Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism that can grasp a part that requires adjustment in molding a molding by using a metal mold.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises: a shape data acquisition unit 110 that acquires shape data indicating the three-dimensional shape of a metal mold for molding a molding; a release direction acquisition unit 120 that acquires a release direction in releasing the molding from the metal mold; a processing parameter acquisition unit 130 that acquires processing parameters related to processing executed on a surface of the metal mold; a calculation unit 140 that creates a plurality of processing parameter maps in which the position on the surface of the metal mold and the processing parameters are associated with each other based on the shape data, release direction, and processing parameters, and calculates differences in the plurality of parameter maps; and a notification unit 150 that notifies information on the differences calculated by the calculation unit 140.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a process for assisting in the design of a mold used to mold a molded product. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a technique has been known in which a resin product is provided with a fine uneven structure that is not visible to the naked eye, thereby imparting a visual texture such as gloss or brilliance, or a tactile texture such as grip. Examples of visual textures such as gloss or brilliance include a low-gloss matte texture and a sparkling metallic texture. Examples of tactile textures such as grip include a rubbery texture that feels moist to the touch. Furthermore, a technique has also been known in which a so-called leather-tone paint texture is imparted by providing unevenness visible to the naked eye that mimics the grain of leather, and by imparting different fine unevenness between the convex and concave portions to change the gloss.

[0003] When a resin product having the above-described uneven structure is manufactured by injection molding or the like, various restrictions may be required on the uneven structure to be provided. For example, if the exterior surface of the molded resin product is inclined with respect to the mold release direction or is composed of a curved surface, it may be necessary to omit the uneven structure in some areas in order to improve mold release properties.

[0004] In response to this, a technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known as a technology for suppressing a decline in design appearance quality due to the omission of the uneven structure. In Patent Document 1, the appearance surface is divided into multiple regions and the height difference between the convex and concave portions of the uneven structure (the unevenness step) is gradually changed so that the surface can be easily demolded and the change in glossiness on the appearance surface is linear. In this way, Patent Document 1 prevents a perceived gap in texture between the region where the uneven structure is provided and the region where it is omitted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-40381 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Depending on the combination of the molded product's shape, mold release direction, and texture to be imparted, changing the unevenness of the concave-convex portions, as in the technology described in Patent Document 1, may result in a trade-off between the merits and demerits of multiple evaluation items related to the surface texture of the molded product. For example, to faithfully reproduce the target texture over as wide an area as possible on the surface of the molded product, it is best to minimize changes in the unevenness of the concave-convex portions, as long as it does not interfere with mold release. This is because the reproduced texture changes depending on the unevenness of the concave-convex portions. On the other hand, to prevent perceptible gaps in the texture, it is better to minimize the amount of change in the unevenness between adjacent areas. In other words, to maintain texture continuity, it is better to ensure a sufficient area width on the surface of the molded product and gradually change the unevenness of the concave-convex portions. However, in areas where the unevenness of the concave-convex portions is changed, the texture fidelity decreases depending on the amount of change, resulting in a narrower area in which the target texture is faithfully reproduced. When such a trade-off occurs, designers need to adjust how the unevenness of the concave-convex portions is changed while considering the balance between evaluation items.

[0007] However, when the shape of the molded product is complex or when a single molded product is formed by combining multiple molds with different demolding directions, it is difficult to identify the areas that require adjustment (areas where trade-offs occur).

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of these problems, and aims to provide a mechanism that makes it possible to identify areas that require adjustment when molding a molded product using a mold. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The information processing device of the present invention comprises: shape data acquisition means for acquiring shape data indicating the three-dimensional shape of a mold for molding a molded product; mold release direction acquisition means for acquiring a mold release direction when the molded product is released from the mold; processing parameter acquisition means for acquiring processing parameters related to processing to be performed on the surface of the mold; calculation means for generating a plurality of processing parameter maps that associate positions on the surface of the mold with the processing parameters based on the shape data, the mold release direction, and the processing parameters, and calculating differences in the plurality of processing parameter maps; and notification means for notifying information related to the differences. The plurality of processing parameter maps are processing parameter maps that impart different surface textures to the surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, when a molded product is formed using a mold, it is possible to grasp the parts that require adjustment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing system including an information processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a logical configuration of an information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a concave-convex structure in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining processing control parameters in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 3A to 3C are diagrams showing examples of the surface shape and machining depth of a mold according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a development corresponding to FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a surface shape of a mold represented by shape data in the first and second embodiments. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of an information processing method performed by the information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence table between texture names and processing control parameters in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of a process for generating a fidelity-oriented processing parameter map. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing upper limit LUT according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure for generating a continuity-oriented processing parameter map. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of an information processing method performed by an information processing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a description will be given of a mode (embodiment) for carrying out the present invention. Also, not all of the combinations of features described in the following embodiments of the present invention are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention. Note that the same components will be described with the same reference numerals.

[0013] (First embodiment) First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing system 10 including an information processing device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the logical configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Before describing the configuration of the information processing device 100 shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the above-mentioned concave-convex structure in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0015] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating the concave-convex structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and an xyz coordinate system is illustrated in FIGS.

[0016] As shown in Figure 3(a), in a flat surface 310 without a textured structure, the normal vector n of the surface is in the same direction at any position on the surface. In this case, the direction of specular reflection of light incident on surface 310 is constant regardless of position. Therefore, the reflected light is not diffused, and surface 310 is perceived as a highly glossy surface.

[0017] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3(b), on a surface 320 having minute convex portions 321 formed as a concave-convex structure, the normal vector n faces in various directions, and thus the reflected light is diffused. As a result, the surface 320 is perceived as less glossy than the surface 310. The variation in the normal vector n increases as the number of convex portions 321 on the surface increases, and also varies depending on the shape (height, width, geometric shape, etc.) of the convex portions 321. Therefore, by changing the density and shape of the convex portions 321 formed as a concave-convex structure, it is possible to impart various glosses to the surface of a molded product.

[0018] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3(c), in a surface 330 in which minute second protrusions 331, which are relatively larger than the minute protrusions 321, are scattered on a low-gloss surface densely provided with minute protrusions 321, very small areas corresponding to the second protrusions 331 appear to sparkle. Varying the shape and density of these second protrusions 331 can impart various glittering effects. In addition to the example shown in FIG. 3, various textures, such as a grip feel or a leather-tone paint texture, can be imparted by combining multiple protrusions of different shapes to form an uneven structure. For example, various grip feels can be imparted by providing minute protrusions to change the friction coefficient of the surface of the molded product. Visibly large protrusions (hereinafter referred to as "island portions") can be scattered on the surface of a molded product, and different minute protrusions can be provided on the surfaces of the island portions and the sea portions so that the island portions have a higher gloss than the other areas (hereinafter referred to as "sea portions"). This allows the texture of a leather-tone paint to be imparted.

[0019] The uneven structure described above can be formed on the surface of a molded product by processing (micromachining) inverted unevenness on the surface of a mold using a processing machine such as a cutting machine or a laser processing machine. For example, the recesses processed (micromachined) on the surface of the mold are transferred to the resin as protrusions 321 and 331 on the molded product, and the depth of the recesses processed on the surface of the mold becomes the height of protrusions 321 and 331 on the molded product. In this embodiment, the processing diameter r, processing depth d, and processing density ρ are used as parameters for controlling the processing (micromachining) by the processing machine (hereinafter referred to as "processing control parameters").

[0020] Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining machining control parameters in the first embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Fig. 4 shows machining diameter r and machining depth d as types of machining control parameters.

[0021] In Figure 4, the shaded area represents the steel material of the mold. The processing diameter r is a processing control parameter equivalent to the tool diameter in a cutting machine or the spot diameter of the laser light in a laser processing machine. The processing depth d is a processing control parameter that indicates the processing depth with the surface 401 of the mold before the concave-convex structure is processed (micro-machined) as the reference (depth zero). The processing density ρ, which is one type of processing control parameter, is a parameter for controlling the number of recesses to be machined per unit area.

[0022] When actually manufacturing a mold, data (hereinafter referred to as a "machining pattern") that associates positions on the mold surface with machining depth d is generated based on shape data of the mold surface before machining (micromachining) the concave-convex structure and the machining density ρ. This machining pattern is then input into CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing). The input data, the machining pattern, is then converted into a machining program such as NC data by CAM, and then sent to a CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) machining machine, where machining is performed.

[0023] Providing a textured surface for a molded product generally increases mold release resistance. Therefore, adding texture to the surface of a molded product can sometimes cause mold release problems. For example, when molding surface 330 in Figure 3(c), if the mold is moved in the direction of arrow E in Figure 3(c) to attempt mold release, the large protrusions 331 on the molded product surface can get caught in the mold, causing mold release failure. If mold release problems cannot be resolved by changing the mold release direction or using a mold release agent, the height of the protrusions that are preventing mold release must be locally reduced, requiring a reduction in the processing depth d in a portion of the mold surface. However, the surface texture of the molded product will differ depending on the amount of change in processing depth d between the reduced processing depth d and the other areas.

[0024] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the surface shape and processing depth d of a mold in the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, Figs. 5(a) to 5(c) show an xyz coordinate system. Also, Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a development corresponding to Fig. 5 in the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, Figs. 6(a) to 6(c) show a uv coordinate system as a coordinate system that defines the plane of the development.

[0025] Points P1 to P6 on the surface of the mold in Figures 5(a) to 5(c) correspond to points p1 to p6 on the developments in Figures 6(a) to 6(c), respectively. target is shown in white, a machining depth d of zero is shown in black, and the smaller the machining depth d, the darker the color.

[0026] 5(a) and 6(a) show the machining depth d target5(a) and 6(a) show an example in which the normal direction of the surface is significantly tilted with respect to the demolding direction E in region 501, making demolding difficult when a concave-convex structure is provided. In contrast, FIGS. 5(b) and 6(b) show an example in which the processing depth d is reduced to the upper limit at which demolding is possible so as to avoid demolding problems and minimize the loss of fidelity in the texture reproduced on the surface of the molded product. Also, FIGS. 5(c) and 6(c) show an example in which the processing depth d is gradually changed so as to avoid demolding problems and maintain the continuity of the texture reproduced on the surface of the molded product.

[0027] In Figures 5(b) and 6(b), the region 502 is a region where the processing depth d is zero, that is, a region where no uneven structure is provided, and can be released without any problems. However, in Figures 5(b) and 6(b), this region 502 and the processing depth d target Since the area 502 is adjacent to the area 503, the difference in texture between the two areas becomes conspicuous at the boundary, and a gap is perceived.

[0028] On the other hand, in FIG. 5(c) and FIG. 6(c), there is a region 504 where the processing depth d is zero and a region where the processing depth is d target Between the area 506, which is an area of ​​the same thickness, there is provided an area 505 in which the processing depth d is gradually changed. For this reason, in Fig. 5(c) and Fig. 6(c), the difference in texture between the adjacent areas is difficult to perceive. However, in Fig. 5(c) and Fig. 6(c), target 5(b) and 6(b), the area of ​​region 506 (i.e., the area where the desired texture is faithfully reproduced) is narrower than region 503 in Figures 5(b) and 6(b). As such, it is often difficult to simultaneously achieve the best results in both evaluation items that emphasize fidelity and evaluation items that emphasize continuity in the surface texture of a molded product, and a trade-off between the evaluation items occurs in some regions.

[0029] Hereinafter, the two-dimensional image data in which the machining depth d is associated with the position on the surface of the mold and recorded will be referred to as a “machining parameter map.” In this embodiment, a machining parameter map is generated that emphasizes each item for each evaluation item in the surface texture of the molded product, and an area where a trade-off occurs (trade-off area), which is an area that requires adjustment, is notified based on the difference between the parameters.

[0030] <Hardware configuration> Next, the hardware configuration of an information processing system 10 including an information processing device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 10 includes an information processing device 100, an external storage device 200, a display 300, an input device 400, and serial buses 510-530.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a ROM 103, a SATA (Serial ATA) I / F (interface) 104, a VC (video card) 105, a general-purpose I / F 106, and a system bus 107.

[0033] The CPU 101 uses the RAM 102 as a work memory to execute an OS (operating system) and various programs stored in the ROM 103, the external storage device 200, etc. Note that the OS and various programs may be stored in an internal storage device. The CPU 101 also controls each hardware configuration via the system bus 107. Note that the processing according to the flowcharts described below is executed by the CPU 101 after program code stored in the ROM 103, the external storage device 200, etc. is loaded into the RAM 102.

[0034] An external storage device 200 is connected to the SATA I / F 104 via a serial bus 510. The external storage device 200 is an HDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive).

[0035] The VC 105 is connected to the display 300 via a serial bus 520 .

[0036] An input device 400 such as a mouse or keyboard is connected to the general-purpose I / F 106 via a serial bus 530 .

[0037] The CPU 101 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) provided by a program on the display 300 via the VC 105, and receives input information representing a user's instruction obtained via the input device 400.

[0038] The information processing device 100 is realized by, for example, a desktop PC (personal computer). Alternatively, the information processing device 100 may be realized by a notebook PC or a tablet PC integrated with a display 300.

[0039] The external storage device 200 can also be realized by a medium (recording medium) and an external storage drive for accessing the medium. In this case, the medium can be a flexible disk (FD), CD-ROM, DVD, USB memory, MO, flash memory, etc.

[0040] <Logical configuration> Next, the logical configuration of the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0041] The information processing device 100 functions as the logical configuration shown in Fig. 2 by the CPU 101 shown in Fig. 1 executing a program stored in the ROM 103 using the RAM 102 shown in Fig. 1 as a work memory. Note that not all of the processes shown below necessarily need to be executed by the CPU 101, and the information processing device 100 may be configured so that part or all of the processes are executed by one or more processing circuits other than the CPU 101.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 100 includes a shape data acquisition unit 110, a release direction acquisition unit 120, a processing parameter acquisition unit 130, a calculation unit 140, and a notification unit 150.

[0043] The shape data acquisition unit 110 is a shape data acquisition means that acquires shape data representing the three-dimensional shape of a mold for molding a molded product from the ROM 103 or the external storage device 200, for example, based on user instructions input via the input device 400. Specifically, the shape data in this embodiment is polygon data that represents the surface shape of the mold before the above-mentioned uneven structure is processed (micro-machined) using a collection of multiple planes. In other words, the shape data represents the shape of the surface where the mold and the resin of the molded product come into contact before texture is added. Furthermore, the shape data is assumed to consist of a list of the three-dimensional xyz coordinates of the vertices that make up the multiple planes and the corresponding two-dimensional uv coordinates (so-called texture coordinates).

[0044] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the surface shape of a mold represented by shape data in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 7(a) shows an example of the surface shape of a mold (i.e., the shape of the surface indicated by the shape data) 710 expressed by polygons in the xyz coordinate space. Also, FIG. 7(b) shows an example of a development (720) of the surface of the mold developed on the uv coordinate plane. Here, △P T1 P T2 P T3 (711) represents one of the planes (hereinafter referred to as "element planes") that make up the surface shape 710 in the xyz coordinate space. T1 p T2 p T3 (721) is the same element surface expressed on the uv coordinate plane. That is, point P in the xyz coordinate space shown in Figure 7(a) T1 ,P T2 ,P T3 and point p on the uv coordinate plane shown in Figure 7(b) T1 ,p T2 ,p T3correspond to each other.

[0046] The shape data acquired by the shape data acquisition unit 110 is sent to the calculation unit 140 and the notification unit 150.

[0047] The mold release direction acquisition unit 120 is a mold release direction acquisition means that acquires the mold release direction when a molded product is released from a mold, based on, for example, a user instruction input via the input device 400. Specifically, in this embodiment, the mold release direction acquisition unit 120 acquires a three-dimensional vector (mold release direction vector) indicating the mold release direction as the mold release direction. The mold release direction vector acquired by the mold release direction acquisition unit 120 is then sent to the calculation unit 140.

[0048] The processing parameter acquisition unit 130 is a processing parameter acquisition unit that acquires processing parameters related to processing (micro-machining) to be performed on the surface of a mold based on, for example, user instructions input via the input device 400. Specifically, in this embodiment, the processing parameter acquisition unit 130 acquires the above-mentioned processing control parameters and the below-described processing upper limit LUT as processing parameters. The processing control parameters include a processing depth d (target processing depth) for reproducing a desired surface texture. The processing parameter acquisition unit 130 also acquires a lookup table (processing upper limit LUT) that associates draft angles with the upper limit of the processing depth d at which demolding is possible from the ROM 103 or the external storage device 200. Here, the draft angle is the angle representing the inclination of the surface of the mold relative to the demolding direction, and is the angle indicated by φ in FIG. 4. The smaller the draft angle φ shown in FIG. 4, the smaller the upper limit of the processing depth d at which demolding is possible. The processing control parameters and the processing upper limit LUT acquired as processing parameters by the processing parameter acquisition unit 130 are sent to the calculation unit 140.

[0049] The calculation unit 140 is a calculation means that generates multiple processing parameter maps that associate positions on the mold surface with processing parameters based on the received shape data, mold release direction vector, and processing parameters, and calculates differences between the multiple processing parameter maps. Specifically, in this embodiment, the multiple processing parameter maps include at least a processing parameter map related to the surface texture of the molded product. More specifically, in this embodiment, the multiple processing parameter maps include a first processing parameter map that emphasizes the fidelity of the surface texture of the molded product and a second processing parameter map that emphasizes the continuity of the surface texture of the molded product. In this case, the calculation unit 140 may calculate the difference between the first processing parameter map that emphasizes the fidelity of the surface texture of the molded product and the second processing parameter map that emphasizes the continuity of the surface texture of the molded product. The differences between the multiple processing parameter maps calculated by the calculation unit 140 are then sent to the notification unit 150.

[0050] The notification unit 150 is a notification means that notifies information relating to the differences in the multiple processing parameter maps sent from the calculation unit 140. Specifically, in this embodiment, the notification unit 150 performs notification by displaying on the display 300 a trade-off region, which is a portion that needs to be adjusted, based on the differences in the multiple processing parameter maps.

[0051] <Process to be performed> FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of an information processing method by the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] First, in step S101 of Fig. 8, the shape data acquisition unit 110 acquires shape data indicating the three-dimensional shape of a mold for molding a molded product, based on a user instruction input via the input device 400. Furthermore, the mold release direction acquisition unit 120 acquires a mold release direction vector when releasing the molded product from the mold, based on the user instruction input via the input device 400. Furthermore, the processing parameter acquisition unit 130 acquires a texture name based on the user instruction input via the input device 400. That is, in step S101, various input data related to the user instruction are acquired by the shape data acquisition unit 110, the mold release direction acquisition unit 120, and the processing parameter acquisition unit 130. User instructions will be described with reference to Fig. 9.

[0053] FIG. 9 illustrates the first embodiment of the present invention and shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display 300 of FIG.

[0054] In the GUI 900 shown in Fig. 9, a shape setting field 901 is a field where, for example, a user inputs the path of a file in which shape data of a mold is recorded. Also, in the GUI 900 shown in Fig. 9, a mold release direction setting field 902 is a field where, for example, a user inputs values ​​of the x, y, and z components of a mold release direction vector. Also, in the GUI 900 shown in Fig. 9, a texture setting field 903 is a field where, for example, a user inputs a texture name that represents the texture that the user wants to impart. In step S101 in Fig. 8, the shape data acquisition unit 110, the mold release direction acquisition unit 120, and the processing parameter acquisition unit 130 may each acquire input data input into the setting fields 901 to 903 of the GUI 900 shown in Fig. 9.

[0055] Next, in step S102 of FIG. 8, the processing parameter acquisition unit 130 acquires processing control parameters corresponding to the texture names acquired in step S101 by referring to a correspondence table such as that shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention and is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence table between texture names and processing control parameters. The correspondence table between texture names and processing control parameters shown in FIG. 10 can be created by previously molding samples using combinations of various values ​​for processing diameter, processing depth, and processing density, and associating the combined values ​​with names that represent the texture characteristics of each sample. Furthermore, in step S102, the processing parameter acquisition unit 130 also acquires the above-mentioned processing upper limit LUT. The correspondence table and processing upper limit LUT shown in FIG. 10 are assumed to be stored in advance in the ROM 103 or the like. In step S102, the processing parameter acquisition unit 130 acquires processing control parameters and a processing upper limit LUT as processing parameters related to the processing (micro-processing) to be performed on the surface of the mold.

[0056] Next, in step S103 of FIG. 8, the calculation unit 140 generates a processing parameter map that prioritizes the fidelity of the surface texture of the molded product using the shape data and mold release direction vector acquired in step S101 and the processing parameters acquired in step S102. This processing parameter map that prioritizes the fidelity of the surface texture of the molded product corresponds to the "first processing parameter map." In this embodiment, the maximum processing depth that allows mold release is calculated for points on the surface of the mold corresponding to each pixel of the processing parameter map, and this is recorded as a pixel value, thereby generating the processing parameter map that prioritizes the fidelity of the surface texture of the molded product. Note that the processing parameter map in this embodiment is an image in which pixel positions are represented by uv coordinates, and the pixel value at position (u, v) on the processing parameter map represents the processing depth for the position (x, y, z) on the surface of the mold that corresponds to (u, v). The detailed processing procedure of this step S103 will be described later with reference to FIG. 11.

[0057] Next, in step S104, the calculation unit 140 generates a processing parameter map that prioritizes continuity of the surface texture of the molded product using the various information acquired in steps S101 to S103. Specifically, the calculation unit 140 generates a processing parameter map that prioritizes continuity using the shape data acquired in step S101, the processing upper limit LUT acquired in step S102, and the fidelity-oriented processing parameter map generated in step S103. This processing parameter map that prioritizes continuity generated in step S104 corresponds to a "second processing parameter map." In this embodiment, based on the fidelity-oriented processing parameter map generated in step S103, a processing parameter map that prioritizes continuity in which the processing depth gradually changes is generated by ensuring region widths on the surface of the mold in order from shallower processing depth regions. The detailed processing procedure of step S104 will be described later with reference to FIG. 13.

[0058] Next, in step S105, the calculation unit 140 calculates a difference map between the fidelity-oriented processing parameter map generated in step S103 and the continuity-oriented processing parameter map generated in step S104. Specifically, the calculation unit 140 calculates pixel values ​​Δf(p(ij)) of the difference map for all pixels according to the following equation (1). Δf(p(ij))=f1(p(ij))-f2(p(ij)) ···(1)

[0059] In (1), p(ij) represents the ij-th pixel in the map. Also, in (1), f1(p(ij)) represents the pixel value of pixel p(ij) in the fidelity-oriented processing parameter map (i.e., the fidelity-oriented processing depth). Also, in (1), f2(p(ij)) represents the pixel value of pixel p(ij) in the continuity-oriented processing parameter map (i.e., the continuity-oriented processing depth).

[0060] Next, in step S106, the notification unit 150 displays on the display 300 a trade-off region, which is a portion of the shape data that requires adjustment, based on the shape data acquired in step S101 and the difference map calculated in step S105. Regions where Δf(p(ij)) in equation (1) above is not zero (including regions that can be considered to be substantially non-zero) are regions where the machining depth prioritizing fidelity and the machining depth prioritizing continuity differ, and can be considered regions where fidelity and continuity cannot be achieved simultaneously. Therefore, in this embodiment, the difference map is texture-mapped onto the surface of the mold represented by the shape data, and this is rendered to generate an image indicating the trade-off region. The image indicating the trade-off region is then displayed on a GUI to notify the user of the trade-off region. Well-known computer graphics techniques may be used for texture mapping and generation of the rendered image.

[0061] Here, the processing in step S106 will be described with reference to FIG. In the GUI 900 shown in FIG. 9, a display area 904 displays a rendering image in which a fidelity-oriented machining parameter map is texture-mapped onto the surface of a mold. A display area 906 displays a rendering image in which a continuity-oriented machining parameter map is texture-mapped onto the surface of a mold. An image showing the trade-off region described above is displayed in a display area 905, with brighter areas indicating a greater difference between the fidelity-oriented machining depth and the non-fidelity-oriented machining depth. For this reason, the notification unit 150 notifies the user by displaying color information with an intensity corresponding to the magnitude of the difference described above in the shape data. The user can visually grasp the trade-off region by referring to the images in the display areas 904 to 906 of the GUI 900 displayed on the display 300.

[0062] When the process of step S106 ends, the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 ends.

[0063] <Detailed processing procedure of S103 in Figure 8> Next, a detailed procedure for generating a faithfulness-oriented processing parameter map in step S103 of FIG. 8 will be described.

[0064] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing procedures for generating a faithfulness-oriented processing parameter map in step S103 of FIG.

[0065] First, in step S201 of FIG. 11, the calculation unit 140 sets the index ij indicating the pixel to be processed to 0.

[0066] Subsequently, in step S202, the calculation unit 140 refers to the shape data sent from the shape data acquisition unit 110, and calculates an element surface p that includes the pixel p(ij) on the uv coordinate plane as shown in FIG. T1 p T2 p T3 Determine whether or not exists.

[0067] If the result of the determination in step S202 is that an element surface containing pixel p(ij) exists (S202 / yes), the process proceeds to step S203. In step S203, the calculation unit 140 calculates the vertex coordinates in the xyz coordinate space of the element surface checked in step S202 (i.e., point P in FIG. 7(a)). T1 , P T2 , P T3 coordinates) is obtained by referring to the shape data, and the normal direction vector N of the element surface is calculated.

[0068] Next, in step S204, the calculation unit 140 calculates the draft gradient φ described above using Figure 4 based on the normal direction vector N calculated in step S203 and the mold release direction vector E sent from the mold release direction acquisition unit 120.

[0069] Subsequently, in step S205, the calculation unit 140 refers to the machining upper limit LUT sent from the machining parameter acquisition unit 130, and calculates the machining depth upper limit d corresponding to the draft angle φ calculated in step S204. limitFIG. 12 shows an example of the machining upper limit LUT according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the process of step S205, if there is no value in the machining upper limit LUT shown in FIG. 12 that matches the draft φ, the upper limit value of the machining depth corresponding to the maximum draft that is equal to or smaller than the draft φ is obtained as d limit In the example shown in Figure 12, when the draft angle φ is 15.00 or more, d limit = 8.0, and if 13.50≦φ<14.25, d limit = 7.0. The upper limit machining depth LUT shown in Fig. 12 can be created by molding samples in advance using a combination of surfaces with various draft slopes φ and machining depths d, and associating the maximum machining depth d at which the mold can be released without any problems for each draft slope φ.

[0070] Subsequently, in step S206, the calculation unit 140 calculates the upper limit of the machining depth d limit is the target machining depth d target It is determined whether it is less than or equal to the value.

[0071] As a result of the determination in step S206, the upper limit of the machining depth d limit is the target machining depth d target If it is less than this (that is, if processing is performed to a depth necessary to reproduce the desired texture, demolding will be difficult) (S206 / yes), the process proceeds to step S207. In step S207, the calculation unit 140 calculates the upper limit of processing depth d limit Record the following.

[0072] On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S206, the upper limit of the machining depth d limit is the target machining depth d target If it is not less than (S206 / no), the process proceeds to step S208. In step S208, the calculation unit 140 calculates the pixel value of the pixel p(ij) by the target processing depth d target Record the following.

[0073] When the processing of step S207 is completed, when the processing of step S208 is completed, or when it is determined in step S202 that there is no element surface containing pixel p(ij) (S202 / no), the process proceeds to step S209. In step S209, the calculation unit 140 advances the index ij by one.

[0074] Next, in step S210, the calculation unit 140 calculates whether the index ij is equal to the total number of pixels NUM pix As a result of this determination, it is determined whether the index ij is equal to or greater than the total number of pixels NUM pix If it is not equal to or greater than that (S210 / no), the process returns to step S202, and the processes from step S202 onwards are performed again.

[0075] On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S210, if the index ij is equal to or greater than the total number of pixels NUM pix If so (S210 / yes), the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 ends.

[0076] By performing the processing of steps S201 to S210 in FIG. 11, a faithful processing parameter map can be generated in which a processing depth that is as close as possible to the processing depth d that reproduces the desired texture without causing any demolding problems is recorded.

[0077] <Detailed processing procedure of S104 in Figure 8> Next, a detailed procedure for generating the continuity-oriented processing parameter map in step S104 of FIG. 8 will be described.

[0078] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing procedures for generating a continuity-oriented processing parameter map in step S104 of FIG.

[0079] 13, the calculation unit 140 initializes the pixel values ​​of the continuity-oriented processing parameter map with the pixel values ​​of the fidelity-oriented processing parameter map generated in step S103. Specifically, the calculation unit 140 records, for all pixels p(ij) in the continuity-oriented processing parameter map, the same pixel value f1(p(ij)) as in the fidelity-oriented processing parameter map generated in step S103.

[0080] Subsequently, in step S302, the calculation unit 140 sets the index n indicating the machining depth d to NUM step where NUM step is the number of steps in the upper limit LUT. Hereinafter, the nth deepest processing depth in the upper limit LUT is defined as d n It is expressed as:

[0081] Next, in step S303, the calculation unit 140 sets the index ij indicating the pixel of interest to 0.

[0082] Subsequently, in step S304, the calculation unit 140 determines whether or not the machining depth of the point P on the surface of the mold corresponding to the pixel p(ij) is dn. Specifically, in step S304, the calculation unit 140 determines whether or not there is an element surface that includes the pixel p(ij) and n It is determined whether or not

[0083] If the result of the determination in step S304 is that the machining depth for point P on the surface of the mold corresponding to pixel p(ij) is dn (S304 / yes), the process proceeds to step S305. In step S305, the calculation unit 140 calculates the xyz coordinates of point P on the surface of the mold corresponding to pixel p(ij) based on the shape data. At this time, the xyz coordinates of point P can be calculated by interpolation using the xyz coordinates of the vertices of the element face that contains pixel p(ij).

[0084] In the following steps S306 to S316, the machining depth is checked for point Q on the surface of the die, which is within a predetermined distance L from point P. If point Q is deeper than point P, the machining depth of point Q is set to the machining depth d of point P. n Machining depth d, which is one step deeper than n-1 This changes the machining depth d n The width of the area is L or more. n-1 The value of L is determined in advance by creating samples with gradually changing processing depth d at various area widths, and determining the area width where no gap in texture is perceived through subjective evaluation experiments.

[0085] Specifically, in step S306, the calculation unit 140 adds the element surface including the pixel p(ij) to the waiting list.

[0086] Subsequently, in step S307, the calculation unit 140 determines whether or not there are any unprocessed element faces in the waiting list.

[0087] As a result of the determination in step S307, if there are unprocessed element faces in the processing waiting list (S307 / yes), the process proceeds to step S308. In step S308, the calculation section 140 extracts one unprocessed element face T from the waiting list.

[0088] Next, in step S309, the calculation unit 140 sets the index ij′ indicating the pixel to be processed to 0.

[0089] Subsequently, in step S310, the calculation unit 140 determines whether the pixel q(ij') is included in the element surface T extracted in step S308 and whether f2(q(ij'))>d n Determine whether the following is satisfied.

[0090] As a result of the determination in step S310, it is determined that the pixel q(ij') is included in the element surface T extracted in step S308, and f2(q(ij'))>d n If the above condition is satisfied (S310 / yes), the process proceeds to step S311. In step S311, the calculation unit 140 calculates the xyz coordinates of a point Q on the surface of the mold that corresponds to the pixel q(ij') based on the shape data.

[0091] Subsequently, in step S312, the calculation unit 140 first calculates the distance between P and Q in the xyz coordinate space using the xyz coordinates of point P calculated in step S305 and the xyz coordinates of point Q calculated in step S311. Next, the calculation unit 140 determines whether the calculated distance between P and Q in the xyz coordinate space is equal to or less than a predetermined distance L.

[0092] As a result of the determination in step S312, if the calculated distance between P and Q in the xyz coordinate space is equal to or less than the predetermined distance L (S312 / yes), the process proceeds to step S313. In step S313, the calculation unit 140 calculates the pixel value of the pixel q(ij') in the continuity-oriented processing parameter map by calculating the processing depth d n Machining depth d, which is one step deeper than n-1 Record the following.

[0093] When the process of step S313 is completed, when a negative determination is made in step S310 (S310 / no), or when a negative determination is made in step S312 (S312 / no), the process proceeds to step S314. In step S314, the calculation unit 140 advances the index ij′ of the pixel to be processed by one.

[0094] Next, in step S315, the calculation unit 140 calculates whether the index ij′ is equal to the total number of pixels NUM pix As a result of this determination, it is determined whether the index ij' is equal to or greater than the total number of pixels NUM pix If it is not equal to or greater than that (S315 / no), the process returns to step S310 and the processes from step S310 onwards are performed again.

[0095] On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S315, if the index ij' is equal to or greater than the total number of pixels NUM pix If so (S315 / yes), the process proceeds to step S316. In step S316, the calculation unit 140 refers to the shape data to find element faces adjacent to the element face T extracted in step S308, and adds these to the waiting list. Then, when the processing in step S316 ends, the processing returns to step S307, and the processing from step S307 onwards is performed again.

[0096] If a negative determination is made in step S304 (S304 / no), or if a negative determination is made in step S307 (S307 / no), the process proceeds to step S317. In step S317, the calculation unit 140 advances the index ij of the pixel of interest by one.

[0097] Next, in step S318, the calculation unit 140 calculates whether the index ij is equal to the total number of pixels NUM pix As a result of this determination, it is determined whether the index ij is equal to or greater than the total number of pixels NUM pix If it is not equal to or greater than that (S318 / no), the process returns to step S304, and the processes from step S304 onwards are performed again.

[0098] On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S318, if the index ij is equal to or greater than the total number of pixels NUM pix If so (S318 / yes), the process proceeds to step S319. In step S319, the calculation unit 140 performs a process of decrementing the value of the index n, which indicates the processing depth, by one.

[0099] Subsequently, in step S320, calculation unit 140 determines whether index n is equal to or less than 1. If the result of this determination is that index n is not equal to or less than 1 (S320 / no), the process returns to step S303 and repeats the processes from step S303 onwards.

[0100] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S320 is that the index n is 1 or less (S320 / yes), the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 ends.

[0101] By performing the processing of steps S301 to S320 in FIG. 13, it is possible to generate a processing parameter map that places importance on continuity and in which the processing depth d changes gradually on the surface of the molded product without causing any problems in demolding.

[0102] In the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment described above, the shape data acquisition unit 110 acquires shape data indicating the three-dimensional shape of a mold used to mold a molded product. Furthermore, the mold release direction acquisition unit 120 acquires a mold release direction when releasing the molded product from the mold, and the processing parameter acquisition unit 130 acquires processing parameters related to processing (micro-processing) performed on the surface of the mold. Then, the calculation unit 140 generates a plurality of processing parameter maps that associate positions on the surface of the mold with the processing parameters based on the shape data, mold release direction, and processing parameters, and calculates differences among the plurality of processing parameter maps. Then, the notification unit 150 notifies information related to the differences among the plurality of processing parameter maps calculated by the calculation unit 140. According to this configuration, when molding a molded product using a mold, it is possible to easily grasp the trade-off area, which is the area that requires adjustment when imparting a desired texture to the surface of the molded product (for example, by providing a roughened structure).

[0103] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the user inputs only one direction as the mold release direction, but for a mold consisting of multiple pieces with different opening directions, the mold release direction may be input for each piece.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the machining depth d is recorded in the machining parameter map, but other machining control parameters such as the machining diameter or a combination of values ​​of a plurality of machining control parameters may also be recorded.

[0105] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which emphasis is placed on the fidelity and continuity of the surface texture of the molded article, but the items that are emphasized may also be evaluation items related to other surface textures. For example, instead of fidelity, items that are evaluated higher as the steps of the uneven structure become larger, such as matte finish or brilliance, can also be used in this embodiment.

[0106] Alternatively, the resin material and molding conditions to be used may be input in step S101 of Fig. 8. In this case, it is desirable to prepare a correspondence table between texture names and processing control parameters and a processing upper limit LUT for each combination of various materials and molding conditions.

[0107] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description of the second embodiment, matters common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description will mainly focus on matters different from the first embodiment.

[0108] In the first embodiment described above, a processing parameter map is generated for each evaluation item, with emphasis placed on each item, and a trade-off region, which is a portion requiring adjustment, is notified based on the difference between the evaluation items. In contrast, in the second embodiment, an adjustment parameter is obtained from the user and the processing parameter map is regenerated when it is determined that a trade-off occurs based on the difference between the processing parameter maps.

[0109] The hardware configuration of an information processing system including an information processing device according to the second embodiment is similar to the hardware configuration of the information processing system 10 including the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 described above. The logical configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the second embodiment is similar to the logical configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 2 described above. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0110] In addition to the functions described in the first embodiment, the calculation unit 140 in the second embodiment accepts a user instruction in accordance with information on the obtained difference, and regenerates a processing parameter map based on adjustment parameters obtained via the input device 400. Furthermore, the calculation unit 140 in the second embodiment generates a processing pattern based on the shape data and the processing parameter map.

[0111] <Process to be performed> FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of an information processing method by the information processing device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 14, the processes in steps S401 to S406 are the same as the processes in steps S101 to S106 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8, respectively, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0113] Subsequently, in step S407, the calculation unit 140 determines whether or not there is a trade-off region in which the difference map calculated in step S405 includes pixel values ​​that are not zero (including cases that can be considered to be approximately zero).

[0114] If it is determined in step S407 that there is a trade-off region (S407 / yes), the process proceeds to step S408. In step S408, the calculation unit 140 receives an instruction from the user via the GUI 900 and acquires an adjustment parameter. In the second embodiment, a coefficient indicating the balance between emphasis on fidelity and emphasis on continuity is acquired via a slider 909 shown in FIG. 9, and this coefficient is used as the adjustment parameter. When the user operates the slider 909, the calculation unit 140 acquires, as the adjustment parameter, a coefficient α corresponding to the position of the slider 909. The relationship between the position of the slider 909 in FIG. 9 and the coefficient α is, for example, α=0 when the slider 909 is at the left end, α=1 when the slider 909 is at the right end, and the corresponding coefficient is determined by interpolation based on the ratio of the distances from both ends when the slider 909 is at an intermediate position.

[0115] Subsequently, in step S409, the calculation unit 140 regenerates the processing parameter map based on the adjustment parameters acquired in step S408. Specifically, the calculation unit 140 executes the processes of steps S301 to S320 described above by multiplying the value of the distance L by the coefficient α (i.e., replacing the distance L with αL) to generate a processing parameter map in which the region width is adjusted according to the coefficient α. The adjusted processing parameter map generated here is the same as the processing parameter map with emphasis on fidelity when α = 0, and is the same as the processing parameter map with emphasis on continuity when α = 1. FIG. 9 shows an example of the adjusted processing parameter map displayed on the GUI 900. FIG. 9 shows an example when the slider 909 is positioned at the center (i.e., when α = 0.5), and a rendering image in which the adjusted processing parameter map is texture-mapped onto the surface of the mold is displayed in the display area 907. In the adjusted processing parameter map, the change in processing depth d is gentler than when emphasis is placed on fidelity, and the area with a deep processing depth d (i.e., close to the processing depth d that reproduces the desired texture) is wider than when emphasis is placed on continuity. The user can adjust the change in processing depth d while visually grasping the distribution of processing depth d by moving slider 909 while referring to the displayed image. When the user presses button 910, the adjustment parameters are confirmed and the process proceeds to step S410.

[0116] When the process of step S409 is completed, or when it is determined in step S407 that there is no trade-off region (S407 / no), the process proceeds to step S410. In step S410, the calculation unit 140 generates the above-mentioned processing pattern based on the shape data and the processing parameter map, and stores this in the external storage device 200 or the like.

[0117] When the process of step S410 ends, the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 ends.

[0118] The machining pattern generated in step S401 may be output to a CAM connected via a network, and machining may be performed by a machining machine. When it is determined in step S407 that a trade-off region exists (S407 / yes), the adjusted machining parameter map regenerated in step S409 is used to generate the machining pattern. When it is determined in step S407 that a trade-off region does not exist (S407 / no), for example, the fidelity-oriented machining parameter map generated in step S403 is used. When there is no trade-off region, the fidelity-oriented machining parameter map and the continuity-oriented machining parameter map are the same.

[0119] In the second embodiment, the calculation unit 140 generates an image 730 as shown in FIG. 7(c) as a processing pattern to be input to the CAM based on the xyz coordinates and uv coordinates of the vertices of the polygon indicated by the shape data and the processing depth d and processing density ρ indicated by the processing parameter map.

[0120] Details will be explained below with reference to FIG. △P in xyz coordinate space T1 P T2 P T3 If the area of ​​is A, the pixel of processing depth d (■ in Fig. 7(c)) is △p T1 p T2 p T3 A×ρ pixels are included in the machining depth d. When other pixels have a machining depth of 0 (□ in FIG. 7(c)), the machining density for the surface of the mold is equal to ρ. Therefore, after initializing the pixel values ​​of the entire machining pattern with a machining depth of 0, A×ρ pixels corresponding to the area of ​​each face are randomly selected from within each face for all element faces that make up the surface shape 710, and the pixel value is set to the machining depth d. In this way, a machining pattern that realizes the desired texture can be generated. The resolution of the machining pattern should be such that it can fully express the machining density (i.e., △p T1 p T2 p T3Any resolution is acceptable as long as the resolution is such that at least A × ρ pixels are included within the pixel. Furthermore, the pixels may be selected according to other predetermined rules, such as selecting at equal intervals, rather than randomly.

[0121] In the information processing device 100 according to the second embodiment described above, the calculation unit 140 acquires adjustment parameters for the processing parameter map in accordance with the information relating to the above-described difference, and regenerates the processing parameter map based on the adjustment parameters. According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment described above, when a trade-off occurs between evaluation items, the processing control parameters can be easily adjusted.

[0122] In this embodiment, an example in which the entire processing parameter map is regenerated in step S409 in Fig. 14 has been described, but a mode in which only a partial region is regenerated can also be applied to this embodiment. This mode will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI displayed on the display 300 in Fig. 1. In Fig. 15, components similar to those shown in Fig. 9 are assigned the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0123] In the case of the above-described aspect of regenerating only a portion of the region, for example, after generating the entire adjusted processing parameter map, a region 1501 selected by the user is acquired via a GUI 1500 shown in Fig. 15. Then, the processing depth d can be recalculated by applying the processes of steps S304 to S316 in Fig. 13 again only to pixels within the region on the processing parameter map corresponding to the region 1501 selected by the user.

[0124] In this embodiment, a simulation image showing the appearance of a molded product when a relief structure is formed using the generated processing pattern may be displayed on the GUI, as shown in a display area 908 in Fig. 9. Alternatively, the difference from the target processing depth at each pixel may be calculated using the adjusted processing parameter map, and a rendering image may be displayed in which the difference is texture-mapped onto the surface of the mold as an index representing the error from the desired texture. Alternatively, a differential filter may be applied to the adjusted processing parameter map to calculate the amount of change in processing depth at each pixel, and a rendering image may be displayed in which the difference is texture-mapped onto the surface of the mold as an index representing the gap in texture.

[0125] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the user acquires a coefficient indicating the balance between emphasis on fidelity and emphasis on continuity as an adjustment parameter, but the user may also input an adjustment amount for the value of the distance L described above.

[0126] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. This program and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program are included in the present invention.

[0127] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely illustrative examples of the implementation of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 10: Information processing system, 100: Information processing device, 101: CPU, 102: RAM, 103: ROM, 104: SATA (Serial ATA) I / F (Interface), 105: VC (Video Card), 106: General-purpose I / F, 107: System bus, 110: Shape data acquisition unit, 120: Demolding direction acquisition unit, 130: Processing parameter acquisition unit, 140: Calculation unit, 150: Notification unit, 200: External storage device, 300: Display, 400: Input device, 510 to 530: Serial bus

Claims

1. a shape data acquisition means for acquiring shape data indicating a three-dimensional shape of a mold for molding a molded product; a mold release direction acquisition means for acquiring a mold release direction when the molded product is released from the mold; a processing parameter acquisition means for acquiring processing parameters related to processing to be performed on the surface of the mold; a calculation means for generating a plurality of processing parameter maps in which positions on the surface of the mold are associated with the processing parameters based on the shape data, the mold release direction, and the processing parameters, and for calculating differences among the plurality of processing parameter maps; a notification means for notifying information relating to the difference; and The information processing apparatus is characterized in that the plurality of processing parameter maps are processing parameter maps that impart different surface textures to the image.

2. the plurality of processing parameter maps include a first processing parameter map that emphasizes fidelity to the surface texture of the molded product, and a second processing parameter map that emphasizes continuity to the surface texture of the molded product; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said calculation means calculates a difference between said first processing parameter map and said second processing parameter map.

3. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification means displays, as the notification, information about an area in the shape data where the difference is not zero.

4. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit displays, as the notification, information of a color whose intensity corresponds to the magnitude of the difference in the shape data.

5. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculation means further acquires an adjustment parameter for the processing parameter map in accordance with information relating to the difference, and regenerates the processing parameter map based on the adjustment parameter.

6. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the adjustment parameter is a parameter for adjusting a balance between the plurality of processing parameter maps.

7. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying rendering images corresponding to the plurality of processing parameter maps.

8. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mold is a mold capable of forming minute irregularities on the surface of the molded product.

9. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mold release direction acquisition means acquires, as the mold release direction, a three-dimensional vector indicating the mold release direction.

10. a shape data acquisition step of acquiring shape data indicating a three-dimensional shape of a mold for molding a molded product; a mold release direction acquisition step of acquiring a mold release direction when the molded product is released from the mold; a processing parameter acquisition step of acquiring processing parameters related to processing to be performed on the surface of the mold; a calculation step of generating a plurality of processing parameter maps in which positions on the surface of the mold are associated with the processing parameters based on the shape data, the mold release direction, and the processing parameters, and calculating differences among the plurality of processing parameter maps; a notification step of notifying information about the difference; and An information processing method, wherein the plurality of processing parameter maps are processing parameter maps that impart different surface textures to the surface.

11. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images