Information processing device

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of suppressing to arrange a support to an unnecessary position in three-dimensional molding.SOLUTION: An information processor includes: a first processing unit that generates a support structure that supports a modeled object formed by a three-dimensional molding device according to predetermined conditions; a display control unit that displays a shape of the modeled object and a shape of the support structure generated by the first processing unit on a screen; a reception unit that receives removal information indicating a region to be removed of the support structure generated by the first processing unit; and a second processing unit that generates support data for molding the support structure by the three-dimensional molding device on the basis of the support structure generated by the first processing unit and the removal information received at reception unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus. [Background Art]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for automatically setting supports of a modeled object molded by a 3D printer at optimal positions. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Documents]

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

[0004] The above technique is convenient because it can automatically set the molding position of supports, however, if a support is arranged in an unnecessary portion, there is a possibility that modeling accuracy may be reduced. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes: a first processing unit configured to generate a support structure that supports a modeled object modeled by a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to predetermined conditions; a display control unit configured to display a shape of the modeled object and a shape of the support structure generated by the first processing unit on a screen; a reception unit configured to receive removal information that designates a region to be removed in the support structure generated by the first processing unit; and a second processing unit configured to generate support data for modeling the support structure by the three-dimensional modeling apparatus based on the support structure generated by the first processing unit and the removal information received by the reception unit. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] An explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of a three-dimensional modeling system. [Figure 2] A perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a flat screw. [Figure 3] A schematic plan view of the barrel. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram illustrating the process of creating a sculpted object. [Figure 5] An explanatory diagram showing the general configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 6] Flowchart for the modeling data generation process. [Figure 7] A diagram showing examples of how to display the printed object and support structure. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of how removal information is displayed. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of displaying the molding data generated by the second processing unit. [Figure 10] Flowchart of the molding data generation process in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of how additional information is displayed. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of displaying the molding data generated by the second processing unit. [Figure 13] This diagram shows an example of how the support structure is displayed when removal information and additional information overlap. [Figure 14] A diagram showing an example of the support structure after the update. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] A. First Embodiment: Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the three-dimensional molding system 10 in the first embodiment. Figure 1 shows arrows indicating the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions. The X and Y directions are parallel to the horizontal plane, and the Z direction is along the vertically upward direction. In other figures, arrows indicating the X, Y, and Z directions are shown as appropriate, so that the directions shown correspond to those in Figure 1. In the following description, when specifying the direction, the direction indicated by the arrow in each figure will be denoted as "+" and the opposite direction as "-", and positive and negative signs will be used in the direction notation. Hereafter, the +Z direction will also be referred to as "up" and the -Z direction as "down".

[0008] The three-dimensional molding system 10 comprises a three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 and an information processing device 400. The three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 in this embodiment is a device that molds objects by a material extrusion method. The three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 is equipped with a control unit 300 for controlling each part of the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100. The control unit 300 and the information processing device 400 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0009] The three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 comprises a molding unit 110 that generates and extrudes molding material, a molding stage 210 that serves as the base for the molded object, and a moving mechanism 230 that controls the extrusion position of the molding material.

[0010] The molding unit 110, under the control of the control unit 300, extrudes molding material, which is obtained by plasticizing a solid material, onto the stage 210. The molding unit 110 includes a material supply unit 20, which is a source of raw materials before they are converted into molding material; a plasticizing unit 30, which converts the raw materials into molding material; and an extrusion unit 60, which extrudes the molding material.

[0011] The material supply unit 20 supplies raw material MR to the plasticizing unit 30. The material supply unit 20 is composed of, for example, a hopper that contains the raw material MR. The material supply unit 20 is connected to the plasticizing unit 30 via a connecting passage 22. The raw material MR is fed into the material supply unit 20 in the form of pellets, powder, or the like. In this embodiment, pelletized ABS resin material is used.

[0012] The plasticizing unit 30 plasticizes the raw material MR supplied from the material supply unit 20 to generate a paste-shaped modeling material that exhibits fluidity, and guides the generated material to the discharge unit 60. In the present embodiment, the term "plasticization" is a concept including melting, and refers to changing a solid into a state having fluidity. Specifically, for a material that undergoes glass transition, plasticization means raising the temperature of the material to a temperature equal to or higher than the glass transition point of the material. For a material that does not undergo glass transition, plasticization means raising the temperature of the material to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the material.

[0013] The plasticizing unit 30 includes a screw case 31, a drive motor 32, a flat screw 40, and a barrel 50. The flat screw 40 is also referred to as a rotor or a scroll. The barrel 50 is also referred to as a screw facing portion.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a perspective diagram showing a schematic configuration of the lower surface 48 side of the flat screw 40. To facilitate understanding of the technology, the flat screw 40 shown in Fig. 2 is illustrated with the positional relationship between the upper surface 47 and the lower surface 48 shown in Fig. 1 reversed in the vertical direction. Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view showing the upper surface 52 side of the barrel 50. The flat screw 40 has a substantially cylindrical shape in which the length in the axial direction, which is the direction along the central axis of the flat screw 40, is smaller than the length in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The flat screw 40 is arranged such that the rotation axis RX serving as the rotation center of the flat screw 40 is parallel to the Z direction.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, the flat screw 40 is accommodated in the screw case 31. The upper surface 47 of the flat screw 40 is connected to the drive motor 32, and the flat screw 40 rotates within the screw case 31 by the rotational driving force generated by the drive motor 32. The drive motor 32 is driven under the control of a control unit 300. Note that the flat screw 40 may be driven by the drive motor 32 via a speed reducer.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 2, a spiral groove 42 is formed on a lower surface 48 of the flat screw 40, which is a surface intersecting the rotation axis RX. The communication path 22 of the material supply unit 20 described above communicates with the groove 42 from the side surface of the flat screw 40. In the present embodiment, three grooves 42 are formed, separated from each other by ridges 43. The number of the grooves 42 is not limited to three, and may be one, or two or more. The grooves 42 are not limited to a spiral shape, and may be helical, involute curved, or shaped to extend in an arc from the central portion toward the outer circumference.

[0017] The lower surface 48 of the flat screw 40 faces the upper surface 52 of the barrel 50, and a space is formed between the groove 42 in the lower surface 48 of the flat screw 40 and the upper surface 52 of the barrel 50. Into this space between the flat screw 40 and the barrel 50, the raw material MR is supplied from the material supply unit 20 through the material inlet 44 shown in Fig. 2.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, a barrel heater 58 for heating the raw material MR supplied into the groove 42 of the rotating flat screw 40 is embedded in the barrel 50. A communication hole 56 is provided in the center of the barrel 50. As shown in Fig. 3, a plurality of guide grooves 54 connected to the communication hole 56 and extending spirally from the communication hole 56 toward the outer circumference are formed on the upper surface 52 of the barrel 50. One end of each guide groove 54 does not need to be connected to the communication hole 56. Further, the guide grooves 54 can be omitted.

[0019] The raw material MR supplied into the groove 42 of the flat screw 40 is plasticized within the groove 42 and flows along the groove 42 as the flat screw 40 rotates, and is guided to the central part 46 of the flat screw 40 as molding material. The paste-like molding material that has flowed into the central part 46 and exhibits fluidity is supplied to the discharge part 60 through a communication hole 56 provided in the center of the barrel 50. It should be noted that not all types of substances constituting the molding material need to be melted. The molding material only needs to be converted into a fluid state as a whole by melting at least some of the types of substances constituting the molding material.

[0020] The discharge unit 60 in Figure 1 comprises a nozzle 61 for discharging the molding material, a flow path 65 for the molding material provided between the flat screw 40 and the nozzle opening 62, and a discharge control unit 77 for controlling the discharging of the molding material.

[0021] The nozzle 61 is connected to the communication hole 56 of the barrel 50 through the flow path 65. The nozzle 61 discharges the molding material generated in the plasticizing section 30 from the nozzle opening 62 at its tip toward the stage 210.

[0022] The discharge control unit 77 includes a discharge adjustment unit 70 that opens and closes the flow path 65, and a suction unit 75 that sucks up the molding material and temporarily stores it.

[0023] The discharge adjustment unit 70 is located within the flow path 65 and changes the opening of the flow path 65 by rotating within the flow path 65. In this embodiment, the discharge adjustment unit 70 is configured as a butterfly valve. The discharge adjustment unit 70 is driven by a first drive unit 74 under the control of the control unit 300. The first drive unit 74 is configured as, for example, a stepping motor. The control unit 300 can adjust the flow rate of the molding material flowing from the plasticizer 30 to the nozzle 61, that is, the amount of molding material discharged from the nozzle 61, by controlling the rotation angle of the butterfly valve using the first drive unit 74. The discharge adjustment unit 70 can adjust the amount of molding material discharged and can also control the on / off switching of the molding material outflow.

[0024] The suction unit 75 is connected in the flow path 65 between the discharge adjustment unit 70 and the nozzle opening 62. The suction unit 75 suppresses the trailing phenomenon, where the material dangles from the nozzle opening 62 in a string-like manner, by temporarily sucking the material in the flow path 65 when the discharge of the material from the nozzle 61 stops. In this embodiment, the suction unit 75 is composed of a plunger. The suction unit 75 is driven by a second drive unit 76 under the control of the control unit 300. The second drive unit 76 is composed of, for example, a stepping motor or a rack and pinion mechanism that converts the rotational force of the stepping motor into the translational motion of the plunger.

[0025] The stage 210 is positioned opposite the nozzle opening 62 of the nozzle 61. In the first embodiment, the build surface 211 of the stage 210 opposite the nozzle opening 62 of the nozzle 61 is positioned parallel to the X,Y direction, i.e., the horizontal direction. The stage 210 is equipped with a stage heater 212 to suppress the rapid cooling of the build material extruded onto the stage 210. The stage heater 212 is controlled by the control unit 300.

[0026] The moving mechanism 230 changes the relative position between the stage 210 and the nozzle 61 under the control of the control unit 300. In this embodiment, the position of the nozzle 61 is fixed, and the moving mechanism 230 moves the stage 210. The moving mechanism 230 is composed of a three-axis positioner that moves the stage 210 in three axes in the X, Y, and Z directions using the driving force of three motors. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, movement of the nozzle 61 means moving the nozzle 61 or discharge unit 60 relative to the stage 210.

[0027] In other embodiments, instead of moving the stage 210 with the moving mechanism 230, a configuration may be adopted in which the stage 210 remains in a fixed position and the moving mechanism 230 moves the nozzle 61 relative to the stage 210. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the moving mechanism 230 moves the stage 210 in the Z direction and the nozzle 61 in the X and Y directions, or in which the moving mechanism 230 moves the stage 210 in the X and Y directions and the nozzle 61 in the Z direction. Even with these configurations, the relative positional relationship between the nozzle 61 and the stage 210 can be changed.

[0028] The control unit 300 is a control device that controls the operation of the entire three-dimensional molding apparatus 100. The control unit 300 is composed of a computer that includes one or more processors 310, a storage device 320 consisting of a main memory and an auxiliary storage device, and an input / output interface for inputting and outputting signals to and from the outside. The processor 310 executes a program stored in the storage device 320, and in accordance with the molding data acquired from the information processing device 400, controls the molding unit 110 and the moving mechanism 230 to create a molded object on the stage 210. Note that the control unit 300 may be implemented by a combination of circuits instead of being composed of a computer.

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 fabricates an object. As described above, in the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100, the solid raw material MR is plasticized to produce the molding material MM. The control unit 300 maintains the distance between the molding surface 211 of the stage 210 and the nozzle 61, and while changing the position of the nozzle 61 relative to the stage 210 in a direction along the molding surface 211 of the stage 210, it ejects the molding material MM from the nozzle 61. The molding material MM ejected from the nozzle 61 is continuously deposited in the direction of movement of the nozzle 61.

[0030] The control unit 300 repeatedly moves the nozzle 61 to form layers ML. After forming one layer ML, the control unit 300 moves the position of the nozzle 61 relative to the stage 210 in the Z direction. Then, it builds the object by stacking more layers ML on top of the layers ML that have been formed so far.

[0031] The control unit 300 may, for example, temporarily suspend the ejection of the molding material from the nozzle 61 when the nozzle 61 moves in the Z direction after completing one layer ML, or when there are multiple independent molding regions in each layer. In this case, the ejection adjustment unit 70 closes the flow path 65 to stop the ejection of the molding material MM from the nozzle opening 62, and the suction unit 75 temporarily sucks up the molding material inside the nozzle 61. After changing the position of the nozzle 61, the control unit 300 restarts the deposition of the molding material MM from the changed position of the nozzle 61 by opening the flow path 65 with the ejection adjustment unit 70 while discharging the molding material inside the suction unit 75.

[0032] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the information processing device 400. The information processing device 400 is configured as a computer in which a CPU 410, memory 420, storage device 430, communication interface 440, and input / output interface 450 are interconnected by a bus 460. An input device 470, such as a keyboard or mouse, and a display device 480, such as a liquid crystal display, are connected to the input / output interface 450. The information processing device 400 is connected to the control unit 300 of the three-dimensional molding device 100 via the communication interface 440.

[0033] The CPU 410 functions as a first processing unit 411, a display control unit 412, a reception unit 413, and a second processing unit 414 by executing a program stored in the storage device 430.

[0034] The first processing unit 411 generates a support structure to support the object fabricated by the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100, according to predetermined conditions.

[0035] The display control unit 412 displays the shape of the molded object and the shape of the support structure generated by the first processing unit 411 on the screen of the display device 480.

[0036] The receiving unit 413 receives removal information that indicates the area to be removed from the support structure generated by the first processing unit 411.

[0037] The second processing unit 414 generates support data for fabricating the support structure using the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100, based on the support structure generated by the first processing unit 411 and the removal information received by the receiving unit 413.

[0038] The information processing device 400 transmits molding data, including body data for molding the main body of the molded object and support data for molding the support structure, to the control unit 300 of the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100. The control unit 300 controls the ejection unit 60 and the moving mechanism 230 according to the received molding data to mold the molded object and the support structure for supporting the molded object on the stage 210.

[0039] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the molding data generation process performed by the information processing device 400.

[0040] In step S10, the first processing unit 411 of the information processing device 400 acquires shape data representing the three-dimensional shape of the object from another computer, recording medium, or storage device 430. The shape data is data representing the shape of a three-dimensional object created using 3D CAD software, 3D CG software, etc. As shape data, for example, data in STL format or AMF format can be used.

[0041] In step S20, the first processing unit 411 generates support structures to support the object represented by the shape data, according to predetermined conditions. The conditions for generating the support structures are specified in advance by the system or the user. These conditions include, for example, the location on the object where the support structures will be generated. For example, overhangs and bridges can be specified as locations for generating support structures. An overhang refers to a part of the object that protrudes downward without support. A bridge refers to a bridge-like part that is supported at both ends. The first processing unit 411 automatically generates support structures to support the object according to the conditions instructed by the system or the user.

[0042] In step S30, the display control unit 412 displays a screen on the display device 480 showing the shape of the molded object and the shape of the support structure generated by the first processing unit 411.

[0043] Figure 7 shows an example of the display of the molded object MD and the support structure SC. In Figure 7, the shape of the molded object MD is shown as the shape of the letter "F". In this embodiment, the display control unit 412 displays the support structure SC semi-transparently to distinguish it from other areas. In Figure 7, hatching is applied to the part corresponding to the support structure SC. Figure 7 shows an example in which the support structure SC is automatically generated between the overhang portion OB and the bottom surface LS corresponding to the molding surface 211 of the stage 210 according to predetermined conditions. In the example shown in Figure 7, the support structure SC is not generated in the gap portion GP between the two overhang portions OB1 and OB2 included in the molded object MD.

[0044] In step S40 of Figure 6, the reception unit 413 receives removal information indicating the area to be removed from the support structure SC generated by the first processing unit 411. The reception unit 413 receives the area to be removed via a mouse or keyboard connected to the information processing device 400. The reception unit 413 may receive not just one, but two or more pieces of removal information. In Figure 7, the area showing the support structure SC, which the display control unit 412 displays semi-transparently to distinguish it from other areas, is also the area where the support structure SC can be removed.

[0045] In step S50, the display control unit 412 displays a screen on the display device 480 showing the removal information received in step S40.

[0046] Figure 8 shows an example of the display of removal information RI. As shown in Figure 8, the display control unit 412 displays the removal range represented by the removal information RI on the screen using a columnar shape. In Figure 8, the removal information RI is represented by a rectangular prism, but the display control unit 412 may also represent the removal information RI by a cylinder or other shape having a certain height. The user can specify any area within the support structure SC as the removal information RI by moving the position of the removal information RI represented by the columnar shape using a mouse or keyboard. In addition, for example, the user can arbitrarily change the size of the removal range represented by the removal information RI by dragging the edges or vertices of the columnar shape using the mouse. The display control unit 412 may, for example, notify the user that the columnar shape can be placed in a certain position by changing the color of the columnar shape when the user moves the columnar shape from outside the range of the molded object MD into the area where the columnar shape can be placed using a mouse or the like.

[0047] The display control unit 412 may automatically adjust the height of the columnar shape according to the shape of the molded object MD at the position where the columnar shape is to be placed. In this case, for example, if there is an overhang portion OB or a bridge portion of the molded object MD at the position where the columnar shape is to be placed, the display control unit 412 adjusts the height of the columnar shape to the height from the lowest surface LS to the overhang portion OB or bridge portion.

[0048] The display control unit 412 displays the support structure SC generated by the first processing unit 411 and the removal information RI in a distinguishable manner. In this embodiment, the display control unit 412 distinguishes between the support structure SC and the removal information RI by displaying them with higher transparency than the removal information RI. For example, the display control unit 412 displays the removal information RI in an opaque color different from the molded object MD, and displays the support structure SC in a transparent color. The display control unit 412 may also display the support structure SC and the removal information RI in different colors or different patterns.

[0049] In step S60 of Figure 6, the second processing unit 414 generates the molding data. The molding data includes the main body data for molding the MD and the support data for molding the support structure.

[0050] In generating the main body data, the second processing unit 414 analyzes the shape data acquired in step S10 and slices the shape of the molded object MD into multiple layers along the XY plane. The second processing unit 414 then generates movement path information representing the movement path of the nozzle 61 to form the outer shell of each layer and fill its internal region with a predetermined filling rate and filling pattern. The movement path information includes data representing multiple linear movement paths. Each movement path included in the movement path information includes discharge amount information representing the amount of molding material discharged along that movement path. The second processing unit 414 generates the main body data by generating movement path information and discharge amount information for all layers of the molded object MD. The main body data is represented, for example, by G code.

[0051] In generating support data, the second processing unit 414 slices the shape of the support structure SC generated in step S20 into multiple layers along the XY plane, excluding the portion corresponding to the removal information RI received in step S40. The second processing unit 414 then generates movement path information representing the movement path of the nozzle 61 to form the outer shell of each layer and fill its internal region with a predetermined filling rate and filling pattern. The movement path information includes data representing multiple linear movement paths. Each movement path included in the movement path information includes discharge amount information representing the amount of molding material discharged along that movement path. The second processing unit 414 generates support data by generating movement path information and discharge amount information for all layers of the support structure SC. The support data, like the main data, is represented, for example, by G code.

[0052] Figure 9 shows an example of a visualization of the molding data generated by the second processing unit 414. As shown in Figure 9, the molding data consists of main body data BD for molding the object and support data SD for molding the support structure. In the support structure SC, support data SD is not generated for parts that have been removed by the removal information RI, and these parts are left in a notched state.

[0053] The CPU 410 of the information processing device 400 transmits the molding data generated by the molding data generation process described above to the control unit 300 of the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100. The control unit 300 controls the ejection unit 60 and the moving mechanism 230 according to the molding data acquired from the information processing device 400, thereby molding the molded object MD and the support structure SC on the molding surface 211 of the stage 210.

[0054] According to the information processing device 400 of this embodiment described above, even if support structures SC supporting the molded object MD are automatically generated according to predetermined conditions, and as a result, support structures SC are generated in unnecessary locations, the user can later remove those support structures SC. Therefore, appropriate support structures SC can be placed for the molded object MD, and the molding accuracy of the molded object MD can be improved.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the removal information RI for removing a portion of the support structure SC is displayed on the screen in a columnar shape, making it easy for the user to recognize the removal information RI.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support structure SC generated by the first processing unit 411 and the removal information RI are displayed in a distinguishable manner, making it easier to recognize the position of the removal information RI within the support structure SC. In particular, in this embodiment, the support structure SC generated by the first processing unit 411 is displayed with higher transparency than the removal information RI, making it even easier to recognize the position of the removal information RI within the support structure SC.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the removable region of the support structure SC is displayed in a way that distinguishes it from other regions, allowing the user to easily specify the removal information RI.

[0058] B. Second Embodiment: In the first embodiment described above, the region of the support structure SC generated by the first processing unit 411 that is specified by the removal information RI is removed from the support structure SC. In contrast, in the second embodiment, not only can a part of the support structure SC be removed by the removal information RI, but the support structure SC generated by the first processing unit 411 is also accepted to add a new region, thereby expanding or increasing the support structure SC.

[0059] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the molding data generation process performed by the information processing device 400 in the second embodiment. In Figure 10, steps with the same processing content as the molding data generation process in the first embodiment shown in Figure 6 are given the same step numbers.

[0060] In step S10, the first processing unit 411 of the information processing device 400 acquires shape data representing the three-dimensional shape of the molded object MD.

[0061] In step S20, the first processing unit 411 generates a support structure SC that supports the molded object MD represented by the shape data, according to predetermined conditions.

[0062] In step S30, the display control unit 412 displays on the display device 480 a screen showing the shape of the molded object MD and the shape of the support structure SC generated by the first processing unit 411.

[0063] In step S40b, the reception unit 413 receives the removal information RI and also receives additional information indicating a new area to be added to the support structure SC generated by the first processing unit 411. The reception unit 413 receives the additional information for adding the area, similar to the removal information RI, via a mouse or keyboard connected to the information processing device 400. The reception unit 413 may receive not just one, but two or more pieces of additional information. Furthermore, the reception unit 413 may receive additional information together with the removal information RI, or it may receive only the additional information.

[0064] In step S50b, the display control unit 412 displays on the display device 480 a screen representing the additional information received by the reception unit 413, along with the removal information RI.

[0065] Figure 11 shows an example of the display of additional information AI. Figure 11 shows additional information AI that adds a support structure SC to the gap portion GP of the molded object MD. As shown in Figure 11, the display control unit 412 displays the additional range represented by the additional information AI on the screen as a columnar shape. In Figure 11, the additional information AI is displayed as a rectangular prism, but the display control unit 412 may also represent the additional information AI as a cylinder or other shape with a certain height. The user can move the position of the additional information AI represented as a columnar shape using a mouse or keyboard. In addition, the user can arbitrarily change the size of the additional range represented by the additional information AI by dragging the edges or vertices of the columnar shape with the mouse.

[0066] The display control unit 412 may automatically adjust the height of the columnar shape according to the shape of the molded object MD at the position where the columnar shape is to be placed. For example, if the position where the columnar shape is to be placed is a gap GP in the molded object MD, the display control unit 412 will adjust the height of the columnar shape to match the length of the gap in the Z direction. Also, if the display control unit 412 intends to place the columnar shape below an overhang OB or bridge section of the molded object MD, it will adjust the height of the columnar shape to the height from the lowest surface LS to the overhang OB or bridge section.

[0067] The display control unit 412 displays the support structure SC generated by the first processing unit 411 and the additional information AI in a distinguishable manner. In this embodiment, the display control unit 412 distinguishes the support structure SC from the additional information AI by displaying them with higher transparency. For example, the display control unit 412 displays the additional information AI in an opaque color different from the molded object MD, and displays the support structure SC in a transparent color. The display control unit 412 may also display the support structure SC and the additional information AI in different colors or different patterns.

[0068] The display control unit 412 may display areas where additional information AI can be added to the support structure SC in a manner that distinguishes them from other areas. For example, the display control unit 412 may blink the gap portion GP in the molded object MD where the support structure SC was not generated in the first processing unit 411. In this way, the user can easily specify areas where the support structure SC can be added. Also, if it is permitted to place the support structure SC extending beyond the molded object MD in the X or Y direction, the display control unit 412 may display the maximum area where the support structure SC can be generated in a manner that distinguishes it from other areas.

[0069] In step S60, the second processing unit 414 generates molding data including main body data and support data. In step S60, the second processing unit 414 generates support data for fabricating a new support structure SC that reflects the removal information RI and additional information AI to the support structure SC generated by the first processing unit 411.

[0070] Figure 12 shows an example of displaying the molding data generated by the second processing unit 414. Figure 12 shows an example where only the additional information AI is applied to the support structure SC. By applying the additional information AI to the support structure SC, the support structure SC can be appropriately added to gaps GP and other areas of the molded object MD.

[0071] In this embodiment, when the second processing unit 414 generates the molding data in step S60, if at least a portion of the area specified by the removal information RI and the area specified by the additional information AI overlap, it generates the support data SD based on the information that the receiving unit 413 received later in step S40b from the removal information RI and the additional information AI.

[0072] Figure 13 shows an example of the display of the support structure SC when the removal information RI and the additional information AI overlap. In Figure 13, the reception unit 413 receives the removal information RI first, and then receives the additional information AI. In Figure 13, the overlapping area between the area specified by the removal information RI and the area specified by the additional information AI is shown with a crosshatch. The overlapping area shown with the crosshatch coincides with the area of ​​the additional information AI.

[0073] Figure 14 shows an example of the display of the updated support structure SC. When the user performs a predetermined update operation with the removal information RI and addition information AI displayed as shown in Figure 13, the display control unit 412 displays the updated support structure SC, which reflects the removal information RI and addition information AI, on the screen, as shown in Figure 14. In the example shown in Figure 14, a new support structure SC is generated within the support structure SC removed by the removal information RI, with the addition information AI added. The second processing unit 414 generates support data SD based on the updated support structure SC, thereby generating support data SD based on which of the removal information RI and addition information AI the receiving unit 413 receives later.

[0074] According to the second embodiment described above, not only can unnecessary parts be removed from the support structure SC automatically generated by the first processing unit 411, but support structures SC can also be added to the necessary parts. Therefore, appropriate support structures SC can be placed on the fabricated object MD, and the fabrication accuracy of the fabricated object MD can be improved.

[0075] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, if at least a portion of the region specified by the removal information RI and the region specified by the additional information AI overlap, the support data SD is generated based on the information that the reception unit 413 receives later from the removal information RI and the additional information AI, i.e., the information that the user instructed later. This makes it easier to reflect the user's intentions in the shape of the support structure SC.

[0076] C. Other embodiments: (C1) The three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 in the above embodiment is equipped with one molding unit 110, but the three-dimensional molding apparatus 100 may be equipped with two molding units 110. In this case, one molding unit 110 extrudes molding material for molding the object MD, and the other molding unit 110 extrudes support material for molding the support structure SC. In this way, different materials can be used for molding the object MD and the support structure SC.

[0077] (C2) In the above embodiment, the display control unit 412 may cause the printed object MD, support structure SC, removal information RI, and additional information AI to be displayed not only on the display device 480 connected to the information processing device 400, but also on other devices connected to the information processing device 400 via a network.

[0078] (C3) In the above embodiment, the molding unit 110 plasticizes the material by a flat screw 40. Alternatively, the molding unit 110 may plasticize the material by, for example, rotating an inline screw. Alternatively, the molding unit 110 may plasticize a filamentous material with a heater.

[0079] (C4) In the above embodiment, a material extrusion method for stacking plasticized materials was described as an example, but it can be applied to various methods such as inkjet methods, DMD (Direct Metal Deposition) methods, and binder jet methods.

[0080] D. Other forms: This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from its spirit. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each of the embodiments described below can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be deleted as appropriate.

[0081] (1) According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing device is provided. This information processing device comprises: a first processing unit that generates a support structure for supporting an object to be fabricated by a three-dimensional molding device according to predetermined conditions; a display control unit that displays the shape of the object and the shape of the support structure generated by the first processing unit on a screen; a receiving unit that receives removal information indicating a region to be removed from the support structure generated by the first processing unit; and a second processing unit that generates support data for fabricating the support structure by the three-dimensional molding device based on the support structure generated by the first processing unit and the removal information received by the receiving unit. This configuration allows for the placement of appropriate support structures for the fabricated object, thereby improving the fabrication accuracy of the object.

[0082] (2) In the above configuration, the display control unit may display the removal information on the screen in a columnar shape. In this configuration, the removal information is easy to recognize.

[0083] (3) In the above configuration, the display control unit may display the support structure generated by the first processing unit and the removal information in a distinguishable manner. With this configuration, the location of the removal information in the support structure is easily recognizable.

[0084] (4) In the above embodiment, the display control unit may display the support structure generated by the first processing unit with higher transparency than the removal information. With this embodiment, the position of the removal information in the support structure is easier to recognize.

[0085] (5) In the above configuration, the receiving unit receives an area to be added to the support structure generated by the first processing unit, and the second processing unit may generate the support data based on the information that the receiving unit receives later from the removal information and the additional information if at least a part of the area specified by the removal information and the area specified by the additional information overlap. With such a configuration, it is easier to reflect the user's intentions in the shape of the support structure.

[0086] (6) In the above configuration, the display control unit may display the removable areas of the support structure in a manner that distinguishes them from other areas. With this configuration, the removal information can be easily specified.

[0087] (7) In the above configuration, the receiving unit may receive an area to be added to the support structure generated by the first processing unit, and the display control unit may display the area that can be added to the support structure in a manner that distinguishes it from other areas. With this configuration, the area that can be added to the support structure can be easily specified.

[0088] This disclosure can be implemented in various forms, not limited to the information processing device described above, but also including a three-dimensional molding system, a computer program, and a non-temporary tangible recording medium in which the computer program is recorded in a way that is readable by a computer. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 10...3D modeling system, 20...Material supply unit, 22...Communication passage, 30...Plasticizing unit, 31...Screw case, 32...Drive motor, 40...Flat screw, 42...Groove section, 43...Protruding section, 44...Material inlet, 46...Center section, 47...Top surface, 48...Bottom surface, 50...Barrel, 52...Top surface, 54...Guide groove, 56...Communication hole, 58...Barrel heater, 60...Discharge unit, 61...Nozzle, 62...Nozzle opening, 65...Flow path, 70...Discharge adjustment unit, 74...First drive unit, 75...Suction unit, 76...Second drive unit, 77...Discharge control 100...3D modeling device, 110...Modeling unit, 210...Stage, 211...Modeling surface, 212...Stage heater, 230...Moving mechanism, 300...Control unit, 310...Processor, 320...Storage device, 400...Information processing device, 410...CPU, 411...First processing unit, 412...Display control unit, 413...Reception unit, 414...Second processing unit, 420...Memory, 430...Storage device, 440...Communication interface, 450...Input / output interface, 460...Bus, 470...Input device, 480...Display device

Claims

1. A first processing unit generates a support structure to support an object fabricated by a three-dimensional printing device according to predetermined conditions, A display control unit that displays the shape of the molded object and the shape of the support structure generated by the first processing unit on a screen, A receiving unit that receives removal information indicating the region to be removed from the support structure generated by the first processing unit, A second processing unit generates support data for fabricating the support structure using the three-dimensional molding apparatus, based on the support structure generated by the first processing unit and the removal information received by the receiving unit. Equipped with, The receiving unit receives additional information indicating an area to be added to the support structure generated by the first processing unit, The display control unit displays the area that can be added to the support structure in a manner that distinguishes it from other areas. Information processing device.

2. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The display control unit is an information processing device that displays the removal information on the screen in a columnar shape.

3. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The display control unit is an information processing device that displays the support structure generated by the first processing unit and the removal information in a distinguishable manner.

4. An information processing apparatus according to claim 3, The display control unit is an information processing device that displays the support structure generated by the first processing unit with higher transparency than the removal information.

5. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The display control unit is an information processing device that displays a removable area of ​​the support structure in a manner that distinguishes it from other areas.

6. A first processing unit that generates a support structure for supporting an object fabricated by a three-dimensional molding device according to predetermined conditions, A display control unit that displays the shape of the molded object and the shape of the support structure generated by the first processing unit on a screen, A receiving unit that receives removal information indicating the region to be removed from the support structure generated by the first processing unit, A second processing unit generates support data for fabricating the support structure using the three-dimensional molding apparatus, based on the support structure generated by the first processing unit and the removal information received by the receiving unit. Equipped with, The receiving unit receives additional information indicating an area to be added to the support structure generated by the first processing unit, The second processing unit is an information processing device that, when at least a portion of the area specified by the removal information and the area specified by the additional information overlap, generates the support data based on the information that the receiving unit receives later from the removal information and the additional information.

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