Two-dimensional code embedding system, two-dimensional code embedding method, program, and method for manufacturing three-dimensional objects.

Abstract

Embedding two-dimensional codes into three-dimensional objects while maintaining aesthetic appeal and readability. [Solution] The two-dimensional code embedding system comprises an optical properties storage unit that stores the optical properties of the material constituting the three-dimensional object; a two-dimensional code storage unit that stores a two-dimensional code image encoded with pre-set information; and an image generation unit that generates a design-oriented two-dimensional code image that is readable for two-dimensional codes, in which the optical properties stored in the optical properties storage unit and the two-dimensional code image stored in the two-dimensional code storage unit are reflected in the image's grayscale information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a two-dimensional code embedding system, a two-dimensional code embedding method, a program, and a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a technology for embedding information such as two-dimensional codes in three-dimensional objects has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 1). In such a conventional technology, by embedding, for example, a two-dimensional code or the like in a part of a three-dimensional object, the influence of wear can be reduced more than that of printed matter such as a sticker, and the embedded information is assumed to be used for purposes such as authentication, tracking, and monitoring of the three-dimensional object.

[0003] Also, in recent image generation AI technology, it is possible to generate an image including a two-dimensional code that can be recognized while maintaining designability (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

[0006] However, in the prior art described in Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 1, the aesthetic appeal of a three-dimensional object was sometimes reduced when attempting to embed a two-dimensional code into a three-dimensional object. Furthermore, in the prior art, when attempting to embed a two-dimensional code into a three-dimensional object using an aesthetically pleasing image containing a two-dimensional code generated using the technology described in Non-Patent Document 2, there was a problem in that the aesthetic appeal of the two-dimensional code was reduced due to binarization.

[0007] Furthermore, the technology described in Non-Patent Document 2 generates a decorative image containing a two-dimensional code at the expense of error correction rate. As a result, the reading accuracy is somewhat reduced at the image generation stage, and embedding it in a three-dimensional object further reduces the reading accuracy, potentially making it impossible to read the information correctly. Thus, conventional two-dimensional code embedding technology has made it difficult to embed two-dimensional codes into three-dimensional objects while maintaining both aesthetic appeal and readability.

[0008] The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and its objective is to provide a two-dimensional code embedding system, a two-dimensional code embedding method, a program, and a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object that can embed a two-dimensional code into a three-dimensional object while maintaining design aesthetics and readability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a two-dimensional code embedding system comprising: an optical properties storage unit that stores the optical properties of a material constituting a three-dimensional object; a two-dimensional code storage unit that stores a two-dimensional code image encoded with pre-set information; and an image generation unit that generates a design-oriented two-dimensional code image that is readable for two-dimensional codes, in which the optical properties stored in the optical properties storage unit and the two-dimensional code image stored in the two-dimensional code storage unit are reflected in the image's grayscale information.

[0010] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described two-dimensional code embedding system, the optical properties may represent properties that describe the relationship between the thickness of the material and the transmission or reflection of light.

[0011] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described two-dimensional code embedding system, the image generation unit may, based on the two-dimensional code image and instruction information indicating a design image, use an image generation AI to generate a generated image in which the two-dimensional code image is embedded in the design image based on the instruction information, and which reflects the shading of the two-dimensional code image, and then generate the design two-dimensional code image by reflecting the thickness information of the material based on the optical properties in the shading information of the generated image.

[0012] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described two-dimensional code embedding system, the image generation unit may generate the design two-dimensional code image using an image generation AI that generates the design two-dimensional code image based on the two-dimensional code image, instruction information indicating a design image, and the optical characteristics.

[0013] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described two-dimensional code embedding system, the design-oriented two-dimensional code image may be a depth image in which thickness information is reflected based on the optical properties.

[0014] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the above-described two-dimensional code embedding system may include a three-dimensional model generation unit that generates a three-dimensional model of the three-dimensional object or a part of the three-dimensional object based on the design two-dimensional code image.

[0015] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the above-described two-dimensional code embedding system may include a code determination unit that determines whether or not the two-dimensional code can be read from an image generated based on the three-dimensional model generated by the three-dimensional model generation unit.

[0016] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the above-described two-dimensional code embedding system may include an optimization processing unit that, in accordance with the determination result determined by the code determination unit, modifies the generation parameters indicating the degree to which the two-dimensional code image is reflected in the image generation unit, and causes the image generation unit to regenerate the design-oriented two-dimensional code image, thereby improving the accuracy of reading the two-dimensional code.

[0017] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a two-dimensional code embedding method for a two-dimensional code embedding system comprising an optical properties storage unit for storing the optical properties of a material constituting a three-dimensional object, and a two-dimensional code storage unit for storing a two-dimensional code image encoded with pre-set information, wherein the image generation unit generates an image that, based on the optical properties stored in the optical properties storage unit and the two-dimensional code image stored in the two-dimensional code storage unit, generates a design-oriented two-dimensional code image that is readable for two-dimensional codes, and in which the optical properties are reflected in the grayscale information of the image.

[0018] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is a program for a computer of a two-dimensional code embedding system including an optical property storage unit that stores optical properties of a material constituting a three-dimensional object, and a two-dimensional code storage unit that stores a two-dimensional code image encoding preset information. The program causes the computer to execute an image generation step of generating a design two-dimensional code image capable of reading a two-dimensional code, based on the optical properties stored in the optical property storage unit and the two-dimensional code image stored in the two-dimensional code storage unit, and the design two-dimensional code image reflects the optical properties in the shading information of the image.

[0019] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object in which a two-dimensional code is embedded. The method includes an image generation step of generating a design two-dimensional code image capable of reading a two-dimensional code, based on the optical properties of the material constituting the three-dimensional object and a two-dimensional code image encoding preset information, and the design two-dimensional code image reflects the optical properties in the shading information of the image; a three-dimensional model generation step of generating a three-dimensional model of the three-dimensional object or a part of the three-dimensional object based on the design two-dimensional code image; and a manufacturing step of manufacturing the three-dimensional object based on the three-dimensional model.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, a two-dimensional code can be embedded in a three-dimensional object while maintaining designability and reading accuracy.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a functional block diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional code embedding system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of optical properties in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining an example of the processing of an image generation unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 4]It is a diagram showing an example of a 3D model with a two-dimensional code embedded therein according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a two-dimensional code embedding system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a functional block diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional code embedding system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a two-dimensional code embedding system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a functional block diagram showing an example of a manufacturing system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a manufacturing system according to the third embodiment. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0022] Hereinafter, a two-dimensional code embedding system, a two-dimensional code embedding method, and a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] [First Embodiment] ' FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional code embedding system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1 includes a two-dimensional code embedding device 10. The two-dimensional code embedding device 10 is a computer device such as a server device or a personal computer, and generates a 3D model of a three-dimensional object with a two-dimensional code embedded therein. Here, the three-dimensional object may be, for example, a handicraft or an accessory, and may be a three-dimensional object made of a material such as glass or plastic having transparency. The two-dimensional code embedding device 10 includes a storage unit 11 and a control unit 12.

[0025] Furthermore, if the two-dimensional code embedding device 10 is, for example, a server device, it is connected to a user terminal (not shown) via a network and operated by the user using the user terminal. Alternatively, if the two-dimensional code embedding device 10 is, for example, a personal computer, it may be operated by the user using an input unit (not shown).

[0026] The memory unit 11 stores various information used for various processes performed by the two-dimensional code embedding device 10. The memory unit 11 includes an optical characteristics memory unit 111, a two-dimensional code memory unit 112, a design two-dimensional code image memory unit 113, and a 3D model memory unit 114.

[0027] The optical properties memory unit 111 stores the optical properties of the material that constitutes the three-dimensional object. Here, optical properties are characteristics that represent the relationship between the thickness of the material and the transmission or reflection of light, and are determined by the material that constitutes the three-dimensional object in question.

[0028] Optical properties relate, for example, the amount of light transmitted and reflected when light is shone on a three-dimensional object. Optical properties can be obtained from the material's datasheet, or by actually measuring materials of multiple thicknesses. Here, an example of optical properties will be explained with reference to Figure 2.

[0029] Figure 2 shows an example of the optical characteristics in this embodiment. In Figure 2, the vertical axis represents the material thickness d, and the horizontal axis represents the luminance value L.

[0030] The point cloud W1 shown in Figure 2 plots the relationship between the brightness value L and thickness d of an image captured by a camera with a light source shining through it onto a patch created for transmittance calculation. The plotted information of the point cloud W1 may also be used as optical properties.

[0031] Furthermore, the waveform W2 shown in Figure 2 represents a waveform obtained by approximating the plotted result of the point cloud W1 with the attenuation function of equation (1) below.

[0032] d = A×exp(-L / t) … (1)

[0033] Here, A and t represent estimated parameters. Thus, by approximating with a decay function such as Equation (1), the decay function parameters associating the thickness of the material with the luminance value on the image may be used as optical characteristics. Also, when the luminance range in which the luminance values are distributed is within a certain range, the values of L1 and L2 in the luminance range (L1 < L < L2) may also be used as optical characteristics.

[0034] The optical characteristic storage unit 111 stores the optical characteristics as shown in FIG. 2 in association with information indicating the material (for example, the name of the material, etc.).

[0035] Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the two-dimensional code storage unit 112 stores a two-dimensional code image obtained by encoding preset information. Here, the two-dimensional code image is, for example, a code such as a QR code (registered trademark). The two-dimensional code image is an image obtained by encoding information such as the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a web page providing information related to the three-dimensional object. The two-dimensional code storage unit 112 may store, for example, the two-dimensional code image in association with information such as the URL indicated by the two-dimensional code image.

[0036] The design two-dimensional code image storage unit 113 stores the design two-dimensional code image generated by the two-dimensional code embedding device 10. Here, the design two-dimensional code image is an image having designability that allows the two-dimensional code to be read, and is an image in which the optical characteristics are reflected in the grayscale information of the image. That is, the design two-dimensional code image is a depth image in which thickness information is reflected based on the optical characteristics.

[0037] The 3D model storage unit 114 stores a 3D model (three-dimensional model) generated from a design-oriented two-dimensional code image. Here, the 3D model (three-dimensional model) is data that transforms a design-oriented two-dimensional code image into three dimensions, and is a 3D model of a three-dimensional object or a part of a three-dimensional object.

[0038] The control unit 12 is a processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and comprehensively controls the two-dimensional code embedding device 10. The control unit 12 executes various processes performed by the two-dimensional code embedding device 10. The control unit 12 also includes an image generation unit 121, a 3D model generation unit 122, an optimization processing unit 123, and a code determination unit 124.

[0039] The image generation unit 121 generates a design-oriented two-dimensional code image that can read the two-dimensional code, based on the optical characteristics stored in the optical characteristics storage unit 111 and the two-dimensional code image stored in the two-dimensional code storage unit 112. The image generation unit 121 generates a design-oriented two-dimensional code image in which the optical characteristics are reflected in the image's grayscale information.

[0040] The image generation unit 121 generates a generated image in which a two-dimensional code image is embedded in a design image based on prompt information (instruction information) that instructs a design image, using, for example, an image generation AI (artificial intelligence) based on a diffusion model, and the generated image reflects the shading of the two-dimensional code image. Specifically, the image generation unit 121 generates a design generated image with an embedded two-dimensional code image using, for example, a technique described in Non-Patent Literature 2.

[0041] The image generation AI processing may be performed by an external server device (image generation server) connected to the two-dimensional code embedding device 10 via a network, or the two-dimensional code embedding device 10 may perform the processing itself. Furthermore, the image generation AI can change the degree to which the two-dimensional code image is reflected in the generated image using generation parameters.

[0042] Furthermore, the image generation unit 121 generates a design-oriented two-dimensional code image by reflecting the thickness information of the material based on its optical properties in the grayscale information of the generated image produced by the image generation AI. The image generation unit 121 converts the design-oriented two-dimensional code image generated using the image generation AI to grayscale and performs tone mapping processing of the luminance values ​​based on its optical properties. As a result, the thickness and color of the three-dimensional object become closer to the original image, and recognition (reading) of the two-dimensional code becomes possible while maintaining gradation expression without binarization and while maintaining high design quality.

[0043] Here, with reference to Figure 3, a specific example of the process by which the image generation unit 121 generates a design-oriented two-dimensional code image will be explained.

[0044] Figure 3 illustrates an example of the processing performed by the image generation unit 121 in this embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 3, the image generation unit 121 generates a design-oriented two-dimensional code image of image G2 from the two-dimensional code image of image G1, and the optical characteristics, prompt information, and generation parameters shown in Figure 2.

[0045] In the example shown in Figure 3, the prompt information is set to "cherry tree," and the image generation unit 121 uses the image generation AI to generate a decorative two-dimensional code image in which a two-dimensional code image is embedded in an image of a cherry tree, as shown in image G2.

[0046] Furthermore, the two-dimensional design code image shown in Image G2 reflects the optical properties shown in Figure 2, with the brightness value (grayscale value) of each pixel corresponding to the thickness of the material.

[0047] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1, the image generation unit 121 stores the generated design-oriented two-dimensional code image in the design-oriented two-dimensional code image storage unit 113.

[0048] The 3D model generation unit 122 (an example of a three-dimensional model generation unit) generates a 3D model of a three-dimensional object or a part of a three-dimensional object based on a design-oriented two-dimensional code image. The 3D model generation unit 122 retrieves the design-oriented two-dimensional code image stored in the design-oriented two-dimensional code image storage unit 113, converts the brightness value of each pixel in the design-oriented two-dimensional code image into the thickness of the material, and generates a 3D model, for example, as shown in Figure 4.

[0049] Figure 4 shows an example of a 3D model with an embedded 2D code according to this embodiment. Figure 4 shows an example of a 3D model created by embedding a QR code into the image of the cherry tree mentioned above.

[0050] Furthermore, the 3D model here may be the three-dimensional object itself, or it may be embedded as part of the three-dimensional object. The 3D model generation unit 122 stores the generated 3D model in the 3D model storage unit 114.

[0051] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1, the optimization processing unit 123, in accordance with the determination result determined by the code determination unit 124 (described later), modifies the generation parameters in the image generation AI to improve the accuracy of reading the two-dimensional code, causing the image generation unit 121 to regenerate the aesthetic two-dimensional code image. Here, the generation parameters are parameters that indicate the degree to which the two-dimensional code image is reflected (for example, the weight parameters of ControlNet that adjust the degree to which the shading of the original two-dimensional code image is reflected).

[0052] The code determination unit 124 determines whether a two-dimensional code can be read from an image generated based on the 3D model generated by the 3D model generation unit 122. The code determination unit 124 reads the 3D model and generates a rendering image in which the light source and other elements are appropriately set, for example, in a rendering system. The code determination unit 124 uses existing technology to recognize two-dimensional codes from rendering images to determine whether a two-dimensional code in the rendering image is recognizable (readable), and determines whether the design two-dimensional code image generated digitally before the three-dimensional object is molded is recognizable.

[0053] Next, with reference to the drawings, the operation of the two-dimensional code embedding system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the two-dimensional code embedding system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5, the image generation unit 121 of the two-dimensional code embedding device 10 first acquires optical properties corresponding to the material (step S101). The image generation unit 121 acquires optical properties corresponding to the material of the three-dimensional object from the optical properties storage unit 111 (for example, optical properties such as the point cloud W1 or waveform W2 in Figure 2).

[0055] Next, the image generation unit 121 acquires a two-dimensional code image (step S102). The image generation unit 121 acquires the two-dimensional code image to be embedded from the two-dimensional code storage unit 112.

[0056] Next, the image generation unit 121 sets prompt information and generation parameters (step S103). The image generation unit 121 sets prompt information (for example, instruction information such as "cherry tree") and generation parameters (for example, parameters to adjust the degree to which the original two-dimensional code image's shading is reflected) input using a user terminal connected via the network to the image generation AI.

[0057] Next, the image generation unit 121 generates a design image including a two-dimensional code using an image generation AI (step S104). The image generation unit 121 generates a design image (design-generated image) using, for example, an image generation AI of a diffusion model as described in Non-Patent Literature 2.

[0058] Next, the image generation unit 121 generates a design two-dimensional code image by reflecting the optical properties in the generated design image (step S105). The image generation unit 121 converts the design image to grayscale and performs tone mapping processing of the luminance values ​​based on the optical properties. The image generation unit 121 stores the generated design two-dimensional code image in the design two-dimensional code image storage unit 113.

[0059] Next, the 3D model generation unit 122 generates a 3D model from the design two-dimensional code image (step S106). The 3D model generation unit 122 retrieves the design two-dimensional code image stored in the design two-dimensional code image storage unit 113 and generates a 3D model of a three-dimensional object or a part of a three-dimensional object from the design two-dimensional code image. The 3D model generation unit 122 stores the generated 3D model in the 3D model storage unit 114.

[0060] Next, the code determination unit 124 generates a rendering image based on the 3D model (step S107). The code determination unit 124 retrieves the 3D model stored in the 3D model storage unit 114 and generates a rendering image from the 3D model with appropriately set light sources and other elements.

[0061] Next, the code determination unit 124 determines whether the two-dimensional code in the rendered image is readable (step S108). The code determination unit 124 displays the rendered image and determines whether the two-dimensional code in the rendered image is readable. If the two-dimensional code is readable (step S108: YES), the code determination unit 124 terminates the process. If the two-dimensional code is not readable (step S108: NO), the code determination unit 124 proceeds to step S109.

[0062] In step S109, the optimization processing unit 123 of the two-dimensional code embedding device 10 changes the generation parameters. The optimization processing unit 123 adjusts the degree to which the density of the two-dimensional code image is reflected in the generation parameters so that the accuracy of reading the two-dimensional code is improved. After the processing in step S109, the optimization processing unit 123 returns to step S104 and repeats the processing from step S104 to step S109 until a design-oriented two-dimensional code image that can read the two-dimensional code is generated.

[0063] As described above, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1 according to this embodiment comprises an optical properties storage unit 111, a two-dimensional code storage unit 112, and an image generation unit 121. The optical properties storage unit 111 stores the optical properties of the material constituting the three-dimensional object. The two-dimensional code storage unit 112 stores a two-dimensional code image encoded with pre-set information. The image generation unit 121 generates a design-oriented two-dimensional code image that is readable and in which the optical properties are reflected in the image's grayscale information, based on the optical properties stored in the optical properties storage unit 111 and the two-dimensional code image stored in the two-dimensional code storage unit 112.

[0064] As a result, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1 according to this embodiment reflects the optical properties of the material of the three-dimensional object in the grayscale information of the design two-dimensional code image containing the two-dimensional code, so that the grayscale of the design two-dimensional code image can be reproduced by the thickness of the three-dimensional object. Therefore, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1 according to this embodiment can embed a two-dimensional code into a three-dimensional object while maintaining both design aesthetics and readability.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the optical properties represent the relationship between the thickness of the material and the transmission or reflection of light. The design two-dimensional code image is a depth image in which thickness information is reflected based on the optical properties.

[0066] As a result, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1 according to this embodiment can appropriately reflect the brightness value of the design two-dimensional code image in the thickness of the material as light transmission or reflection by utilizing optical properties. Therefore, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1 according to this embodiment can appropriately reproduce the shading of the design two-dimensional code image in the thickness of the three-dimensional object.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the image generation unit 121 uses an image generation AI to generate a generated image in which the two-dimensional code image is embedded in the design image based on the instruction information, and which reflects the shading of the two-dimensional code image. The shading information of the generated image is then used to reflect the thickness information of the material based on its optical properties to generate a design two-dimensional code image.

[0068] As a result, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1 according to this embodiment can easily embed two-dimensional codes into three-dimensional objects while maintaining both aesthetic appeal and readability, by utilizing existing image generation AI technology.

[0069] Furthermore, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1 according to this embodiment includes a 3D model generation unit 122 (three-dimensional model generation unit) that generates a 3D model (three-dimensional model) of a three-dimensional object or a part of a three-dimensional object based on a design two-dimensional code image.

[0070] As a result, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1 according to this embodiment generates a 3D model (three-dimensional model) based on a design-oriented two-dimensional code image that reflects the optical properties of the material of the three-dimensional object in the image's grayscale information. Therefore, it can reproduce a three-dimensional object that looks similar to the design-oriented two-dimensional code image. Thus, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1 according to this embodiment can embed a two-dimensional code into a three-dimensional object using a 3D model (three-dimensional model) while maintaining both design aesthetics and readability.

[0071] Furthermore, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1 according to this embodiment includes a code determination unit 124 that determines whether or not a two-dimensional code can be read from an image generated based on a 3D model generated by a 3D model generation unit 122.

[0072] As a result, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1 according to this embodiment can determine whether or not the two-dimensional code is readable based on the image before actually manufacturing (molding) the three-dimensional object.

[0073] Furthermore, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1 according to this embodiment includes an optimization processing unit 123 that, in accordance with the determination result determined by the code determination unit 124, modifies the generation parameters in the image generation AI that indicate the degree to which the two-dimensional code image is reflected, and causes the image generation unit 121 to regenerate an aesthetically pleasing two-dimensional code image, thereby improving the accuracy of reading the two-dimensional code.

[0074] As a result, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1 according to this embodiment can optimize the design-oriented two-dimensional code image and improve the accuracy of reading the two-dimensional code.

[0075] Furthermore, the two-dimensional code embedding method according to this embodiment is a two-dimensional code embedding method of a two-dimensional code embedding system 1 comprising an optical properties storage unit 111 that stores the optical properties of the material constituting the three-dimensional object, and a two-dimensional code storage unit 112 that stores a two-dimensional code image encoded with pre-set information, and includes an image generation step. In the image generation step, the image generation unit 121 generates a design-oriented two-dimensional code image that is readable for two-dimensional codes, based on the optical properties stored in the optical properties storage unit 111 and the two-dimensional code image stored in the two-dimensional code storage unit 112, and the design-oriented two-dimensional code image in which the optical properties are reflected in the image's grayscale information.

[0076] As a result, the two-dimensional code embedding method according to this embodiment achieves the same effects as the two-dimensional code embedding system 1 described above, and allows for the embedding of two-dimensional codes into three-dimensional objects while maintaining aesthetic appeal and readability.

[0077] [Second Embodiment] Next, a two-dimensional code embedding system according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0078] Figure 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional code embedding system 1a according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1a includes a two-dimensional code embedding device 10a.

[0079] In Figure 6, components identical to those shown in Figure 1 are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1a according to this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in its process for generating the design-oriented two-dimensional code image.

[0080] The two-dimensional code embedding device 10a is, for example, a computer device such as a server or a personal computer, and generates a 3D model of a three-dimensional object with an embedded two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code embedding device 10a comprises a storage unit 11 and a control unit 12a.

[0081] The control unit 12a is a processor, such as a CPU, and comprehensively controls the two-dimensional code embedding device 10a. The control unit 12a executes various processes performed by the two-dimensional code embedding device 10a. The control unit 12a also includes an image generation unit 121a, a 3D model generation unit 122, and an optimization processing unit 123.

[0082] The image generation unit 121a generates a design-oriented two-dimensional code image that can read the two-dimensional code, based on the optical characteristics stored in the optical characteristics storage unit 111 and the two-dimensional code image stored in the two-dimensional code storage unit 112. The image generation unit 121a generates a design-oriented two-dimensional code image using an image generation AI that generates design-oriented two-dimensional code images based on the two-dimensional code image, prompt information (instruction information) that indicates the design-oriented image, and the optical characteristics.

[0083] In this embodiment, the image generation AI that generated a design-oriented generated image including a two-dimensional code in the first embodiment is subjected to additional training to reflect optical characteristics, thereby constructing a trained model. The image generation unit 121a then generates a design-oriented two-dimensional code image using the image generation AI based on this trained model. The trained model is, for example, a trained model that has been further trained to reflect the brightness range of the optical characteristics in the grayscale of the generated image, and is capable of generating a design-oriented two-dimensional code image from a two-dimensional code image, prompt information (instruction information), and optical characteristics.

[0084] The image generation unit 121a stores the generated design-oriented two-dimensional code image in the design-oriented two-dimensional code image storage unit 113. Note that the processing of the other components of the control unit 12a is the same as in the first embodiment, so its explanation is omitted here.

[0085] Next, with reference to Figure 7, the operation of the two-dimensional code embedding system 1a according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the two-dimensional code embedding system 1a according to this embodiment.

[0086] In Figure 7, the processes from step S201 to step S203 are the same as the processes from step S101 to step S103 shown in Figure 5, so their explanation is omitted here.

[0087] In step S204, the image generation unit 121a generates a design-oriented two-dimensional code image that reflects the optical characteristics using an image generation AI. The image generation AI here is an image generation AI based on a trained model that has undergone additional training to reflect the optical characteristics described above. The image generation unit 121a stores the generated design-oriented two-dimensional code image in the design-oriented two-dimensional code image storage unit 113.

[0088] The subsequent processes from step S205 to step S208 are the same as those from step S106 to step S109 shown in Figure 5, so their explanation will be omitted here. In step S208, after the processing in step S208, the optimization processing unit 123 returns to step S204 and repeats the processes from step S204 to step S108 until a design-oriented two-dimensional code image that can read the two-dimensional code is generated.

[0089] As described above, in the two-dimensional code embedding system 1a according to this embodiment, the image generation unit 121a generates a design-oriented two-dimensional code image using an image generation AI that generates a design-oriented two-dimensional code image based on a two-dimensional code image, instruction information that indicates a design-oriented image, and optical characteristics.

[0090] As a result, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1a according to this embodiment eliminates the need for tone mapping processing of luminance values ​​based on optical characteristics, as performed in the first embodiment, and can generate an optimally aesthetically pleasing image among the images that can be represented by the optical characteristics. Therefore, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1a according to this embodiment can more easily embed two-dimensional codes into three-dimensional objects while maintaining aesthetic appeal and readability.

[0091] [Third Embodiment] Next, as a third embodiment, a manufacturing system 100 using the two-dimensional code embedding system 1(1a) described above will be explained.

[0092] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a manufacturing system 100 according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the manufacturing system 100 comprises a two-dimensional code embedding system 1(1a) and a processing system 30.

[0093] The manufacturing system 100 is a system that manufactures three-dimensional objects using a design-oriented two-dimensional code image.

[0094] The two-dimensional code embedding system 1(1a) is the system described in the first and second embodiments described above. The two-dimensional code embedding system 1(1a) generates a design-oriented two-dimensional code image corresponding to the material of the three-dimensional object from prompt information and a two-dimensional code image, and also generates a 3D model based on the design-oriented two-dimensional code image.

[0095] The processing system 30 is a system that forms or processes three-dimensional objects using, for example, a 3D printer, a cutting machine, or a laser processing device. The processing system 30 manufactures three-dimensional objects by processing materials based on the 3D model generated by the two-dimensional code embedding system 1(1a).

[0096] Next, with reference to Figure 9, the operation of the manufacturing system 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the manufacturing system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0097] As shown in Figure 9, the manufacturing system 100 first performs an image generation process (step S301). In the image generation process, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1(1a) of the manufacturing system 100 generates a design-oriented two-dimensional code image that is readable, based on the optical properties of the material constituting the three-dimensional object and a two-dimensional code image that encodes pre-set information, in which the optical properties are reflected in the grayscale information of the image.

[0098] Next, the manufacturing system 100 performs a 3D model generation process (step S302). In the 3D model generation process, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1(1a) generates a 3D model based on the design two-dimensional code image.

[0099] Next, the manufacturing system 100 executes a three-dimensional object manufacturing process (an example of a manufacturing process) (step S303). In the three-dimensional object manufacturing process, the processing system 30 manufactures a three-dimensional object based on a 3D model.

[0100] As described above, the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object according to this embodiment is a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object with an embedded two-dimensional code, and includes an image generation step, a 3D model generation step (three-dimensional model generation step), and a manufacturing step. In the image generation step, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1(1a) performs a process to generate a design-oriented two-dimensional code image that is readable for the two-dimensional code, based on the optical properties of the material constituting the three-dimensional object and a two-dimensional code image that encodes pre-set information, in which the optical properties are reflected in the grayscale information of the image. In the 3D model generation step, the two-dimensional code embedding system 1(1a) performs a process to generate a 3D model (three-dimensional model) of the three-dimensional object or a part of the three-dimensional object based on the design-oriented two-dimensional code image. In the manufacturing step, the processing system 30 performs a process to manufacture the three-dimensional object based on the three-dimensional model.

[0101] As a result, the method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object according to this embodiment achieves the same effects as the two-dimensional code embedding system 1(1a) and two-dimensional code embedding method described above, and it is possible to embed a two-dimensional code into a three-dimensional object while maintaining design aesthetics and readability.

[0102] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in each of the embodiments described above, the two-dimensional code embedding device 10 (10a) was described as being composed of a single device, but it is not limited to this, and may be implemented with multiple devices, such as multiple server devices.

[0103] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, part or all of the storage unit 11 may be provided in an external storage device of the two-dimensional code embedding device 10 (10a). Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, some of the components of the control unit 12(12a) may be provided outside the two-dimensional code embedding device 10(10a).

[0104] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the optimization processing unit 123 was described as repeatedly optimizing by changing the generation parameters to generate design-oriented two-dimensional code images and 3D models, and making judgments by the code determination unit 124, but it is not limited to this. The optimization processing unit 123 may also set multiple generation parameters in advance, generate multiple design-oriented two-dimensional code images and 3D models corresponding to the multiple generation parameters, and select the optimal one from the multiple design-oriented two-dimensional code images and 3D models.

[0105] Furthermore, the code determination unit 124 may not only determine whether or not the two-dimensional code is readable, but also detect the reading accuracy or reading margin of the two-dimensional code to evaluate the aesthetic two-dimensional code image.

[0106] Furthermore, although the above embodiments describe an example in which the code determination unit 124 is provided as part of the two-dimensional code embedding device 10(10a), it is not limited to this and may be provided outside the two-dimensional code embedding device 10(10a). In addition, the code determination unit 124 may use, for example, a two-dimensional code reader (e.g., a camera) not shown to determine whether or not the two-dimensional code in the rendered image is recognizable (readable).

[0107] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the image generation unit 121 (121a) is shown to use an image generation AI from an external server device (image generation server) not shown via a network. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the two-dimensional code embedding device 10 (10a) itself may perform the processing of the image generation AI. In this case, the storage unit 11 may store a trained model of the image generation AI.

[0108] Furthermore, each component of the two-dimensional code embedding system 1(1a) and the manufacturing system 100 described above has a computer system inside. A program for realizing the functions of each component of the two-dimensional code embedding system 1(1a) and the manufacturing system 100 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into the computer system and executed to perform the processing in each component of the two-dimensional code embedding system 1(1a) and the manufacturing system 100 described above. Here, "loading the program recorded on the recording medium into the computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into the computer system. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network, including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. "Computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0109] Furthermore, the recording medium also includes internal or external recording media accessible from the distribution server for distributing the program. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined using the various configurations of the two-dimensional code embedding system 1(1a) and the manufacturing system 100. The distribution servers for each of the divided programs may also be different. Moreover, "computer-readable recording media" includes volatile memory (RAM) within computer systems that act as servers or clients when a program is transmitted over a network, which retains the program for a certain period of time. The program itself may also be intended to implement some of the functions described above. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0110] Furthermore, some or all of the above-mentioned functions may be implemented as integrated circuits such as LSIs (Large Scale Integrations). Each of the above-mentioned functions may be implemented as an individual processor, or some or all of them may be integrated into a single processor. In addition, the method of implementing integrated circuits is not limited to LSIs; they may also be implemented using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. Furthermore, if advances in semiconductor technology lead to the emergence of integrated circuit technologies that can replace LSIs, integrated circuits using such technologies may be used. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 1.1a Two-dimensional code embedding system 10, 10a Two-dimensional code embedding device 11 Storage section 12, 12a Control Unit 30 Processing Systems 100 Manufacturing Systems 111 Optical characteristic storage section 112 Two-dimensional code storage unit 113 Design-oriented two-dimensional code image storage unit 114 3D Model Memory Unit 121, 121a Image generation section 122 3D Model Generation Unit 123 Optimization Processing Unit 124 Code determination unit

Claims

1. An optical properties memory unit that stores the optical properties of the materials that make up the three-dimensional object, A two-dimensional code storage unit that stores a two-dimensional code image containing pre-set information, An image generation unit generates a design-oriented two-dimensional code image that is readable from a two-dimensional code, based on the optical characteristics stored in the optical characteristics storage unit and the two-dimensional code image stored in the two-dimensional code storage unit, wherein the optical characteristics are reflected in the image's grayscale information. A two-dimensional code embedding system equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned optical properties are characteristics that represent the relationship between the thickness of the material and the transmission or reflection of light. The two-dimensional code embedding system according to claim 1.

3. The image generation unit, Based on the two-dimensional code image and instruction information indicating a design image, an image generation AI is used to generate a generated image in which the two-dimensional code image is embedded in the design image based on the instruction information, and the generated image reflects the shading of the two-dimensional code image. The thickness information of the material based on the optical properties is then reflected in the shading information of the generated image to generate the design two-dimensional code image. The two-dimensional code embedding system according to claim 1.

4. The image generation unit, The design two-dimensional code image is generated using an image generation AI that generates the design two-dimensional code image based on the aforementioned two-dimensional code image, instruction information indicating a design image, and the optical characteristics. The two-dimensional code embedding system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned two-dimensional design code image is a depth image in which thickness information is reflected based on the optical properties. The two-dimensional code embedding system according to claim 1.

6. The system includes a three-dimensional model generation unit that generates a three-dimensional model of the three-dimensional object or a part of the three-dimensional object based on the aforementioned two-dimensional design code image. A two-dimensional code embedding system according to claim 3 or claim 4.

7. The three-dimensional model generation unit generates an image based on the three-dimensional model, and the code determination unit determines whether or not the two-dimensional code can be read from that image. The two-dimensional code embedding system according to claim 6.

8. In accordance with the determination result made by the code determination unit, the image generation AI includes an optimization processing unit that modifies the generation parameters indicating the degree to which the two-dimensional code image is reflected, thereby improving the accuracy of reading the two-dimensional code, and causes the image generation unit to regenerate the design-oriented two-dimensional code image. The two-dimensional code embedding system according to claim 7.

9. A two-dimensional code embedding method for a two-dimensional code embedding system, comprising an optical properties memory unit that stores the optical properties of the materials constituting a three-dimensional object, and a two-dimensional code memory unit that stores a two-dimensional code image encoded with pre-set information, wherein The image generation unit includes an image generation step in which it generates a design-oriented two-dimensional code image that is readable for two-dimensional codes, based on the optical characteristics stored in the optical characteristics storage unit and the two-dimensional code image stored in the two-dimensional code storage unit, wherein the optical characteristics are reflected in the image's grayscale information. How to embed a QR code.

10. A computer in a two-dimensional code embedding system comprises an optical properties memory unit that stores the optical properties of the materials constituting a three-dimensional object, and a two-dimensional code memory unit that stores two-dimensional code images encoded with pre-set information. An image generation step is performed to generate a design-oriented two-dimensional code image that is readable, based on the optical characteristics stored in the optical characteristics storage unit and the two-dimensional code image stored in the two-dimensional code storage unit, wherein the optical characteristics are reflected in the image's grayscale information. A program to be executed.

11. A method for manufacturing three-dimensional objects in which a two-dimensional code is embedded, An image generation process that generates a design-oriented two-dimensional code image that is readable from the two-dimensional code, based on the optical properties of the material constituting the three-dimensional object and a two-dimensional code image that encodes pre-set information, wherein the optical properties are reflected in the grayscale information of the image. A three-dimensional model generation step, which generates a three-dimensional model of the three-dimensional object or a part of the three-dimensional object based on the aforementioned two-dimensional design code image, A manufacturing process for producing the three-dimensional object based on the three-dimensional model, A method for manufacturing three-dimensional objects, including [specifically, objects].

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