to this aspect, the support structure for supporting the region directly selected by the user is reflected in the modeling data, thereby further improving user convenience.

[0120] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described data generation method, but can be realized in various forms, such as a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, a three-dimensional printing system, 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]

[0121] 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. 1. A data generation method for generating modeling data for forming a three-dimensional object by stacking layers of a modeling material by discharging the modeling material onto a modeling surface of a stage, the method comprising: a receiving step of displaying at least a part of an overhang portion of the three-dimensional object on a display unit and receiving, on the display unit, a selection of a first region that represents at least a part of the overhang portion; a region determining step of determining a second region representing at least a part of the overhang portion based on the feature amount of the selected first region; a generating step of generating data representing a support structure for supporting the determined second region from below in the stacking direction of the layers, The data generating method, wherein the feature amount includes a feature angle that represents an angle of the first region relative to the printing surface.

2. 2. The data generation method according to claim 1, a region of the overhang portion having the angle equal to the characteristic angle being determined as the second region in the region determining step;

3. 2. The data generation method according to claim 1, a region of the overhang portion having an angle less than the characteristic angle being determined as the second region in the region determining step;

4. 2. The data generation method according to claim 1, a region of the overhang portion having an angle whose angle difference with the characteristic angle is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the region determining step determining the second region.

5. 5. The data generation method according to claim 4, A data generation method in which the area determined as the second area includes an area of ​​the overhang portion that has an angle whose angle difference with the characteristic angle is less than or equal to the threshold and is adjacent to the first area.

6. 6. The data generation method according to claim 5, A data generation method in which, in the region determination process, an adjacent continuous region including a plurality of adjacent regions including a region adjacent to the first region, wherein the angle difference between the angles of adjacent regions included in the adjacent continuous region is less than or equal to the threshold, is determined as the second region.

7. 2. The data generation method according to claim 1, A data generating method comprising a display step of displaying the determined second region on the display unit.

8. 8. The data generation method according to claim 7, the second region has a first partial region that includes the first region or is adjacent to the first region, and a second partial region that is not continuous with the first partial region, does not include the first region, and is not adjacent to the first region; A data generation method in which, in the display process, the support structure for supporting the first partial region and the support structure for supporting the second partial region are displayed with at least one of different colors and patterns.

9. 2. The data generation method according to claim 1, further comprising: a warning step of displaying a warning on the display unit when the second region is not determined in the region determination step; In the area determination step, an area that satisfies a predetermined characteristic condition regarding the feature amount is determined as the second area.

10. 10. The data generation method according to claim 1, further comprising: A data generation method, wherein the generating step further generates data representing a support structure for supporting the selected first region from below in the stacking direction.

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