Method for manufacturing eye member, method for manufacturing three-dimensional object, eye member, three-dimensional object

Abstract

Efficiently manufacture an eye member to be attached to a three-dimensional object. 【Solution means】A method for manufacturing an eye member to be attached to a three-dimensional object, the method including: an eyeball part including a base part and a covering part that is located on one side of the base part and is positioned so as to cover the base part, the base part including: obtaining 3D data of an eye member including an eyeball part including a pupil part provided on one side surface of the base part and a peripheral part that is located at the periphery of the pupil part and is inclined at a predetermined angle from the pupil part to one side; generating instruction data for instructing a 3D printer to form the eye member based on the 3D data; and forming the eye member by causing the 3D printer to discharge a forming material based on the instruction data.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is a technique for manufacturing an eye member in which the eyes of a three-dimensional object imitating a character appear to follow a person looking at the three-dimensional object.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 includes an iris part forming step of forming an iris part that covers the front surface of an eye part, a pupil part forming step of forming a pupil part having a protruding part that protrudes from the rear surface of the iris part and protrudes into the iris part with the front surface formed in a convex shape, and a base part forming step of forming a base part so as to be in contact with the rear surface of the iris part at a part where the pupil part is not formed. A method for manufacturing an eye part to be assembled to a humanoid face part is described.

[0005] The degree of tracking of the eye member varies depending on the design (position, color, shape, dimensions, etc.) of each part constituting the eye member. Therefore, in order to express natural tracking, it was necessary to repeat trial production while changing the design of each part. On the other hand, since the eye member to be tracked was manufactured by combining a plurality of parts or repeatedly molding a plurality of materials having different colors or materials, a large amount of man-hours was required for trial production.

[0006] In addition, in three-dimensional objects with a human motif, the adoption of a tracking eye member has been practiced many times before. Therefore, a great deal of knowledge has been accumulated regarding the manufacture of a tracking eye member with a human motif. Thus, when newly designing a tracking eye member with a human motif, it is possible to refer to the conventional designs, and thus the man-hours involved in design and prototyping can be reduced. On the other hand, when the character as the motif of the three-dimensional object is a fictional creature, the eye design may be unique. Also, depending on the relationship between the character's eyes, face, and the entire body in terms of position and size, the degree of tracking that makes the viewer feel natural varies. On the other hand, when the character as the motif of the three-dimensional object is a fictional creature, the relationship between the character's eyes, face, and the entire body in terms of position and size may be unique to that character. For the above reasons, when designing a tracking eye member, it is often not possible to refer to the conventional knowledge. Also, when the character as the motif of the three-dimensional object is a fictional creature, the eye shapes vary for each design. Therefore, when designing a tracking eye member, it is difficult to refer to the designs of eye members with other characters as motifs that were manufactured previously. Also, because the design is unique, it is necessary to carefully verify the strength and safety of the manufactured eye member. For the above reasons, when manufacturing an eye member with a fictional creature character as the motif, it is necessary to repeat design and prototyping many times to establish an appropriate design, and it has required a great deal of man-hours compared to the case of three-dimensional objects with a human motif.

[0007] For the above reasons, a method for efficiently manufacturing an eye member to be attached to a three-dimensional object has been demanded.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to efficiently manufacture an eye member to be attached to a three-dimensional object.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0009] A method for manufacturing an eye member to be attached to a three-dimensional object, the method including: an eyeball portion including a base portion and a covering portion located on one side of the base portion and covering the base portion, the base portion including a pupil portion provided on one side surface of the base portion and a peripheral portion located at the periphery of the pupil portion and inclined at a predetermined angle from the pupil portion toward one side; obtaining 3D data of the eye member including the eyeball portion; generating instruction data for instructing a 3D printer to form the eye member based on the 3D data; and causing the 3D printer to discharge a forming material based on the instruction data to form the eye member.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, an eye member for tracking can be efficiently manufactured.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0013] <0 Outline of the three-dimensional object> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the manufacturing process of the three-dimensional object 5 in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the three-dimensional object 5 is a three-dimensional object imitating the character of a specific fictional creature. Note that the object to be manufactured into the three-dimensional object 5 is not limited to fictional creatures. The three-dimensional object 5 may imitate a fictional artifact, a real creature, a real artifact, etc. Note that in the present embodiment, it is not assumed that the three-dimensional object 5 includes one imitating a human.

[0014] In particular, the three-dimensional object 5 manufactured in the present embodiment is an object imitating a specific character installed in a tourist facility such as a theme park or an amusement park. The three-dimensional object 5 is manufactured, for example, to reproduce an assumed size. By installing the three-dimensional object 5 in the tourist facility, the world view of the story in which the character appears is produced in the facility. In addition, the users of the facility can improve the user experience by appreciating the three-dimensional object 5 from various angles, taking videos or photos of the three-dimensional object 5, etc. Note that the installation location of the three-dimensional object 5 is not limited to tourist facilities, and it may be installed in various locations according to the purpose.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the three-dimensional object 5 has a main body portion 6 imitating the main body portion of the character and an eye member 7 imitating the eye portion of the character.

[0016] The main body part 6 has an attachment area 61 for attaching the eye member 7. The attachment area 61 has, for example, a depression along the shape of the eye member 7. For example, when the eye member 7 imitates the eyeball part of a character, the attachment area 61 has a depression in the shape along the contour of the character's eyeball. Also, for example, when the eye member 7 imitates the eyeball part of a character and the skin part around the eyeball, the attachment area 61 has a depression in the shape along the contour of the skin part imitated by the eye member 7. The eye member 7 is attached to the attachment area 61 by being embedded in the depression of the attachment area 61. When embedding the eye member 7 in the depression, the eye member 7 may be fixed to the attachment area 61 by means such as fixing by fitting, fixing by bolts and nuts, welding, adhesion by an adhesive, etc.

[0017] Using FIG. 1, the manufacturing process of the three-dimensional object 5 will be described. First, the main body part 6 is manufactured by an arbitrary shaping method. Also, the eye member 7 is manufactured using a 3D printer. Then, the three-dimensional object 5 is manufactured by attaching the eye member 7 to the attachment area 61 of the main body part 6. When attaching the eye member 7 to the attachment area 61, surface processing such as polishing, painting, or embedding a filler may be performed on the boundary between the attachment area 61 and the eye member 7. Thereby, the boundary between the attachment area 61 and the eye member 7 becomes less noticeable.

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

[0019] <0.1 Details of the Eye Member> Figure 2 is a front view of the eye member 7 manufactured in this embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the eye member 7 manufactured in this embodiment. Figure 4 is another example of the cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the eye member 7. Figure 5 is another example of the cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the eye member 7. As shown in Figure 2, the eye member 7 has an eyeball portion 71 and a main body region 72. Note that the eye member 7 may not have the main body region 72.

[0020] The eyeball portion 71 is a portion that imitates the eyeball of a character. As shown in Figure 3, the eyeball portion 71 has a base portion 711 and a covering portion 712.

[0021] The base portion 711 is a portion that serves as the base of the eyeball portion 71. As shown in Figure 3, the base portion 711 has a pupil portion 7111 and a peripheral portion 7112.

[0022] The pupil portion 7111 is a portion that imitates the pupil of the eyeball of a character. As shown in Figure 3, the pupil portion 7111 is provided at the center of the base portion 711 on one side surface of the base portion 711. Note that the pupil portion 7111 may not be provided at the center of the base portion 711. As shown in Figure 3, the pupil portion 7111 has, for example, a planar shape. Note that, as shown in Figure 4, the pupil portion 7111 may have a curved surface shape. The curved surface shape of the pupil portion 7111 may be, for example, a convex surface shape as shown in Figure 4, or a concave surface shape or other shapes. Also, as shown in Figure 5, the pupil portion 7111 may point to the vertex portion of the angle formed by the peripheral portion 7112 in the base portion 711. The degree of tracking of the eye member 7 changes according to parameters such as the position of the pupil portion 7111 (especially the position with respect to the peripheral portion 7112 and the first surface 7121 of the covering portion 712), color, shape, dimensions, etc. Therefore, in order to realize appropriate tracking for the character to be modeled, the designer of the eye member 7 adjusts parameters such as the position of the pupil portion 7111 (especially the position with respect to the peripheral portion 7112 and the first surface 7121 of the covering portion 712), color, shape, dimensions, etc.

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

[0024] The pupil part 7111 and the peripheral part 7112 are manufactured from materials with different appearances. Here, "having different appearances" means that, for example, differences in appearance occur due to at least any one of the material, color, and transparency being different. Thereby, the difference in appearance between the pupil part and the peripheral part of the character's eyeball is expressed.

[0025] Also, the base part 711 may have a part with a different appearance from the peripheral part 7112 at a further periphery of the peripheral part 7112. This part may represent, for example, the white part of the character's eye.

[0026] The covering part 712 is a part that imitates the surface (cornea part) of the character's eyeball. As shown in FIG. 3, the covering part 712 is located on one side of the base part 711 and is positioned so as to cover the base part 711. The covering part 712 is manufactured from a material that transmits light. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 2, when the eye member 7 is viewed from one side of the covering part 712, the appearances of the pupil part 7111 and the peripheral part 7112 can also be visually recognized through the covering part 712.

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

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

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, by providing the pupil portion 7111 to have a predetermined distance on the other side with respect to the first surface 7121 of the covering portion 712, the pupil portion 7111 can appear to follow (track) a person who looks at the eye member 7. As described above, since the degree of tracking of the eye member 7 varies according to parameters such as the position, color, shape, and dimensions of the pupil portion 7111, the peripheral portion 7112, and the covering portion 712 (including the first surface 7121 and the second surface 7122), it is necessary to adjust these parameters in order to realize appropriate tracking for the character to be modeled. Therefore, in order to realize appropriate tracking for the character to be modeled, it is necessary to repeat the design and prototyping of the eye member 7 while adjusting these parameters.

[0030] The main body area 72 is a part that imitates the skin part around the character's eyeball. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main body area 72 is provided so as to be in contact with the eyeball part 71. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the main body area 72 is provided so as to surround the eyeball part 71. The main body area 72 is manufactured from a material whose appearance is similar to the vicinity of the attachment area 61 of the main body part 6. Thereby, when the eye member 7 is attached to the attachment area 61, the boundary between the main body part 6 and the eye member 7 is not conspicuous, and the three-dimensional shaped object 5 exhibits a natural appearance.

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

[0032] The terminal device 10 shown in FIG. 6 is realized by, for example, a desktop PC (Personal Computer) or a laptop PC. In addition, the terminal device 10 may be realized by, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet corresponding to a mobile communication system. Also, the terminal device 10 may be realized by a wearable terminal such as an HMD (Head Mount Display).

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

[0034] The terminal device 10 is composed of a computer including an arithmetic unit and a storage unit. The basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer realized by the hardware configuration will be described later. Regarding the terminal device 10, descriptions overlapping with the basic hardware configuration and the basic functional configuration of the computer described later will be omitted.

[0035] The 3D printer 30 is a modeling device that models the eye member 7 according to the information transmitted from the terminal device 10. The 3D printer 30 models the eye member 7 using a modeling material corresponding to each method by an arbitrary method such as a material extrusion method, a stereolithography method, an inkjet method, etc. The 3D printer 30 includes, for example, a discharge unit that discharges the modeling material and a platform on which the discharged modeling material is laminated. Also, in the present embodiment, the discharge unit of the 3D printer 30 can switch and discharge a plurality of different modeling materials. Note that the 3D printer 30 may model the main body 6 by an arbitrary method.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0046] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the object information 1831. Note that FIG. 8 is an example and does not exclude data not described. The object information 1831 includes an item “object ID”, an item “object name”, an item “coordinates”, and an item “texture information”.

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

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

[0049] The item "Coordinates" is an item that stores the coordinate values indicating the position of a 3D object. Specifically, the item "Coordinates" stores the respective values of the x, y, and z coordinates of the 3D object. For example, the item "Coordinates" stores the coordinate values of the center of the 3D object.

[0050] The item "Texture Information" is an item that stores texture information regarding the texture of a 3D object. Specifically, the item "Texture Information" stores information regarding the visual effects applied to the surface of the 3D object. For example, the item "Texture Information" stores information regarding the color, gloss, roughness, transparency, etc. of the surface of the 3D object.

[0051] The instruction data 184 is data in which the content of the operation instructions for instructing the shaping of the eye member 7 to the 3D printer 30 is described. Specifically, the instruction data 184 includes information regarding any setting items according to the shaping method of the 3D printer 30. For example, the instruction data 184 includes information regarding the setting of the movement path of the discharge unit of the 3D printer 30, information regarding the control setting of the discharge unit, information regarding the setting (temperature setting, light irradiation setting, etc.) for solidifying the discharged shaping material, and the like. The instruction data 184 is represented by, for example, G-code.

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

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

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

[0055] The transmission / reception unit 192 performs processing for the terminal device 10 to transmit and receive data to and from an external device according to a communication protocol.

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

[0057] The instruction data generation unit 194 generates instruction data 184 based on the 3D data 183. Specifically, the instruction data generation unit 194 slices the 3D object of the eye member 7 related to the 3D data 183 along a predetermined plane (for example, the xy plane defined in the 3D data 183) into a plurality of layers overlapping in the direction perpendicular to the predetermined plane (for example, the z-axis direction defined in the 3D data 183), and outputs instruction data 184 in which the content of the operation instruction of the 3D printer 30 for forming the plurality of layers is described.

[0058] <2 Operation> (Instruction Data Generation Process) The instruction data generation process of the present embodiment will be described. The instruction data generation process is a process of generating instruction data 184 based on the 3D data 183. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the instruction data generation process of the present embodiment.

[0059] In advance, the user models the eye member 7 using predetermined modeling software to create 3D data 183. At this time, in order to express that the pupil part 7111 follows a person looking at the three-dimensional object 5, the position, shape, and dimensions of the pupil part 7111, the inclination angle of the peripheral part 7112, and the shape of the covering part 712 included in the eye member 7 are designed. As a result, the three-dimensional object 5 having the eye member 7 appears to follow a person looking at the three-dimensional object 5. The user stores the created 3D data 183 in the storage unit 180 of the terminal device 10.

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

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

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

[0063] Further, the setting UI includes an area for displaying modeling setting items for each object ID of the object information 1831. The terminal device 10 refers to each record of the object information 1831, for example, and displays an area for inputting setting items for each object ID. Examples of the setting items include the following items. (Settings related to slicing of 3D data) · The number of layers to be sliced · The interval between slices (Settings related to the placement of the object on the platform of the 3D printer 30) · Position of the object on the platform · Size of the object on the platform · Orientation of the object on the platform (Settings related to the modeling material) · Specification of the modeling material (color, transparency, material, type, etc.) (Settings related to the operation of the 3D printer 30) · Operating speed of the ejection unit · Operating path of the ejection unit · Supply amount of the modeling material · Ejection temperature of the modeling material · Settings related to the solidification of the modeling material (cooling temperature of the modeling material, settings of the light irradiated on the modeling material (irradiation time, irradiation wavelength, etc.), etc.)

[0064] The user makes settings regarding the shape of the eye member 7 by inputting information for each setting item displayed in the setting UI. In the setting UI, information may be input for each object ID for a predetermined setting item, or for any plurality of object IDs, or information may be input all at once for all object IDs. In particular, each part included in the eye member 7 (the eyeball part 71, the main body area 72, the base part 711 and the covering part 712 included in the eyeball part 71, the pupil part 7111 and the peripheral part 7112 included in the base part 711) may have different colors and materials of the shaping material used for the shape. In that case, the terminal device 10 accepts input of setting items individually for each object ID corresponding to each part included in the eye member 7. For example, the terminal device 10 accepts input of information into the setting item for each object ID corresponding to the covering part 712, the peripheral part 7112, and the pupil part 7111 respectively, whereby different settings may be assigned to the part corresponding to the covering part 712, the part corresponding to the peripheral part 7112, and the part corresponding to the pupil part 7111 in the 3D data 183. Also, the terminal device 10 accepts input of information into the setting item for each object ID corresponding to the covering part 712 and the main body area 72 respectively, whereby different settings may be assigned to the part corresponding to the covering part 712 and the part corresponding to the main body area 72 in the 3D data 183.

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

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

[0067] Based on the information related to each setting item received from the user, the terminal device 10 performs slicing of the 3D object of the eye member 7. Specifically, the terminal device 10 slices the 3D object of the eye member 7 set in the position, size, and orientation received from the user into a plurality of layers according to the slice interval received from the user. Further, based on the information related to each setting item received from the user, the terminal device 10 determines the operation content of the 3D printer 30 (settings for the movement path of the discharge unit, control settings for the discharge unit, settings for solidifying the discharged shaping material, etc.) for shaping each sliced layer.

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

[0069] (Shaping process) The shaping process of this embodiment will be described. The shaping process is a process of shaping the eye member 7 based on the instruction data 184. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the shaping process of this embodiment.

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

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

[0072] In step S202, the 3D printer 30 shapes the eye member 7 based on the instruction data 184 received from the terminal device 10. Specifically, the 3D printer 30 reads the instruction data 184 received from the terminal device 10, discharges the shaping material from the discharge unit according to the instructions described in the instruction data 184, and laminates the shaping material on the platform. Thereafter, the 3D printer 30 solidifies the shaping material laminated on the platform according to the instructions described in the instruction data 184 to shape the eye member 7. The shaping material used for shaping is, for example, an acrylic resin, but any shaping material can be used according to the instruction data 184.

[0073] In step S202, the 3D printer 30 forms each part of the eye member 7 with different modeling materials by discharging while switching the modeling materials assigned to each part of the eye member 7 according to the settings set in step S102 of the instruction data generation process. For example, the covering portion 712 and the base portion 711 of the eye member 7 are formed with modeling materials having different appearances. Also, for example, among the base portion 711, the pupil portion 7111 and the peripheral portion 7112 are formed with modeling materials having different appearances. Also, for example, the eyeball portion 71 and the main body region 72 are formed with modeling materials having different appearances. Thereby, the characteristics of the appearance of the character to be modeled can be well reproduced.

[0074] Further, in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to individually manufacture parts with different materials in different processes, and it is possible to manufacture the eye member in a batch in one process. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently produce the eye member.

[0075] Also, in the present embodiment, since the eye member including a plurality of parts with different materials can be efficiently manufactured in a batch, design changes to each part included in the eye member can be quickly made. Thereby, prototypes of a large number of design proposals can be quickly made. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently conduct studies on designs for realizing appropriate tracking in the eye member.

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

[0077] Furthermore, the eye member 7 manufactured by the instruction data generation process and the shaping process is attached to the attachment region 61 of the main body portion 6 shaped by any shaping method, thereby manufacturing the three-dimensional shaped object 5 provided with the eye member to be tracked.

[0078] <Parentheses> In the manufacturing method described above, the eye member 7 includes an eyeball portion 71 including a base portion 711 and a covering portion 712 located on one side of the base portion 711 and positioned to cover the base portion 711. The base portion 711 includes a pupil portion 7111 provided on one side surface of the base portion 711, and a peripheral portion 7112 located at the periphery of the pupil portion 7111 and inclined at a predetermined angle from the pupil portion 7111 to one side. The 3D data of the eye member 7 including the eyeball portion 71 is acquired. Also, in the manufacturing method described above, based on the 3D data, instruction data for instructing the 3D printer to shape the eye member 7 is generated. Also, in the manufacturing method described above, the eye member 7 is shaped by causing the 3D printer to discharge a shaping material based on the instruction data. Thereby, the eye member 7 to be attached to the three-dimensional shaped object 5 can be efficiently manufactured.

[0079] In the manufacturing method described above, different settings may be assigned to the portion corresponding to the covering portion 712, the portion corresponding to the pupil portion 7111, and the portion corresponding to the peripheral portion 7112 in the 3D data, and the shaping material may be discharged based on the settings assigned in the step of generating the instruction data. Thereby, the eye member 7 including a plurality of portions with different shaping settings can be efficiently manufactured in a batch.

[0080] In the manufacturing method described above, in order to make the pupil portion 7111 appear to follow a person looking at the three-dimensional shaped object 5, the position, shape, and dimensions of the pupil portion 7111, the inclination angle of the peripheral portion 7112, and the shape of the covering portion 712 included in the eye member 7 may be designed. Thereby, the eye member 7 to be tracked can be efficiently manufactured.

[0081] In the manufacturing method described above, the eye member 7 includes a main body region 72 that contacts the eyeball portion 71, and different settings are assigned to the portion corresponding to the covering portion 712 and the portion corresponding to the main body region 72 in the 3D data, and the shaping material may be discharged based on the assigned settings. Thereby, the eye member 7 including a plurality of portions with different shaping settings can be efficiently manufactured in a batch.

[0082] Also, as described above, the three-dimensional shaped object 5 may be manufactured by attaching the manufactured eye member 7 to the corresponding attachment region 61. Thereby, the three-dimensional shaped object 5 including the eye member 7 can be efficiently manufactured.

[0083] Also, as described above, the eye member 7 is an eyeball portion 71 including a base portion 711 and a covering portion 712 that is located on one side of the base portion 711 and covers the base portion 711. The base portion 711 includes a pupil portion 7111 provided on one side surface of the base portion 711, and a peripheral edge portion 7112 that is located at the periphery of the pupil portion 7111 and inclines at a predetermined angle from the pupil portion 7111 to one side. The method may include the steps of obtaining 3D data of the eye member 7 including the eyeball portion 71, generating instruction data for instructing the 3D printer to shape the eye member 7 based on the 3D data, and shaping the eye member 7 by causing the 3D printer to discharge the shaping material based on the instruction data. Thereby, the eye member 7 to be attached to the three-dimensional shaped object 5 can be efficiently manufactured.

[0084] Also, as described above, the three-dimensional shaped object 5 may have the eye member 7. Thereby, the three-dimensional shaped object 5 including the eye member 7 can be efficiently manufactured.

[0085] Also, as described above, the eye member 7 has an eyeball imitating an eyeball, and the eyeball portion 71 has a base portion 711 and a covering portion 712 that is located on one side of the base portion 711 and covers the base portion 711. The base portion 711 has a pupil portion 7111 provided on one side surface of the base portion 711, and a peripheral portion 7112 that is located at the periphery of the pupil portion 7111 and is inclined at a predetermined angle from the pupil portion 7111 to one side. The base portion 711 and the covering portion 712 are each formed of materials having different appearances, and the base portion 711 and the covering portion 712 may be integrally formed. Thereby, since the eye member 7 is integrally formed without combining individual parts, handling of the eye member 7 becomes easier compared to the case where it is divided into individual parts, and the strength of the eye member 7 increases.

[0086] Also, as described above, the eye member 7 has a main body region 72 imitating the peripheral portion of the eyeball that is in contact with the eyeball portion 71. The eyeball portion 71 and the main body region 72 are each formed of materials having different appearances, and the eyeball portion 71 and the main body region 72 may be integrally formed. Thereby, since the eye member 7 is integrally formed without combining individual parts, handling of the eye member 7 becomes easier compared to the case where it is divided into individual parts, and the strength of the eye member 7 increases.

[0087] Also, as described above, the three-dimensional object 5 may have the eye member 7. Thereby, since the eye member 7 is integrally formed without combining individual parts, handling of the eye member 7 becomes easier compared to the case where it is divided into individual parts, and the strength of the eye member 7 increases.

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

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

[0090] The main memory device 95 is for temporarily storing a program and data processed by the program, etc. For example, it is a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0091] The auxiliary storage device 96 is a storage device for storing data and programs. For example, it includes flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, semiconductor memory, etc.

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

[0093] The network is composed of various mobile communication systems, etc. constructed by the Internet, LAN, wireless base stations, etc. For example, the network includes 3G, 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), wireless networks connectable to the Internet by a predetermined access point (e.g., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), etc. When connecting wirelessly, communication protocols such as Z-Wave (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. are included. When connecting wired, the network also includes those directly connected by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, etc.

[0094] Note that all or part of each hardware configuration can be distributed and provided to a plurality of computers 90, and the computers 90 can be virtually realized by connecting them to each other via a network. In this way, the computer 90 is a concept that includes not only a single housing or a computer 90 housed in a case, but also a virtualized computer system.

[0095] <Basic Functional Configuration of Computer 90> The functional configuration of the computer realized by the basic hardware configuration of the computer 90 shown in FIG. 11 will be described. The computer includes at least functional units of a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit.

[0096] Note that the functional units included in the computer 90 can also be realized by distributing all or part of each functional unit to a plurality of computers 90 interconnected by a network. The computer 90 is a concept that includes not only a single computer 90, but also a virtualized computer system.

[0097] The control unit is realized by the processor 94 reading out various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 96 and expanding them in the main storage device 95, and executing processing according to the programs. The control unit can realize a functional unit that performs various information processes according to the type of program. Thereby, the computer is realized as an information processing device that performs information processing.

[0098] The storage unit is realized by the main storage device 95 and the auxiliary storage device 96. The storage unit stores data, various programs, and various databases. Also, the processor 94 can secure a storage area corresponding to the storage unit in the main storage device 95 or the auxiliary storage device 96 according to the program. Further, the control unit can cause the processor 94 to execute addition, update, and deletion processing of the data stored in the storage unit according to various programs.

[0099] A database refers to a relational database, which is for managing a set of data called a tabular table structurally defined by rows and columns by associating them with each other. In a database, a table is called a table, a column of a table is called a column, and a row of a table is called a record. In a relational database, relationships between tables can be set and associated.

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

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

[0102] The functions realized by the components described in this specification may be implemented in circuitry or processing circuitry including a general-purpose processor, a specific-purpose processor, an integrated circuit, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), a CPU (a Central Processing Unit), a conventional circuit, and / or a combination thereof, programmed to realize the described functions. A processor includes transistors and other circuits and is regarded as circuitry or processing circuitry. The processor may be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in a memory. As used herein, circuitry, units, and means are hardware programmed to perform the described functions or hardware that performs them. Such hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein or any hardware known to be programmed or perform to achieve the described functions. If the hardware is a processor considered to be of the circuitry type, the circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software used to configure the hardware and / or the processor.

[0103] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are intended to be included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

[0104] <Supplementary Note> The matters described in each of the above embodiments are appended below. (Supplementary Note 1) A method for manufacturing an eye member to be attached to a three-dimensional shaped object, the method comprising: obtaining 3D data of an eye member including an eyeball portion including a base portion and a covering portion located on one side of the base portion and positioned to cover the base portion, the base portion including a pupil portion provided on one side surface of the base portion and a peripheral portion located at the periphery of the pupil portion and inclined at a predetermined angle from the pupil portion to one side; generating instruction data for instructing a 3D printer to shape the eye member based on the 3D data; and shaping the eye member by causing the 3D printer to discharge a shaping material based on the instruction data. (Supplementary Note 2) In the step of generating instruction data, different settings are assigned to the portion corresponding to the covering part, the portion corresponding to the pupil part, and the portion corresponding to the peripheral part in the 3D data, and in the step of shaping, based on the settings assigned in the step of generating instruction data, a manufacturing method according to Appendix 1, in which a shaping material is discharged. (Appendix 3) In order to make the pupil part appear to follow a person viewing the three-dimensional object, the position, shape, and dimensions of the pupil part, the inclination angle of the peripheral part, and the shape of the covering part included in the eye member are designed, a manufacturing method according to Appendix 1. (Appendix 4) The eye member includes a main body region in contact with the eyeball part. In the step of generating instruction data, different settings are assigned to the portion corresponding to the covering part and the portion corresponding to the main body region in the 3D data, and in the step of shaping, based on the settings assigned in the step of generating instruction data, a manufacturing method according to Appendix 1, in which a shaping material is discharged. (Appendix 5) A manufacturing method of a three-dimensional object, including attaching an eye member manufactured by the manufacturing method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4 to a corresponding attachment region. (Appendix 6) An eye member attached to a three-dimensional object, including a base part, and a covering part located on one side of the base part and positioned to cover the base part, and an eyeball part including a pupil part provided on one side surface of the base part, and a peripheral part located at the periphery of the pupil part and inclined at a predetermined angle from the pupil part to one side. The method includes the steps of obtaining 3D data of the eye member including the eyeball part, generating instruction data for instructing the 3D printer to shape the eye member based on the 3D data, and shaping the eye member by causing the 3D printer to discharge a shaping material based on the instruction data. An eye member manufactured by the steps. (Appendix 7) A three-dimensional object having the eye member according to Appendix 6. (Appendix 8) An eye member having an eyeball portion imitating an eyeball, the eyeball portion having a base portion and a covering portion located on one side of the base portion and covering the base portion, the base portion having a pupil portion provided on one side surface of the base portion and a peripheral portion located at the periphery of the pupil portion and inclined at a predetermined angle from the pupil portion to one side, the base portion and the covering portion being formed of materials having different appearances, and the base portion and the covering portion being integrally formed. (Appendix 9) The eye member according to Appendix 8, having a main body region imitating the peripheral portion of the eyeball in contact with the eyeball portion, the eyeball portion and the main body region being formed of materials having different appearances, and the eyeball portion and the main body region being integrally formed. (Appendix 10) A three-dimensional object having the eye member according to Appendix 8 or Appendix 9.

Explanation of Reference Signs

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

Claims

1. An eyeball part that resembles an eyeball, A main body region that is in contact with the eyeball portion and that simulates a peripheral portion of the eyeball; A mesh member having The eye portion and the main body region are formed of materials having different appearances, The eyeball portion and the main body region are integrally formed, The eyeball portion is A base portion; A covering portion is located on one side of the base portion so as to cover the base portion; having The base portion is a pupil portion provided on the one surface of the base portion; a peripheral portion located on the periphery of the pupil portion and inclined at a predetermined angle from the pupil portion to the one side; having The base portion and the covering portion are formed of materials having different appearances, The base portion and the covering portion are integrally formed.

2. A three-dimensional object having the mesh member according to claim 1.

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