Information processing method, information processing device, computer program, machining method, and machining device

Abstract

This information processing method includes: performing first partitioning processing for partitioning an object model into a plurality of first partitioned models, said object model indicating the three-dimensional shape of at least a portion of an object to be formed by a machining device by additive machining; generating first display data for displaying some of the first partitioned models on a display device as a singular part together with the object model consisting of the plurality of first partitioned models; performing second partitioning processing in which input by a user is used as a basis to further partition at least one of the first partitioned models including the singular part and thereby generate a plurality of repartitioned models; and generating second display data for displaying an object model consisting of a plurality of second partitioned models on the display device with the plurality of repartitioned models and the first partitioned models not subjected to the second partitioning processing serving as the plurality of second partitioned models.

Description

Information processing method, information processing device, computer program, processing method and processing device

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, an information processing method, an information processing device, and a computer program for performing information processing using an object model that indicates the three-dimensional shape of at least a portion of an object that a processing device forms by additive processing, as well as the technical field of a processing method and processing device for forming an object by additive processing.

[0002] An example of a processing device that forms an object by additive processing is described in Patent Document 1. One of the technical challenges of such a processing device is to appropriately generate processing control information for controlling the processing device to appropriately form the object, using an object model that indicates the three-dimensional shape of at least a portion of the object to be formed by additive processing.

[0003] US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0029298

[0004] According to a first aspect, an information processing method is provided that includes performing a first division process to divide an object model indicating the three-dimensional shape of at least a portion of an object to be formed by additive processing by a processing device into a plurality of first division models; generating first display data for displaying a portion of the first division models as a singular part on a display device together with the object model composed of the plurality of first division models; performing a second division process to further divide at least one of the first division models including the singular part based on input by a user to generate a plurality of sub-division models; and generating second display data for displaying the plurality of second division models on the display device, with the plurality of sub-division models and the first division model that has not been subjected to the second division process as a plurality of second division models.

[0005] According to a second aspect, there is provided an information processing device that generates information by the information processing method provided by the first aspect.

[0006] According to a third aspect, there is provided a processing method for performing modeling by the processing device based on the processing control information generated by the information processing method provided by the first aspect.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a processing device that performs processing based on the processing control information generated by the information processing method provided in the first aspect.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect, an information processing method is provided that includes performing a first division process on an object model that indicates the three-dimensional shape of at least a portion of an object to be formed by additive processing by a processing device, dividing the object model into a plurality of first division models, and generating first display data for displaying, together with the object model composed of the plurality of first division models, a portion of the first division model that may cause defects in forming by the processing device based on the first division model as a peculiar part on a display device, wherein the peculiar part is a part that extends in a direction that is at least at a predetermined angle with respect to the stacking direction when assuming that the object is formed by the processing device based on the first division model.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect, an information processing method is provided that includes performing a division process on an object model that indicates the three-dimensional shape of at least a portion of an object to be formed by additive processing using a processing device, dividing the object model into a plurality of first division models; generating first display data for displaying the object model composed of the plurality of first division models; performing a combination process on the basis of user input, combining at least two or more of the first division models to generate a combined model; and generating third display data for displaying the object model composed of the plurality of fifth division models on a display device, with the combined model and the first division models that have not been combined forming a plurality of fifth division models.

[0010] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided an information processing device that generates information by the information processing method provided by the sixth aspect.

[0011] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a processing method for performing modeling by the processing device based on the processing control information generated by the information processing method provided by the sixth aspect.

[0012] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided a processing device that performs processing based on the processing control information generated by the information processing method provided by the sixth aspect.

[0013] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided a computer program causing a computer to execute the information processing method provided by the sixth aspect.

[0014] According to an eleventh aspect, an information processing method is provided that includes performing a first division process to divide an object model that indicates the three-dimensional shape of at least a portion of an object to be formed by additive processing by a processing device into a plurality of first division models, performing a second division process to further divide at least one of the first division models that includes a singular portion to generate a plurality of sub-division models, and generating the object model composed of the plurality of second division models, by using the plurality of sub-division models and the first division model that has not been subjected to the second division process.

[0015] According to the 12th aspect, a processing method is provided for processing an object based on information generated based on the object model composed of the plurality of second division models generated by the information processing method provided by the 11th aspect.

[0016] According to the thirteenth aspect, there is provided a processing device that processes an object based on information generated based on the object model composed of the plurality of second division models generated by the information processing method provided by the eleventh aspect.

[0017] The functions and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a processing system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of a processing device according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the processing device according to this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control information generating device. FIGS. 5(a) to 5(e) are cross-sectional views showing a state in which a certain area on a workpiece is irradiated with modeling light and a modeling material is supplied. FIGS. 6(a) to 6(c) are cross-sectional views showing a process of forming a three-dimensional structure. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a three-dimensional structure. FIGS. 8(a) to 8(c) are cross-sectional views showing an example of a divided structure that is part of a three-dimensional structure. FIGS. 9(a) to 9(c) are cross-sectional views showing an example of a divided structure that is part of a three-dimensional structure. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a control information generating operation. FIG. 11 conceptually shows the operation of generating processing control information based on an object model. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of a division operation for dividing an object model into multiple divided models. FIG. 13 shows a model division screen. Each of Fig. 14(a) to Fig. 14(c) is a cross-sectional view showing a divided model. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a divided model. Fig. 16 schematically shows geometric information associated with an object model. Fig. 17 shows a model division screen. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a divided model. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a divided model. Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of a division operation for dividing an object model into a plurality of divided models in the first modified example. Fig. 21 shows a combined model. Fig. 22 shows a model division screen. Fig. 23 shows a model division screen.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of an information processing method, an information processing device, a computer program, a machining method, and a machining device will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, embodiments of an information processing method, an information processing device, a computer program, a machining method, and a machining device will be described using a machining system SYS capable of machining a workpiece W.

[0020] (1) Configuration of Machining System SYS (1-1) Overall Configuration of Machining System SYS First, the overall configuration of the machining system SYS will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the machining system SYS.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1 , the machining system SYS includes a machining device 1 and a control information generating device 2 .

[0022] The processing device 1 is capable of processing a workpiece W. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the processing device 1 is a processing device that can process the workpiece W by irradiating the workpiece W with processing light EL (i.e., an energy beam in the form of light). However, the processing device 1 may also process the workpiece W without using the processing light EL.

[0023] The processing apparatus 1 is capable of performing additive processing on the workpiece W. In other words, the processing apparatus 1 is capable of forming a structure, which is an example of an object, on the workpiece W by performing additive processing on the workpiece W. In this case, the processing apparatus 1 may form a structure that is integrated with or separable from the workpiece W by performing additive processing on the workpiece W. The structure formed by the processing apparatus 1 may refer to any object formed by the processing apparatus 1. For example, the processing apparatus 1 may form a three-dimensional structure ST (i.e., a three-dimensional structure having a size in all three-dimensional directions, a solid object, in other words, a structure having a size in the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction) as an example of a structure. Below, an example in which the processing apparatus 1 forms a three-dimensional structure ST will be described. Note that the processing apparatus 1 capable of performing additive processing may also be referred to as an additive processing apparatus.

[0024] The processing apparatus 1 may perform additive processing using any additive processing method (i.e., a modeling method) capable of forming a model. One example of an additive processing method is laser metal deposition (LMD). In LMD modeling, to manufacture areas with large overhangs (so-called overhangs), a support structure (support) is required to prevent material collapse. Using supports allows for the creation of more complex models, but removing the supports from the model is difficult, resulting in wasted material and the possibility of damaging the surface of the model. Therefore, an LMD-type additive processing apparatus may add rotational motion to the stage 131 (described below) to perform complex modeling with minimal or no supports.

[0025] Other examples include at least one of powder bed fusion (PbF) such as selective laser sintering (SLS), binder jetting, material jetting, stereolithography, laser metal fusion (LMF), and fused deposition modeling (FDM). Laser build-up welding may also be referred to as directed energy deposition (DED).

[0026] The workpiece W may be an item that has a missing portion and needs to be repaired. In this case, the processing device 1 may perform repair processing to repair (in other words, restore) the item that needs to be repaired by performing additional processing to form a shaped object to fill in the missing portion. In other words, the additional processing performed by the processing device 1 may include additional processing to add to the workpiece W a three-dimensional structure ST that corresponds to the shaped object to fill in the missing portion. The additional processing performed by the processing device 1 may be at least a part of the repair process for the workpiece W that has a missing portion.

[0027] An example of an item requiring repair that has a missing portion is at least a portion of a worn turbine. For example, an example of an item requiring repair that has a missing portion is a turbine blade that constitutes a turbine. An example of a turbine is at least one of a power generation turbine and an aircraft engine turbine. In this case, the processing device 1 may repair (in other words, restore) the worn turbine. Another example of an item requiring repair that has a missing portion is a worn propeller-shaped part. Another example of an item requiring repair that has a missing portion is a body part of a vehicle such as an automobile, motorcycle, electric vehicle, or railroad car. Another example of an item requiring repair that has a missing portion is an engine part for an automobile engine, motorcycle engine, or aerospace engine. Another example of an item requiring repair that has a missing portion is a battery part for an electric vehicle. The processing device 1 may repair these items requiring repair.

[0028] The workpiece W may be a base for forming a three-dimensional structure ST. In this case, the processing device 1 may manufacture the three-dimensional structure ST from scratch by performing additional processing to form the three-dimensional structure ST on the workpiece W. As an example, the processing device 1 may manufacture a turbine from scratch by performing additional processing to form a three-dimensional structure ST corresponding to a turbine on the workpiece W.

[0029] The workpiece W may be an intermediate product produced in the process of forming a three-dimensional structure ST. In this case, the processing device 1 may perform additional processing on the workpiece W, which is an intermediate product of the three-dimensional structure ST, to complete the three-dimensional structure ST, thereby producing the three-dimensional structure ST from the intermediate product. As an example, the processing device 1 may perform additional processing on the workpiece W, which is an intermediate product of a turbine, to complete the turbine, thereby producing a completed turbine from the intermediate product of the turbine.

[0030] The control information generating device 2 is an information processing device capable of generating processing control information. The processing control information is control information used to control the processing device 1 to form a three-dimensional structure ST. For example, the processing control information may include processing path information. The processing path information may indicate a target irradiation position (e.g., the position of a target irradiation area EA described later) to which the processing light EL should be irradiated to form the three-dimensional structure ST. Specifically, the processing path information may indicate a target movement path, which is a path to a target irradiation position (e.g., the movement path of the target irradiation area EA described later) to which the processing light EL should be irradiated to form the three-dimensional structure ST. This target movement path may be referred to as a processing path or a tool path. In this case, the control information generating device 2 may generate a G-code indicating the processing path or the tool path as the processing control information. The control information generating device 2 may generate a file with an extension "gcode" or "gco" as the processing control information.

[0031] The processing control information may include information generated by software called a slicer or slicing software. The processing path information may be an example of information generated by software called a slicer or slicing software. Note that the processing control information may also be called a slicer or slicing software.

[0032] The processing control information generated by the control information generating device 2 is transmitted from the control information generating device 2 to the processing device 1 via a communication network (not shown). The processing device 1 receives (i.e., acquires) the processing control information transmitted from the control information generating device 2. Having received the processing control information, the processing device 1 forms a three-dimensional structure ST based on the received processing control information.

[0033] The control information generating device 2 may function as a cloud server. In this case, the control information generating device 2 may be able to communicate with the processing device 1 via a communication network including the Internet. Alternatively, the control information generating device 2 may function as an edge server. In this case, the control information generating device 2 may be able to communicate with the processing device 1 via a communication network including an intranet or a local area network.

[0034] 1, the machining system SYS includes a machining device 1 and a control information generating device 2, which are separate devices. However, the machining system SYS may include a device in which the machining device 1 and the control information generating device 2 are integrated. In other words, the machining device 1 and the control information generating device 2 may be integrated.

[0035] (1-2) Configuration of Processing Apparatus 1 Next, the configuration of the processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the processing apparatus 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the processing apparatus 1.

[0036] In the following description, the positional relationships of the various components constituting the processing apparatus 1 will be described using an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system defined by mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes as the processing coordinate system. For ease of explanation, the X-axis and Y-axis directions are each assumed to be horizontal (i.e., a predetermined direction within a horizontal plane), and the Z-axis direction is assumed to be vertical (i.e., a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane, essentially an up-down direction). Furthermore, the rotation directions around the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis (in other words, tilt directions) are referred to as the θX direction, θY direction, and θZ direction, respectively. Here, the Z-axis direction may be the direction of gravity. Furthermore, the XY plane may be assumed to be horizontal.

[0037] In the following description, for the sake of convenience, a configuration of the processing device 1 that performs additional processing using a laser build-up welding method will be described as an example of the configuration of the processing device 1.

[0038] The processing device 1, which performs additive processing using the laser build-up welding method, performs additive processing by processing a modeling material M using processing light EL. The modeling material M is a material that can be melted by irradiation with processing light EL of a predetermined intensity or higher. For example, at least one of a metallic material and a resinous material can be used as the modeling material M. However, materials other than metallic materials and resinous materials may also be used as the modeling material M. The modeling material M is a powdered or granular material. In other words, the modeling material M is a powdered or granular material. However, the modeling material M does not have to be a powdered or granular material. For example, at least one of a wire-shaped modeling material and a gaseous modeling material may be used as the modeling material M.

[0039] A processing apparatus 1 that performs additive processing using laser build-up welding sequentially forms multiple structural layers SL (see FIG. 6 , which will be described later) to form a three-dimensional structure ST in which multiple structural layers SL are stacked. In this case, the processing apparatus 1 first sets the surface of the workpiece W as a printing surface MS on which the object will actually be printed, and prints the first structural layer SL on the printing surface MS. The processing apparatus 1 then sets the surface of the first structural layer SL as a new printing surface MS, and prints the second structural layer SL on the new printing surface MS. Thereafter, the processing apparatus 1 repeats the same operations to form a three-dimensional structure ST in which multiple structural layers SL are stacked.

[0040] 2 and 3 , the processing apparatus 1 includes a material supply source 11, a processing unit 12, a stage unit 13, a light source 15, a gas supply source 16, and a control unit 17. The processing unit 12 and the stage unit 13 may be housed in a chamber space 183IN inside a housing 18. At least one of the processing unit 12 and the stage unit 13 does not have to be housed in the chamber space 183IN inside the housing 18.

[0041] The material supply source 11 supplies the molding material M to the processing unit 12. The material supply source 11 supplies a desired amount of the molding material M according to the required amount so that the amount of the molding material M required per unit time for performing additive processing is supplied to the processing unit 12.

[0042] The processing unit 12 processes the modeling material M supplied from the material supply source 11 to form a model. To form the model, the processing unit 12 includes a processing head 121 and a head drive system 122. The processing head 121 further includes an irradiation optical system 1211 and a material nozzle 1212. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the processing head 121 includes a single irradiation optical system 1211, but the processing head 121 may also include multiple irradiation optical systems 1211. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the processing head 121 includes a single material nozzle 1212, but the processing head 121 may also include multiple material nozzles 1212.

[0043] The irradiation optical system 1211 is an optical system (e.g., a focusing optical system) for emitting the processing light EL. Specifically, the irradiation optical system 1211 is optically connected to the light source 15 that emits the processing light EL via an optical transmission member 151 such as an optical fiber or a light pipe. The irradiation optical system 1211 emits the processing light EL propagated from the light source 15 via the optical transmission member 151. The irradiation optical system 1211 irradiates the processing light EL downward (i.e., toward the -Z side) from the irradiation optical system 1211. A stage 131 is disposed below the irradiation optical system 1211. When a workpiece W is placed on the stage 131, the irradiation optical system 1211 irradiates the emitted processing light EL onto the workpiece W. In this case, the irradiation optical system 1211 irradiates the processing light EL from above the workpiece W toward the workpiece W. Specifically, the irradiation optical system 1211 can irradiate the processing light EL onto a target irradiation area EA that is set on or near the workpiece W as an area to be irradiated (typically, focused) with the processing light EL. Furthermore, under the control of the control unit 17, the state of the irradiation optical system 1211 can be switched between a state in which the processing light EL is irradiated onto the target irradiation area EA and a state in which the processing light EL is not irradiated onto the target irradiation area EA.

[0044] The material nozzle 1212 supplies (e.g., injects, jets, spouts, or sprays) the modeling material M. The material nozzle 1212 is physically connected to the material supply source 11, which is a supply source of the modeling material M, via the supply pipe 111 and the mixer 112. The material nozzle 1212 supplies the modeling material M supplied from the material supply source 11 via the supply pipe 111 and the mixer 112. The material nozzle 1212 may pressure-feed the modeling material M supplied from the material supply source 11 via the supply pipe 111. That is, the modeling material M from the material supply source 11 and a conveying gas (i.e., a pressure-feed gas, for example, an inert gas such as nitrogen or argon) may be mixed in the mixer 112 and then pressure-feed to the material nozzle 1212 via the supply pipe 111. As a result, the material nozzle 1212 supplies the modeling material M together with the conveying gas. For example, a purge gas supplied from the gas supply source 16 is used as the conveying gas. However, the transport gas may be a gas supplied from a gas supply source different from the gas supply source 16. The material nozzle 1212 supplies the modeling material M downward (i.e., toward the -Z side) from the material nozzle 1212. A stage 131 is disposed below the material nozzle 1212. When a workpiece W is mounted on the stage 131, the material nozzle 1212 supplies the modeling material M toward the workpiece W or the vicinity of the workpiece W.

[0045] In this embodiment, the material nozzle 1212 supplies the modeling material M to the irradiation position of the processing light EL (i.e., the target irradiation area EA onto which the processing light EL from the irradiation optical system 1211 is irradiated). For this reason, the material nozzle 1212 and the irradiation optical system 1211 are aligned so that a target supply area MA, which is set on or near the workpiece W as the area onto which the material nozzle 1212 supplies the modeling material M, coincides with (or at least partially overlaps with) the target irradiation area EA. In this case, the modeling material M supplied from the material nozzle 1212 is irradiated with the processing light EL emitted by the irradiation optical system 1211. As a result, the modeling material M melts. That is, a molten pool MP containing the molten modeling material M is formed on the workpiece W.

[0046] The material nozzle 1212 may supply the modeling material M to a molten pool MP formed by the processing light EL emitted from the irradiation optical system 1211. Alternatively, for example, the processing device 1 may melt the modeling material M from the material nozzle 1212 using the irradiation optical system 1211 before the modeling material M reaches the workpiece W, and then adhere or deposit the molten modeling material M to the workpiece W. The modeling material M melted by the processing light EL from the irradiation optical system 1211 may be supplied to the position on the workpiece W where the processing light EL is irradiated. At this time, a molten pool MP in which a portion of the workpiece W is melted may be formed at the position where the processing light EL is irradiated.

[0047] The head drive system 122 moves the machining head 121 under the control of the control unit 17. That is, the head drive system 122 moves the irradiation optical system 1211 and the material nozzle 1212 under the control of the control unit 17. The head drive system 122 moves the machining head 121, for example, along at least one of the X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis, θX direction, θY direction, and θZ direction. When the head drive system 122 moves the machining head 121, the relative positions of the machining head 121, the stage 131, and the workpiece W placed on the stage 131 change. As a result, the target irradiation area EA and the target supply area MA (and further, the molten pool MP) move relative to the workpiece W.

[0048] The head drive system 122 may be a robot arm. The robot arm may be a manipulator with three or more degrees of freedom. The robot arm may function as a robot having a so-called vertical multi-joint structure. The robot arm may function as a polar coordinate robot having a horizontal multi-joint structure. The robot arm may function as a cylindrical coordinate robot. The robot arm may function as a Cartesian coordinate robot. The robot arm may function as a parallel link robot. In other words, the robot arm may have a parallel link structure (parallel link mechanism). The machining head 121 may be attached to the tip of the robot arm. In other words, the machining head 121 may be attached to the robot arm as an end effector. The head drive system 122 may also be a tripod stage disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0161324 A1, for example.

[0049] The stage unit 13 includes a stage 131 and a stage drive system 132 .

[0050] A workpiece W is placed on the stage 131. The stage 131 is capable of supporting the workpiece W placed on the stage 131. The stage 131 may be capable of holding the workpiece W placed on the stage 131. In this case, the stage 131 may be equipped with at least one of a mechanical chuck, an electrostatic chuck, a vacuum chuck, or the like to hold the workpiece W. Alternatively, the stage 131 may not be capable of holding the workpiece W placed on the stage 131. In this case, the workpiece W may be placed on the stage 131 in a clampless manner. Furthermore, the workpiece W may be attached to a holder such as a jig, or the holder to which the workpiece W is attached may be placed on the stage 131. The workpiece W does not have to be placed on the stage 131, and may be placed on the floor, for example.

[0051] The holder to which the workpiece W is attached may include a beam member arranged around the workpiece W. As an example, the holder may include a beam member that surrounds the outer periphery of the workpiece W. Multiple workpieces W may be attached to the holder. In this case, the holder may include a beam member arranged around at least two of the multiple workpieces W. As an example, the holder may include a beam member that surrounds the outer periphery of at least two workpieces W. As another example, the holder may include a beam member that passes through the space between at least two workpieces W. As another example, the holder may include two beam members that pass through the space between at least two workpieces W and intersect with each other. In this case, at least a portion of the at least two workpieces W may be arranged outside a rectangular area connecting both ends of the two beam members. The holder may be mounted on the stage 31 via a support member that can kinematically support the holder.

[0052] The stage drive system 132 moves the stage 131 under the control of the control unit 17. The stage drive system 132 moves the stage 131, for example, along at least one of the X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis, θX direction, θY direction, and θZ direction. When the stage drive system 132 moves the stage 131, the relative positions of the stage 131 and the workpiece W placed on the stage 131, and the machining head 121 change. As a result, the target irradiation area EA and the target supply area MA (and further, the molten pool MP) move relative to the workpiece W. The stage drive system 132 may be a robot arm having a serial link mechanism or a parallel link mechanism.

[0053] The light source 15 emits, for example, at least one of infrared light, visible light, and ultraviolet light as the processing light EL. However, other types of light may be used as the processing light EL. The processing light EL may include multiple pulsed lights (i.e., multiple pulse beams). The processing light EL may include continuous light (CW: Continuous Wave). The processing light EL may be laser light. In this case, the light source 15 may include a laser light source (for example, a semiconductor laser such as a laser diode (LD: Laser Diode)). The laser light source may be a fiber laser, a CO ２ The light source 15 may include at least one of a laser, a YAG laser, an excimer laser, etc. However, the processing light EL does not have to be laser light. The light source 15 may include any light source (for example, at least one of an LED (Light Emitting Diode), a discharge lamp, etc.).

[0054] The gas supply source 16 is a supply source of purge gas for purging the chamber space 183IN inside the housing 18. The purge gas includes an inert gas. Examples of the inert gas include nitrogen gas and argon gas. The gas supply source 16 is connected to the chamber space 183IN via a supply port 182 formed in a partition member 181 of the housing 18 and a supply pipe 161 connecting the gas supply source 16 and the supply port 182. The gas supply source 16 supplies purge gas to the chamber space 183IN via the supply pipe 161 and the supply port 182. As a result, the chamber space 183IN becomes a space purged with the purge gas. The purge gas supplied to the chamber space 183IN may be exhausted from an exhaust port (not shown) formed in the partition member 181. The gas supply source 16 may be a cylinder containing an inert gas. When the inert gas is nitrogen gas, the gas supply source 16 may be a nitrogen gas generator that generates nitrogen gas using air as a raw material.

[0055] When the material nozzle 1212 supplies the modeling material M together with a purge gas, the gas supply source 16 may supply the purge gas to the mixer 112 to which the modeling material M is supplied from the material supply source 11. Specifically, the gas supply source 16 may be connected to the mixer 112 via a supply pipe 162 connecting the gas supply source 16 and the mixer 112. As a result, the gas supply source 16 supplies the purge gas to the mixer 112 via the supply pipe 162. In this case, the modeling material M from the material supply source 11 may be supplied (specifically, pressure-fed) through the supply pipe 111 toward the material nozzle 1212 by the purge gas supplied from the gas supply source 16 via the supply pipe 162. In other words, the gas supply source 16 may be connected to the material nozzle 1212 via the supply pipe 162, the mixer 112, and the supply pipe 111. In this case, the material nozzle 1212 supplies the modeling material M together with a purge gas for pumping the modeling material M.

[0056] The control unit 17 controls the operation of the processing apparatus 1. For example, the control unit 17 may control the processing unit 12 (for example, at least one of the processing head 121 and the head drive system 122) provided in the processing apparatus 1 so as to process the workpiece W. For example, the control unit 17 may control the stage unit 13 (for example, the stage drive system 132) provided in the processing apparatus 1 so as to process the workpiece W.

[0057] The control unit 17 may include, for example, an arithmetic device 171 and a storage device 172. The arithmetic device 171 may include, for example, at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The storage device 172 may include, for example, a memory. The control unit 17 functions as a device that controls the operation of the machining device 1 by the arithmetic device 171 executing a computer program. This computer program is a computer program for causing the arithmetic device 171 to perform (i.e., execute) the operations to be performed by the control unit 17, which will be described later. In other words, this computer program is a computer program for causing the control unit 17 to function so as to cause the machining device 1 to perform the operations to be described later. The computer program executed by the arithmetic device 171 may be recorded in a storage device 172 (i.e., a recording medium) provided in the control unit 17, or may be recorded in any storage medium (for example, a hard disk or semiconductor memory) built into the control unit 17 or externally attachable to the control unit 17. Alternatively, the arithmetic device 171 may download the computer program to be executed from a device external to the control unit 17 via a network interface.

[0058] The control unit 17 may control the emission mode of the processing light EL by the irradiation optical system 1211. The emission mode may include, for example, at least one of the intensity of the processing light EL and the emission timing of the processing light EL. When the processing light EL includes multiple pulsed lights, the emission mode may include, for example, at least one of the emission duration of the pulsed light, the emission cycle of the pulsed light, and the ratio between the emission duration of the pulsed light and the emission cycle of the pulsed light (so-called duty ratio). Furthermore, the control unit 17 may control the movement mode of the processing head 121 by the head drive system 122. The control unit 17 may control the movement mode of the stage 131 by the stage drive system 132. The movement mode may include, for example, at least one of the movement amount, movement speed, movement direction, and movement timing (movement time). Furthermore, the control unit 17 may control the supply mode of the modeling material M by the material nozzle 1212. The supply mode may include, for example, at least one of the supply amount (particularly, the supply amount per unit time) and the supply timing (supply time).

[0059] The control unit 17 does not have to be provided inside the processing apparatus 1. For example, the control unit 17 may be provided as a server or the like outside the processing apparatus 1. In this case, the control unit 17 and the processing apparatus 1 may be connected via a wired and / or wireless network (or a data bus and / or a communication line). The wired network may be a network using a serial bus interface, such as at least one of IEEE1394, RS-232x, RS-422, RS-423, RS-485, and USB. The wired network may be a network using a parallel bus interface. The wired network may be a network using an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface, such as at least one of 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, and 1000BASE-T. The wireless network may be a network using radio waves. An example of a network using radio waves is a network compliant with IEEE 802.1x (e.g., at least one of a wireless LAN and Bluetooth (registered trademark)). A network using infrared rays may be used as the wireless network. A network using optical communication may be used as the wireless network. In this case, the control unit 17 and the processing device 1 may be configured to be able to transmit and receive various information via the network. The control unit 17 may also be able to transmit information such as commands and control parameters to the processing device 1 via the network. The processing device 1 may include a receiving device that receives information such as commands and control parameters from the control unit 17 via the network. The processing device 1 may also include a transmitting device (i.e., an output device that outputs information to the control unit 17) that transmits information such as commands and control parameters to the control unit 17 via the network. Alternatively, a first control device that performs part of the processing performed by the control unit 17 may be provided inside the processing device 1, while a second control device that performs another part of the processing performed by the control unit 17 may be provided outside the processing device 1.

[0060] A computational model that can be constructed by machine learning may be implemented in the control unit 17 by the arithmetic device 171 executing a computer program. An example of a computational model that can be constructed by machine learning is a computational model including a neural network (so-called artificial intelligence (AI)). In this case, learning of the computational model may include learning of parameters of the neural network (e.g., at least one of a weight and a bias). The control unit 17 may control the operation of the processing device 1 using the computational model. In other words, the operation of controlling the operation of the processing device 1 may include the operation of controlling the operation of the processing device 1 using the computational model. The control unit 17 may be implemented with a computational model that has been constructed by offline machine learning using training data. Furthermore, the computational model implemented in the control unit 17 may be updated on the control unit 17 by online machine learning. Alternatively, the control unit 17 may control the operation of the processing device 1 using a computational model implemented in a device external to the control unit 17 (i.e., a device provided outside the processing device 1) in addition to or instead of the computational model implemented in the control unit 17.

[0061] The recording medium for recording the computer program executed by the control unit 17 may be at least one of the following: a CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, a flexible disk, an MO, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a DVD-R, a DVD+R, a DVD-RW, a DVD+RW, and an optical disk such as Blu-ray (registered trademark), a magnetic medium such as a magnetic tape, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory such as a USB memory, and any other medium capable of storing a program. The recording medium may also include a device capable of recording a computer program (for example, a general-purpose device or a dedicated device in which a computer program is implemented in an executable state in at least one of the forms of software and firmware). Furthermore, each process or function included in the computer program may be realized by a logical processing block realized within the control unit 17 (i.e., the computer) as the control unit 17 executes the computer program, or may be realized by hardware such as a predetermined gate array (FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)) included in the control unit 17, or may be realized in a form that combines logical processing blocks and partial hardware modules that realize some elements of the hardware.

[0062] (1-3) Structure of the Control Information Generator 2 Next, the configuration of the control information generator 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control information generator 2.

[0063] 4, the control information generating device 2 includes a calculation device 21, a storage device 22, and a communication device 23. The control information generating device 2 may further include an input device 24 and a display device 25. The calculation device 21, the storage device 22, the communication device 23, the input device 24, and the display device 25 may be connected via a data bus 26.

[0064] The arithmetic device 21 includes, for example, at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The arithmetic device 21 reads a computer program. For example, the arithmetic device 21 may read a computer program stored in the storage device 22. For example, the arithmetic device 21 may read a computer program stored in a computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium using a storage medium reading device (not shown). The arithmetic device 21 may acquire (i.e., download or read) the computer program from a device (not shown) located outside the control information generating device 2 via the communication device 23. In other words, the arithmetic device 21 may acquire (i.e., download or read) the computer program stored in a storage device of a device (not shown) located outside the control information generating device 2 via the communication device 23. The arithmetic device 21 executes the loaded computer program. As a result, a logical function block for executing the operation to be performed by the control information generating device 2 (for example, an operation for generating processing control information) is realized within the arithmetic device 21. That is, the arithmetic device 21 can function as a controller for realizing the logical function block for executing the operation to be performed by the control information generating device 2. In this case, any device (typically, a computer) that executes a computer program can function as the control information generating device 2.

[0065] Fig. 4 shows an example of logical functional blocks realized in the arithmetic device 21. As shown in Fig. 4, a model dividing unit 211, a control information generating unit 212, and a display control unit 213 are realized in the arithmetic device 21. Note that the operations of the model dividing unit 211, the control information generating unit 212, and the display control unit 213 will be described in detail later with reference to Fig. 10 etc., and therefore will not be described here.

[0066] A computational model that can be constructed by machine learning may be implemented in the computational device 21 by the computational device 21 executing a computer program. An example of a computational model that can be constructed by machine learning is a computational model including a neural network (so-called artificial intelligence (AI)). In this case, learning of the computational model may include learning of parameters of the neural network (e.g., at least one of a weight and a bias). The computational device 21 may generate machining control information using the computational model. Note that the computational device 21 may be implemented with a computational model that has been constructed by offline machine learning using teacher data. Furthermore, the computational model implemented in the computational device 21 may be updated by online machine learning on the computational device 21. Alternatively, the computational device 21 may control the operation of the machining device 1 using a computational model implemented in a device external to the computational device 21 (i.e., a device provided outside the control information generating device 2) in addition to or instead of the computational model implemented in the computational device 21.

[0067] The storage device 22 can store desired data. For example, the storage device 22 may temporarily store a computer program executed by the arithmetic device 21. The storage device 22 may temporarily store data that the arithmetic device 21 temporarily uses when the arithmetic device 21 is executing a computer program. The storage device 22 may store data that the control information generating device 2 stores long-term. The storage device 22 may include at least one of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a disk array device. In other words, the storage device 22 may include a non-temporary recording medium.

[0068] The communication device 23 is capable of communicating with the processing device 1 via a communication network (not shown). In this embodiment, the communication device 23 is capable of transmitting the processing control information generated by the control information generating device 2 to the processing device 1.

[0069] The input device 24 is a device that accepts information input to the control information generating device 2 from outside the control information generating device 2. For example, the input device 24 may include an operating device (e.g., at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel) that can be operated by a user. In this case, the input device 24 may accept user input. For example, the input device 24 may include a reading device that can read information recorded as data on a recording medium that can be externally attached to the control information generating device 2. For example, the input device 24 may accept information input from a robot external to the control information generating device 2. The robot external to the control information generating device 2 may be a remote-controlled robot or an autonomous robot. For example, the input device 24 may accept information input from a computer external to the control information generating device 2. The information input to the input device 24 can be received by the calculation device 21, the storage device 22, the communication device 23, and the display device 25. When a user operates the input device 24, the information input to the input device 24 may be considered as an instruction from the user.

[0070] The display device 25 can display desired information as an image. In other words, the display device 25 can display an image showing information that is to be output. The display device 25 may be attached to a robot. In this case, the robot to which the display device 25 is attached may output information to the outside of the control information generating device 2. For example, the robot to which the display device 25 is attached may output information as an image.

[0071] (2) Operation of the Machining System SYS Next, the operation performed by the machining system SYS will be described. In this embodiment, the machining system SYS may perform a machining operation (i.e., additional machining) for forming a three-dimensional structure ST, mainly using the machining device 1. Furthermore, the machining system SYS may perform a control information generation operation for generating machining control information, mainly using the control information generation device 2. Therefore, the machining operation and the control information generation operation will be described in order below.

[0072] (2-1) Processing Operation First, the processing operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 . In particular, as an example of the processing operation, the additional processing operation performed by the processing apparatus 1 will be described. As described above, the processing apparatus 1 forms the three-dimensional structure ST using the laser build-up welding method. Therefore, the processing apparatus 1 may form the three-dimensional structure ST by performing an existing additional processing operation that complies with the laser build-up welding method. Below, a brief description will be given of an example of the processing operation for forming the three-dimensional structure ST using the laser build-up welding method.

[0073] In order to form a three-dimensional structure ST, the processing apparatus 1 sequentially forms, for example, a plurality of layered partial structures (hereinafter referred to as "structural layers") SL arranged along the Z-axis direction. For example, the processing apparatus 1 sequentially forms a plurality of structural layers SL obtained by slicing the three-dimensional structure ST along the Z-axis direction, one by one. As a result, a three-dimensional structure ST is formed, which is a layered structure in which a plurality of structural layers SL are stacked. Below, the flow of operations for forming a three-dimensional structure ST by sequentially forming a plurality of structural layers SL one by one will be described.

[0074] First, the operation of forming each structure layer SL will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5E. Under the control of the control unit 17, the processing apparatus 1 moves at least one of the processing head 121 and the stage 131 so that a target irradiation area EA is set in a desired area on the printing surface MS corresponding to the surface of the workpiece W or the surface of the printed structure layer SL. Then, the processing apparatus 1 irradiates the target irradiation area EA with processing light EL from the irradiation optical system 1211. At this time, the focusing surface on which the processing light EL is focused in the Z-axis direction may coincide with the printing surface MS. Alternatively, the focusing surface may be offset from the printing surface MS in the Z-axis direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5A, a molten pool MP (i.e., a pool of metal or the like melted by the processing light EL) is formed on the printing surface MS irradiated with the processing light EL. Furthermore, under the control of the control unit 17, the processing apparatus 1 supplies a printing material M from the material nozzle 1212. As a result, the printing material M is supplied to the molten pool MP. The building material M supplied to the molten pool MP is melted by the processing light EL irradiated onto the molten pool MP. Alternatively, the building material M supplied from the material nozzle 1212 may be melted by the processing light EL before reaching the molten pool MP, and the molten building material M may be supplied to the molten pool MP. Thereafter, when the processing light EL is no longer irradiated onto the molten pool MP as at least one of the machining head 121 and the stage 131 moves, the molten building material M in the molten pool MP cools and solidifies (i.e., solidifies). As a result, as shown in FIG. 5( c), a built object made of the solidified building material M is deposited on the building surface MS.

[0075] The processing apparatus 1 repeats a series of printing processes, including forming a molten pool MP by irradiating the processing light EL, supplying the printing material M to the molten pool MP, melting the supplied printing material M, and solidifying the molten printing material M, while moving the processing head 121 relative to the printing surface MS in at least one of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 5( d ). During this process, the processing apparatus 1 irradiates the printing surface MS with the processing light EL in an area on the printing surface MS where a desired object is to be printed, while not irradiating the printing surface MS with the processing light EL in an area on the printing surface MS where a desired object is not to be printed. In other words, the processing apparatus 1 moves the target irradiation area EA along a predetermined movement path on the printing surface MS, and irradiates the printing surface MS with the processing light EL at a timing that corresponds to the distribution of the area where a desired object is to be printed.

[0076] As described above, the movement path of the target irradiation area EA on the printing surface MS may be referred to as a processing path (in other words, a tool path). The above-mentioned processing control information includes information related to this processing path as processing path information. Based on the processing control information, the processing device 1 moves the target irradiation area EA along a predetermined movement path on the printing surface MS, and irradiates the printing surface MS with processing light EL at a timing according to the distribution of the area where the object is to be printed.

[0077] As a result, the molten pool MP also moves on the build surface MS along a movement path corresponding to the movement path of the target irradiation area EA. Specifically, the molten pool MP is sequentially formed on the build surface MS in the area irradiated with the processing light EL within the area along the movement path of the target irradiation area EA. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5E, a structure layer SL corresponding to a structured object, which is an aggregate of melted and solidified build material M, is formed on the build surface MS. That is, a structure layer SL corresponding to an aggregate of objects formed on the build surface MS in a pattern corresponding to the movement path of the molten pool MP (i.e., a structure layer SL having a shape corresponding to the movement path of the molten pool MP in a planar view) is formed. Note that if the target irradiation area EA is set in an area where an object is not desired to be built, the processing apparatus 1 may irradiate the target irradiation area EA with the processing light EL and stop supplying the build material M. In addition, when a target irradiation area EA is set in an area where it is not desired to form a molded object, the processing device 1 may supply the molding material M to the target irradiation area EA and irradiate the target irradiation area EA with processing light EL of an intensity that will not create a molten pool MP.

[0078] The processing apparatus 1 repeatedly performs operations for forming such a structure layer SL under the control of the control unit 17 based on processing control information. Specifically, the processing apparatus 1 first performs operations for forming a first structure layer SL#1 on a printing surface MS corresponding to the surface of the workpiece W based on processing control information (e.g., information regarding a processing path for forming the structure layer SL#1). As a result, the structure layer SL#1 is formed on the printing surface MS as shown in FIG. 6A. Thereafter, the processing apparatus 1 sets the surface (i.e., the upper surface) of the structure layer SL#1 as a new printing surface MS, and then forms a second structure layer SL#2 on the new printing surface MS. To form the structure layer SL#2, the control unit 17 first controls at least one of the head drive system 122 and the stage drive system 132 so that the processing head 121 moves along the Z axis relative to the stage 131. Specifically, the control unit 17 controls at least one of the head drive system 122 and the stage drive system 132 to move the processing head 121 toward the +Z side and / or the stage 131 toward the -Z side so that the target irradiation area EA is set on the surface of the structure layer SL#1 (i.e., the new printing surface MS). Thereafter, under the control of the control unit 17, the processing apparatus 1 forms a structure layer SL#2 on the structure layer SL#1 based on processing control information (e.g., information regarding the processing path for printing the structure layer SL#2) in the same manner as the operation for printing the structure layer SL#1. As a result, the structure layer SL#2 is printed as shown in FIG. 6( b). Thereafter, the same operation is repeated until all of the structure layers SL constituting the three-dimensional structure ST to be printed on the workpiece W are printed.

[0079] As a result, as shown in FIG. 6( c), a three-dimensional structure ST is formed by a layered structure in which multiple structural layers SL are stacked. Specifically, the three-dimensional structure ST is formed by a layered structure in which multiple structural layers SL are stacked along the Z-axis direction. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6( c), the stacking direction of the multiple structural layers SL may be considered to be the Z-axis direction. As described above, since the Z-axis direction is the direction of gravity, the three-dimensional structure ST may be considered to be formed by a layered structure in which multiple structural layers SL are stacked along the direction of gravity. In this case, the stacking direction of the multiple structural layers SL may be considered to be the direction of gravity.

[0080] The stacking direction of the multiple structural layers SL may refer to the direction in which the multiple structural layers SL are stacked. The stacking direction of the multiple structural layers SL may refer to the direction perpendicular to the boundary surface between the multiple structural layers SL. As described above, since the multiple structural layers SL are stacked along the Z-axis direction by at least one of the processing head 121 and the stage 131 moving along the Z-axis direction each time the formation of one structural layer SL is completed, the stacking direction of the multiple structural layers SL may be considered to be the same direction as the movement direction of at least one of the processing head 121 and the stage 131 from the completion of the formation of one structural layer SL to the start of the formation of the next structural layer SL.

[0081] However, the processing apparatus 1 may also form the multiple structure layers SL so that the multiple structure layers SL are stacked along a direction inclined or perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. In this case, the stacking direction of the multiple structure layers SL may be considered to be a direction inclined or perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. The processing apparatus 1 may also form the multiple structure layers SL so that the multiple structure layers SL are stacked along a direction inclined or perpendicular to the direction of gravity. In this case, the stacking direction of the multiple structure layers SL may be considered to be a direction inclined or perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0082] (2-2) Control Information Generation Operation Next, the control information generation operation will be described.

[0083] (2-2-1) Overview of Control Information Generation Operation First, an overview of the control information generation operation will be described. The control information generating device 2 generates processing control information based on a three-dimensional model representing the three-dimensional shape of the three-dimensional structure ST to be formed by the processing device 1. In the following description, the three-dimensional model representing the three-dimensional shape of the three-dimensional structure ST to be formed by the processing device 1 will be referred to as the "object model OM." Specifically, as described above, the processing device 1 forms a three-dimensional structure ST in which multiple structural layers SL are stacked by sequentially forming the multiple structural layers SL. In this case, the control information generating device 2 performs a slicing process on the object model OM to divide the object model OM into multiple layered models LM (see FIG. 11 , described later) that respectively correspond to the multiple structural layers SL. Then, the control information generating device 2 generates processing control information for forming the multiple structural layers SL based on the multiple layered models LM. For example, the control information generating device 2 may generate processing control information including information regarding the processing path for forming one structural layer SL based on one layered model LM corresponding to one structural layer SL.

[0084] However, when slicing is performed directly on the object model OM itself, the stacking direction of the multiple structural layers SL generally does not change regardless of the shape of the three-dimensional structure ST. Specifically, the stacking direction of the multiple structural layers SL relative to the workpiece W (in other words, relative to the stage 131) does not change. As a result, the processing device 1 may not be able to properly form the three-dimensional structure ST based on the processing control information generated by directly performing slicing on the object model OM.

[0085] For example, when the processing device 1 forms a three-dimensional structure ST based on processing control information generated by directly performing a slice process on the object model OM, there is a possibility that defects will occur in the forming of at least a part of the three-dimensional structure ST. In other words, there is a possibility that defects will occur in at least a part of the three-dimensional structure ST formed by the processing device 1. There is a possibility that the three-dimensional structure ST formed by the processing device 1 includes a defective forming portion ST_defect.

[0086] An example of a defective-forming portion ST_defect is a portion of the three-dimensional structure ST that does not satisfy a predetermined quality standard. The quality standard may include a standard related to surface roughness. In this case, the defective-forming portion ST_defect may be a portion of the three-dimensional structure ST whose surface roughness does not meet a target roughness. The quality standard may include a standard related to size. In this case, the defective-forming portion ST_defect may be a portion of the three-dimensional structure ST whose size does not meet a target size. The quality standard may include a standard related to strength. In this case, the defective-forming portion ST_defect may be a portion of the three-dimensional structure ST whose strength does not meet a target strength or is weaker than the target strength. The quality standard may include a standard related to shape. In this case, the defective-forming portion ST_defect may be a portion of the three-dimensional structure ST whose shape does not meet a target shape.

[0087] One of the causes of the defective printing portion ST_defect is when, after one structural layer SL has been printed, another structural layer SL is newly printed, and the one structural layer SL does not exist below at least a part of the other structural layer SL to be newly printed. For example, Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a three-dimensional structure ST including a first printing portion BP#1 extending upward from the workpiece W along the Z-axis direction (i.e., toward the +Z side), a second printing portion BP#2 extending upward from the +Z side end of the first printing portion BP#1 in a direction inclined with respect to the Z axis, and a third printing portion BP#3 extending from the +Z side end of the second printing portion BP#2 in a direction perpendicular to the Z axis.

[0088] When forming the three-dimensional structure ST shown in Fig. 7 , the processing apparatus 1 first sequentially forms multiple structural layers SL constituting a first forming portion BP#1 along the Z-axis direction on the workpiece W. As shown in Fig. 7 , during the period in which the first forming portion BP#1 is formed, when one structural layer SL is formed and another structural layer SL is newly formed, one structural layer SL exists below the other structural layer SL to be newly formed. Therefore, the processing apparatus 1 can appropriately form the other structural layer SL on top of the one structural layer SL.

[0089] The processing apparatus 1 then sequentially forms multiple structural layers SL constituting the second structural layer BP#2 on the first structural layer BP#1 along the Z-axis direction. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7 , during the period in which the second structural layer BP#2 is being formed, when another structural layer SL is newly formed after one structural layer SL has been formed, there is a possibility that the first structural layer SL may not exist below a portion of the other structural layer SL to be newly formed. In this case, the processing apparatus 1 may not be able to form a molten pool MP at the required position to form the other structural layer SL. This is because there may not be a structural layer SL that serves as the forming surface for forming the molten pool MP. As a result, the processing apparatus 1 may not be able to form a structural layer SL that meets the quality standards. As a result, the processing apparatus 1 may not be able to form the second structural layer BP#2 that meets the quality standards. In other words, at least a portion of the second structural layer BP#2 may become a defectively formed portion ST_defect.

[0090] The processing apparatus 1 then sequentially forms, along the Z-axis direction, multiple structural layers SL constituting the third structural portion BP#3 on the second structural portion BP#2. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7 , when the third structural portion BP#3 is newly formed after the second structural portion BP#2 has been formed, the uppermost structural layer SL of the second structural portion BP#2 does not exist below a portion of the lowermost structural layer SL of the third structural portion BP#3. Therefore, while the processing apparatus 1 can form a portion of the uppermost structural layer SL of the third structural portion BP#3, it may be unable to form another portion of the uppermost structural layer SL of the third structural portion BP#3. Specifically, in a situation where there is no support member to support the other portion of the uppermost structural layer SL of the third structural portion BP#3 from below, the processing apparatus 1 may be unable to form the other portion of the uppermost structural layer SL of the third structural portion BP#3. As a result, the processing device 1 may not be able to print the third printing part BP#3 that satisfies the quality standard. In other words, there is a possibility that at least a part of the third printing part BP#3 will become a defective printing part ST_defect.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 7 , the possibility that at least a portion of the three-dimensional structure ST will become a defectively formed portion ST_defect increases as the extension angle θstex formed by the stacking axis LX, which extends along the stacking direction of the multiple structural layers SL formed by the processing apparatus 1, and the extension axis EX, which extends along the direction in which each portion of the three-dimensional structure ST to be formed by the processing apparatus 1 extends, increases. Typically, when the extension angle θstex exceeds the allowable upper limit angle θmax, there is a high possibility that at least a portion of the three-dimensional structure ST will become a defectively formed portion ST_defect. Note that the extension axis EX extending along the direction in which each portion of the three-dimensional structure ST extends may also refer to an axis extending along the direction in which each portion of the surface of the three-dimensional structure ST extends. The extension axis EX extending along the direction in which each portion of the three-dimensional structure ST extends may also refer to an axis extending along a tangent to each portion of the surface of the three-dimensional structure ST.

[0092] The allowable upper limit angle θmax may be set to a desired value that allows a distinction, based on the extension angle θstex, between a state in which at least a portion of the three-dimensional structure ST is likely to become a defective-printing portion ST_defect and a state in which at least a portion of the three-dimensional structure ST is unlikely to become a defective-printing portion ST_defect. For example, the allowable upper limit angle θmax may be set based on the amount of defective-printing portions ST_defect that occur in an object actually formed while changing the extension angle θstex using the processing apparatus 1. The amount of defective-printing portions ST_defect may include at least one of the number of defective-printing portions ST_defect, the volume of the defective-printing portions ST_defect, and the area of ​​the defective-printing portions ST_defect. In this case, the allowable upper limit angle θmax may typically be considered to be a parameter determined according to the characteristics of the processing apparatus 1.

[0093] The allowable upper limit angle θmax may be, for example, 20 degrees. The allowable upper limit angle θmax may be, for example, an angle equal to or greater than 20 degrees. The allowable upper limit angle θmax may be, for example, 30 degrees. The allowable upper limit angle θmax may be, for example, an angle equal to or greater than 30 degrees. The allowable upper limit angle θmax may be, for example, an angle equal to or greater than 20 degrees and equal to or less than 30 degrees.

[0094] 7, the possibility that at least a portion of the three-dimensional structure ST will become a defective-printing portion ST_defect increases as the normal angle θstnx formed by the stacking axis LX and the normal axis NX extending along the normal to each portion of the surface of the three-dimensional structure ST to be formed by the processing apparatus 1 increases. As shown in FIG. 7, the normal angle θstnx may be considered to be equivalent to the angle obtained by adding 90 degrees to the extension angle θstex. In this case, it can be typically said that when the normal angle θstnx exceeds the sum of the above-mentioned allowable upper limit angle θmax and 90 degrees, there is a high possibility that at least a portion of the three-dimensional structure ST will become a defective-printing portion ST_defect.

[0095] 7 , the larger the extension angle θstex and the normal angle θstnx, the higher the possibility that each portion of the three-dimensional structure ST will face downward. Therefore, the defective-printing portion ST_defect may include a surface of the three-dimensional structure ST that faces downward during the period in which the processing apparatus 1 forms the three-dimensional structure ST. The defective-printing portion ST_defect may be a part of the three-dimensional structure ST that includes a surface of the three-dimensional structure ST that faces downward during the period in which the processing apparatus 1 forms the three-dimensional structure ST.

[0096] In this situation where another structural layer SL is newly formed after one structural layer SL has been formed, one of the reasons why the one structural layer SL does not exist below at least a portion of the other structural layer SL to be newly formed is that, as described above, the stacking direction of the multiple structural layers SL relative to the workpiece W (in other words, relative to the stage 131) does not change during the period in which the three-dimensional structure ST is formed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to reduce the possibility of a situation in which the one structural layer SL does not exist below at least a portion of the other structural layer SL to be newly formed, the processing system SYS changes the stacking direction of the multiple structural layers SL relative to the workpiece W (in other words, relative to the stage 131) as needed during the period in which the three-dimensional structure ST is formed. Specifically, the processing system SYS may change the stacking direction of the multiple structural layers SL by rotating the stage 131 around at least one of the X-axis and the Y-axis. In this case, during the period in which the three-dimensional structure ST is being formed, the processing apparatus 1 alternately repeats an operation of forming divided structures DST, which are parts of the three-dimensional structure ST, and an operation of rotating the stage 131 around at least one of the X-axis and Y-axis. In particular, the processing apparatus 1 rotates the stage 131 so that the extension angle θstex described above is equal to or less than the allowable upper limit angle θmax when forming the divided structures DST after rotating the stage 131. The processing apparatus 1 rotates the stage 131 so that the normal angle θstnx described above is equal to or less than the sum of the allowable upper limit angle θmax and 90 degrees when forming the divided structures DST after rotating the stage 131. As a result, the possibility of a situation occurring in which one structural layer SL does not exist below at least a part of another structural layer SL to be newly formed is reduced. Therefore, the processing system SYS can reduce the number of defective forming portions ST_defect.

[0097] For example, to form the three-dimensional structure ST shown in Fig. 7, the processing apparatus 1 may first form a divided structure DST (DST#1) corresponding to the first forming portion BP#1, as shown in Fig. 8(a). In this case, the processing apparatus 1 may rotate the stage 131 by a predetermined angle so that the extension angle θstex formed by the stacking axis LX extending along the stacking direction of the multiple structure layers SL to be formed in order to form the divided structure DST#1 and the extension axis EX extending along the extension direction of the divided structure DST#1 to be formed by the processing apparatus 1 is equal to or less than the allowable upper limit angle θmax, as shown in Fig. 8(a). As shown in FIG. 8( a), the processing apparatus 1 may rotate the stage 131 and then form the divided structure DST#1 so that the normal angle θstnx formed by the stacking axis LX and the normal axis NX extending along the direction in which the normals of each portion of the surface of the divided structure DST#1 to be formed by the processing apparatus 1 is equal to or less than the sum of the allowable upper limit angle θmax and 90 degrees. As a result, during the period in which the divided structure DST#1 is formed, the processing apparatus 1 can appropriately form another structural layer SL to be newly formed on one structural layer SL that has already been formed. Note that FIG. 8( a) shows an example in which both the stacking axis LX and the extension axis EX are along the Z axis, the normal axis NX is perpendicular to the Z axis, the extension angle θstex is zero degrees, and the normal angle θstnx is 90 degrees.

[0098] 8(b), the processing apparatus 1 may rotate the stage 131 by a predetermined angle so that the extension angle θstex formed by the stacking axis LX extending along the stacking direction of the multiple structure layers SL to be printed in order to print the divided structure DST (DST#2) corresponding to the second printing portion BP#2 and the extension axis EX extending along the extension direction of the divided structure DST#2 to be printed by the processing apparatus 1 is equal to or less than the allowable upper limit angle θmax. As shown in FIG. 8(b), the processing apparatus 1 may rotate the stage 131 so that the normal angle θstnx formed by the stacking axis LX and the normal axis NX extending along the direction in which the normals of each portion of the divided structure DST#2 to be printed by the processing apparatus 1 extend is equal to or less than the sum of the allowable upper limit angle θmax and 90 degrees. 8(b) shows an example in which both the stacking axis LX and the extension axis EX are along the Z axis, the normal axis NX is perpendicular to the Z axis, the extension angle θstex is zero degrees, and the normal angle θstnx is 90 degrees. Thereafter, the processing apparatus 1 may form a divided structure DST#2. As a result, even during the period in which the divided structure DST#2 is being formed, the processing apparatus 1 can appropriately form another structural layer SL to be newly formed on one structural layer SL that has already been formed.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 8( b), the rotation angle (in other words, the amount of rotation, the same applies below) of the stage 131 when printing the divided structure DST#2 may be larger than the rotation angle of the stage 131 when printing the divided structure DST#1 as shown in FIG. 8( a). In other words, the rotation angle of the stage 131 when printing the divided structure DST#2 on the divided structure DST#1 after printing the divided structure DST#1 may be larger than the rotation amount of the stage 131 when printing the divided structure DST#1 before printing the divided structure DST#2. Note that the rotation angle of the stage 131 may refer to the rotation angle of the stage 131 relative to the rotation angle of the stage 131 in a reference state. An example of the stage 131 in a reference state is a stage 131 whose surface is horizontal. However, depending on the characteristics (e.g., shape) of the object to be formed, the rotation angle of stage 131 when forming divided structure DST#2 may be smaller than the rotation angle of stage 131 when forming divided structure DST#1.

[0100] 8(c), the processing apparatus 1 may rotate the stage 131 so that the extension angle θstex formed by the stacking axis LX extending along the stacking direction of the multiple structure layers SL to be printed in order to print the divided structure DST (DST#3) corresponding to the third printing portion BP#3 and the extension axis EX extending along the extension direction of the divided structure DST#3 to be printed by the processing apparatus 1 is equal to or less than the allowable upper limit angle θmax. As shown in FIG. 8(c), the processing apparatus 1 may rotate the stage 131 so that the normal angle θstnx formed by the stacking axis LX and the normal axis NX extending along the direction in which the normals of each portion of the divided structure DST#3 to be printed by the processing apparatus 1 extend is equal to or less than the sum of the allowable upper limit angle θmax and 90 degrees. 8(c) shows an example in which both the stacking axis LX and the extension axis EX are along the Z axis, the normal axis NX is perpendicular to the Z axis, the extension angle θstex is zero degrees, and the normal angle θstnx is 90 degrees. After that, the processing apparatus 1 may form a divided structure DST#3. Therefore, during the period in which the divided structure DST#3 is being formed, the processing apparatus 1 can appropriately form another structural layer SL to be newly formed on one structural layer SL that has already been formed.

[0101] 8(c), the rotation angle of the stage 131 when printing the divided structure DST#3 may be larger than the rotation angle of the stage 131 when printing the divided structures DST#1 and DST#2 as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), respectively. In other words, the rotation angle of the stage 131 when printing the divided structure DST#3 on the divided structure DST#2 after printing the divided structures DST#1 and DST#2 may be larger than the rotation angle of the stage 131 when printing each of the divided structures DST#1 and DST#2 before printing the divided structure DST#3. However, depending on the characteristics (e.g., shape) of the object to be printed, the rotation angle of the stage 131 when printing the divided structure DST#3 may be smaller than the rotation angle of the stage 131 when printing at least one of the divided structures DST#1 and DST#2.

[0102] As a result, compared to when the operation of forming the divided structures DST and the operation of rotating the stage 131 are not alternately repeated (i.e., when the three-dimensional structure ST is simply formed), the possibility of a situation occurring in which one structural layer SL does not exist below at least a part of another structural layer SL to be newly formed is reduced. Therefore, compared to when the operation of forming the divided structures DST and the operation of rotating the stage 131 are not alternately repeated (i.e., when the three-dimensional structure ST is simply formed), the processing apparatus 1 can form divided structures DST with a smaller amount of forming defective portions ST_defect. In other words, the processing apparatus 1 can form a three-dimensional structure ST with a smaller amount of forming defective portions ST_defect.

[0103] As shown in Figures 8(a) to 8(c), a modeling operation that repeats the operation of forming a divided structure ST while the stage 131 is stationary and the operation of rotating the stage 131 around at least one of the X-axis and Y-axis after forming the divided structure ST may be considered to be a modeling operation using indexed 5-axis machining. In particular, a modeling operation using indexed 5-axis machining may be a modeling operation that repeats the operation of rotating the stage 131 so that the rotation angle of the stage 131 increases each time a divided structure ST is formed. On the other hand, a modeling operation that rotates the stage 131 to form multiple structural layers SL that constitute a three-dimensional structure ST layer by layer instead of forming a divided structure SDT may be considered to be a modeling operation using simultaneous 5-axis machining. Compared to a modeling operation using simultaneous 5-axis machining, a modeling operation using indexed 5-axis machining can reduce at least one of the amount and number of rotations of the stage 131 because the stage 131 is rotated each time a divided structure DST is formed. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce at least one of the amount of calculation and the time required for the control information generator 212 to control the rotation of the stage 131. Furthermore, it is possible to improve the modeling speed.

[0104] Furthermore, if the head drive system 122 is capable of rotating the processing head 121, the processing device 1 may alternately repeat, during the period in which the three-dimensional structure ST is being formed, an operation of forming divided structures DST that are parts of the three-dimensional structure ST and an operation of rotating the processing head 121 around at least one of the X-axis and the Y-axis. During the period in which the three-dimensional structure ST is being formed, the processing device 1 may alternately repeat, during the period in which the three-dimensional structure ST is being formed, an operation of forming divided structures DST that are parts of the three-dimensional structure ST and an operation of rotating at least one of the processing head 121 and the stage 131 around at least one of the X-axis and the Y-axis.

[0105] For example, as shown in FIG. 9A , the processing apparatus 1 may rotate the processing head 121 so that the processing light EL is emitted from the processing head 121 along the Z-axis direction to form a divided structure DST#1 extending along the Z-axis direction. The processing apparatus 1 may then form the divided structure DST#1. For example, the processing apparatus 1 may form the divided structure DST#1 by stacking multiple structural layers SL along the emission direction of the processing light EL from the processing head 121 (the Z-axis direction in the example shown in FIG. 9A ). In this case, the stacking direction of the multiple structural layers SL may be considered to be the same as the emission direction of the processing light EL from the processing head 121. Note that, because the forming material M is supplied from the processing head 121, the processing apparatus 1 may also be considered to form the divided structure DST#1 by stacking multiple structural layers SL along the supply direction of the forming material M from the processing head 121 (the Z-axis direction in the example shown in FIG. 9A ). In this case, the stacking direction of the multiple structure layers SL may be considered to be the same as the supply direction of the modeling material M from the processing head 121.

[0106] Even when rotating the processing head 121 in this manner, the processing apparatus 1 may form the divided structure DST#1 after rotating the processing head 121 so that the extension angle θstex formed by the stacking axis LX extending along the stacking direction of the multiple structural layers SL and the extension axis EX extending along the extension direction of the divided structure DST#1 to be formed by the processing apparatus 1 is equal to or less than the allowable upper limit angle θmax. The processing apparatus 1 may form the divided structure DST#1 after rotating the processing head 121 so that the normal angle θstnx formed by the stacking axis LX and the normal axis NX extending along the direction in which the normal to each portion of the surface of the divided structure DST#1 to be formed by the processing apparatus 1 extends is equal to or less than the sum of the allowable upper limit angle θmax and 90 degrees. Furthermore, when the processing head 121 rotates, the stacking axis LX may be considered to be an axis extending along at least one of the emission direction of the processing light EL from the processing head 121 and the supply direction of the molding material M from the processing head 121, as described above.

[0107] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9( b), the processing apparatus 1 may rotate the processing head 121 so that the extension angle θstex formed by the stacking axis LX extending along the stacking direction of the multiple structural layers SL to be formed in order to form the divided structure DST#2 and the extension axis EX extending along the extension direction of the divided structure DST#2 to be formed by the processing apparatus 1 is equal to or less than the allowable upper limit angle θmax. As shown in FIG. 9( b), the processing apparatus 1 may rotate the processing head 121 so that the normal angle θstnx formed by the stacking axis LX and the normal axis NX extending along the direction in which the normals to each portion of the surface of the divided structure DST#2 to be formed by the processing apparatus 1 extend is equal to or less than the sum of the allowable upper limit angle θmax and 90 degrees. Thereafter, the processing apparatus 1 may form the divided structure DST#2. As a result, even during the period in which the divided structure DST#2 is being formed, the processing device 1 can appropriately form another structural layer SL to be newly formed on one structural layer SL that has already been formed.

[0108] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9( c), the processing apparatus 1 may rotate the processing head 121 so that the extension angle θstex formed by the stacking axis LX extending along the stacking direction of the multiple structural layers SL to be formed in order to form the divided structure DST#3 and the extension axis EX extending along the extension direction of the divided structure DST#3 to be formed by the processing apparatus 1 is equal to or less than the allowable upper limit angle θmax. As shown in FIG. 9( c), the processing apparatus 1 may rotate the processing head 121 so that the normal angle θstnx formed by the stacking axis LX and the normal axis NX extending along the direction in which the normals to each portion of the surface of the divided structure DST#3 to be formed by the processing apparatus 1 extend is equal to or less than the sum of the allowable upper limit angle θmax and 90 degrees. Thereafter, the processing apparatus 1 may form the divided structure DST#3. As a result, even during the period in which the divided structure DST#3 is being formed, the processing device 1 can appropriately form another structural layer SL to be newly formed on one structural layer SL that has already been formed.

[0109] 9( a) to 9(c), the processing apparatus 1 may be considered to be changing at least one of the traveling direction of the processing light EL emitted by the processing head 121 and the supply direction of the modeling material M supplied by the processing head 121 by rotating the processing head 121. In this case, the processing apparatus 1 may rotate the processing head 121 so that the angle formed between an axis extending along the traveling direction of the processing light EL and the stacking axis LX is equal to or smaller than a predetermined angle (e.g., the allowable upper limit angle θmax). The processing apparatus 1 may also rotate the processing head 121 so that the angle formed between an axis extending along the supply direction of the modeling material M and the stacking axis LX is equal to or smaller than a predetermined angle (e.g., the allowable upper limit angle θmax). The supply direction of the modeling material M may refer to the traveling direction of the powder or granular material used as the modeling material M. As described above, when a wire-shaped modeling material is used as the modeling material M, the supply direction of the modeling material M may refer to the direction in which the wire-shaped modeling material M extends. The supply direction of the modeling material M may be a direction along the traveling direction of the processing light EL, or a direction intersecting the traveling direction of the processing light EL.

[0110] When a three-dimensional structure ST is formed in units of divided structures DST in this manner, the control information generating device 2 divides the object model OM into multiple divided models DM each representing the three-dimensional shape of a multiple divided structures DST, and generates processing control information based on the multiple divided models DM.

[0111] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 , which illustrates the flow of the control information generation operation, the model division unit 211 of the control information generating device 2 first acquires the object model OM (step S1). For example, if the object model OM is recorded in the storage device 22, the model division unit 211 may acquire the object model OM by reading the object model OM from the storage device 22. For example, if the object model OM is recorded on a recording medium that can be externally attached to the control information generating device 2, the model division unit 211 may acquire the object model OM from the recording medium using the input device 24 that can function as a reading device that can read information recorded on the recording medium. For example, if the object model OM is recorded on an external device located outside the control information generating device 2, the model division unit 211 may acquire (i.e., download) the object model OM from the external device using the communication device 23.

[0112] The model division unit 211 may acquire the object model OM based on a user instruction input via the input device 24 of the machining system SYS. For example, the model division unit 211 may acquire the object model OM specified by the user. As one example, the user may use the input device 24 to input an instruction to select a file including a desired object OM model, and the model division unit 211 may acquire the object model OM by reading the file selected by the user. As another example, the user may use the input device 24 to input (i.e., read) a file including a desired object OM model into the machining system SYS, and the model division unit 211 may acquire the object model OM from the file input by the user. In this case, it may be considered that the user is inputting the object model OM to the control information generating device 2.

[0113] The object model OM may be any three-dimensional model as long as it can directly or indirectly represent the three-dimensional shape of the three-dimensional structure ST. For example, the object model OM may be at least one of a wireframe model, a surface model, and a solid model. An example of a surface model is a mesh model (typically a polygonal mesh model, the same applies hereinafter). A mesh model is a three-dimensional model that represents the three-dimensional shape of an object using vertices, edges, and faces. A mesh model is a three-dimensional model that represents the three-dimensional shape of an object using multiple meshes (in other words, facets or computational grids) having polygonal shapes.

[0114] A CAD (Computer Aided Design) model of the three-dimensional structure ST may be used as the object model OM. A three-dimensional model generated based on information obtained by actually measuring the three-dimensional shape of the three-dimensional structure ST may be used as the object model OM. In this case, a three-dimensional model indicated by a file indicating CAD data may be used as the object model OM. Examples of files indicating CAD data include at least one of a file with an extension "DWF," a file with an extension "DXF," a file with an extension "DWG," and a file with an extension "STP." When a mesh model is used as the object model OM, a three-dimensional model indicated by a file with an extension "STL" may be used as the object model OM.

[0115] Thereafter, the model dividing unit 211 performs a dividing operation on the object model OM acquired in step S1 to divide the object model OM into a plurality of divided models DM (step S2). In other words, the model dividing unit 211 performs a dividing operation to generate a plurality of divided models DM from the object model OM acquired in step S1 (step S2). Note that the details of the dividing operation of dividing the object model OM into a plurality of divided models DM in step S2 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 12 etc., and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0116] In step S2, as will be described in detail later, the display control unit 213 may generate display data for displaying information about the plurality of divided models DM on the display device 25. The display data in step S2 may be displayed separately from the display data in step S3. The display control unit 213 may output the generated display data to the display device 25. The display device 25 may display information about the plurality of divided models DM based on the display data generated by the display control unit 213.

[0117] Thereafter, the control information generating unit 212 generates processing control information based on the multiple division models DM generated in step S2 (step S3). Specifically, the control information generating unit 212 performs a slicing process on each division model DM to divide each division model DM into multiple layered models LM corresponding to the multiple structural layers SL. Thereafter, the control information generating device 2 generates processing control information for forming the multiple structural layers SL based on the multiple layered models LM. For example, the control information generating device 2 may generate processing control information including information on a processing path for forming one structural layer SL based on one layered model LM corresponding to one structural layer SL.

[0118] Here, an operation for generating processing control information so that the processing operations shown in Figures 8(a) to 8(c) are performed will be described as an example. In this case, as shown in Figure 11, the model dividing unit 211 divides the object model OM into three divided models DM (specifically, divided models DM#1 to DM#3) corresponding to the divided structures DST#1 to DST#3, respectively, in step S2 of Figure 10. Thereafter, the control information generating unit 212 performs a slicing process on the divided model DM#1 to divide it into a plurality of layered models LM corresponding to the plurality of structural layers SL. Thereafter, the control information generating device 2 generates processing control information for forming the plurality of structural layers SL that constitute the divided structure DST#1, based on the plurality of layered models LM obtained from the divided model DM#1. Similarly, the control information generating unit 212 performs a slicing process on the divided model DM#2 to divide it into a plurality of layered models LM corresponding to the plurality of structural layers SL. Thereafter, the control information generating device 2 generates processing control information for forming the plurality of structural layers SL that constitute the divided structure DST#2, based on the plurality of layered models LM obtained from the divided model DM#2. Similarly, the control information generating unit 212 performs a slicing process on the divided model DM#3, dividing the divided model DM#3 into a plurality of layered models LM that respectively correspond to the plurality of structural layers SL. Thereafter, the control information generating device 2 generates processing control information for forming the plurality of structural layers SL that constitute the divided structure DST#3, based on the plurality of layered models LM obtained from the divided model DM#3.

[0119] The control information generating device 2 may perform the control information generating operation shown in FIG. 10 after the user inputs a control information generation instruction, which is an instruction requesting the control information generating device 2 to generate processing control information. Note that the above-described user instruction to specify the object model OM (e.g., an instruction to select a file including a desired object OM model, or an instruction to input a file including a desired object OM model into the processing system SYS) may be considered as the control information generating instruction. In this case, the control information generating device 2 may perform the control information generating operation shown in FIG. 10 without requesting any further instruction from the user after the control information generation instruction is input. In other words, the control information generating device 2 may generate processing control information by automatically performing the control information generating operation shown in FIG. 10. In this case, the control information generating device 2 does not need to generate display data for displaying information about the multiple divided models DM on the display device 25 in step S2 of FIG. 10. The control information generating device 2 does not need to display information about the multiple divided models DM on the display device 25 in step S2 of FIG. 10. However, the control information generating device 2 may request a further instruction from the user after the control information generation instruction is input. The control information generating device 2 may perform the control information generating operation shown in Fig. 10 without requesting a further instruction from the user after the control information generation instruction is input. That is, the control information generating device 2 may generate the processing control information by automatically performing the control information generating operation shown in Fig. 10.

[0120] (2-2-2) Flow of division operation for dividing object model OM into multiple divided models DM Next, the flow of the division operation for dividing the object model OM into multiple divided models DM will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the division operation for dividing the object model OM into multiple divided models DM.

[0121] First, the display control unit 213 controls the display device 25 to display the model split screen 250 (see FIG. 13 ) (step S20). Specifically, the display control unit 213 generates display data for controlling the display device 25 to display the model split screen 250, and outputs the generated display data to the display device 25. The display device 25 displays the model split screen 250 based on the display data generated by the display control unit 213.

[0122] An example of the model division screen 250 is shown in FIG. 13 . As shown in FIG. 13 , the model division screen 250 may include a model display screen 251 for displaying the object model OM. As shown in FIG. 13 , the model division screen 250 may include a division button 252 that the user can press when the user instructs the control information generating device 2 to divide the object model OM into multiple divided models DM. As shown in FIG. 13 , the model division screen 250 may include a re-division button 253 that the user can press when the user instructs the control information generating device 2 to further subdivide the generated divided model DM into multiple divided models DM. As shown in FIG. 13 , the model division screen 250 may include a confirmation button 254 that the user can press when the user instructs the control information generating device 2 to terminate the division operation shown in FIG. 12 . As shown in FIG. 13, the model division screen 250 may include an UNDO button 255 that can be pressed by the user when the user instructs the control information generating device 2 to return the state of the object model OM used to generate the processing control information to the state before at least one of the division process (step S21 in FIG. 13) of dividing the object model OM into a plurality of divided models DM and the re-division process (step S24 in FIG. 13) of further re-dividing the generated divided model DM into a plurality of divided models DM is performed.

[0123] The user-operable input device 24 may include a physical operation key that the user can press when the user instructs the control information generating device 2 to divide the object model OM into a plurality of divided models DM. In this case, the model division screen 250 may not include the divide button 252. Similarly, the user-operable input device 24 may include a physical operation key that the user can press when the user instructs the control information generating device 2 to further subdivide the generated divided model DM into a plurality of divided models DM. In this case, the model division screen 250 may not include the re-divide button 253. Similarly, the user-operable input device 24 may include a physical operation key that the user can press when the user instructs the control information generating device 2 to terminate the division operation shown in FIG. 12 . In this case, the model division screen 250 may not include the enter button 254. Similarly, the user-operable input device 24 may include a physical operation key that the user can press when the user instructs the control information generating device 2 to return the state of the object model OM used to generate the processing control information to the state before at least one of the division process and the re-division process was performed. In this case, the model division screen 250 may not include the UNDO button 255.

[0124] As described above, when the control information generating device 2 generates the machining control information by automatically performing the control information generating operation shown in Fig. 10 after the control information generation instruction is input by the user, the control information generating device 2 does not need to perform the operation of step S20 shown in Fig. 12. In other words, the control information generating device 2 does not need to display the model division screen 250.

[0125] 12 , when the user subsequently presses the split button 252 included in the model split screen 250, the model splitting unit 211 performs splitting processing to split the object model OM into a plurality of split models DM (step S21). That is, when the model splitting unit 211 acquires input information (in other words, instruction information) by which the user instructs the control information generating device 2 to perform the splitting processing of step S21, the model splitting unit 211 performs the splitting processing.

[0126] Note that the input information with which the user instructs the control information generating device 2 to perform the division processing may be acquired at a timing other than the timing immediately before the model division unit 211 performs the division processing in step S21. For example, if the user performs an operation on a screen other than the model division screen 250 that the user desires to perform the division processing on, before the model division unit 211 performs the division processing in step S21 or before the model division screen 250 is displayed in step S20, the model division unit 211 may perform the division processing triggered by the acquisition of the object model OM (step S21).

[0127] In addition, as described above, after a control information generation instruction is input by the user, when the control information generating device 2 generates processing control information by automatically performing the control information generating operation shown in Figure 10, the control information generating device 2 may perform a division process to divide the object model OM into multiple division models DM in step S21 of Figure 12, regardless of whether the user presses the division button 252 included in the model division screen 250.

[0128] In step S21, the model dividing unit 211 may divide the object model OM into a plurality of divided models DM using any method for dividing the object model OM into a plurality of divided models DM. For example, the model dividing unit 211 may divide the object model OM into a plurality of divided models DM using the method described in "Cehenming Wu et al., "General Support-Effective Decomposition for Multi-Directional 3D Printing," Published in: IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering (Volume: 17, Issue: 2, April 2020)."

[0129] Here, an example of the division process in step S21 will be described with reference to Figures 14(a) to 14(c). As shown in Figure 14(a), the model division unit 211 provisionally divides the object model OM into a plurality of division models DM. In the example shown in Figure 14(a), the model division unit 211 provisionally divides the object model OM into three division models DM (specifically, division models DM#11, DM#12, and DM#13). However, the model division unit 211 may provisionally divide the object model OM into two or four or more division models DM.

[0130] In order to divide the object model OM into a plurality of divided models DM, the model dividing unit 211 may set clipping planes CP, which are virtual surfaces that can be used as forming surfaces MS when forming the divided structures DST corresponding to each divided model DM. In the example shown in Fig. 14(a), the model dividing unit 211 sets clipping planes CP#11, which are virtual surfaces that can be used as forming surfaces MS when forming the divided structures DST corresponding to the divided model DM#11, clipping planes CP#12, which are virtual surfaces that can be used as forming surfaces MS when forming the divided structures DST corresponding to the divided model DM#12, and clipping planes CP#13, which are virtual surfaces that can be used as forming surfaces MS when forming the divided structures DST corresponding to the divided model DM#13.

[0131] The clipping plane CP may be a plane that defines the stacking direction of multiple structural layers SL when modeling a divided structure DST corresponding to the divided model DM. Specifically, a direction perpendicular to the clipping plane CP may be used as the stacking direction of multiple structural layers SL when modeling a divided structure DST corresponding to the divided model DM. For example, a direction perpendicular to the clipping plane CP#11 may be used as the stacking direction of multiple structural layers SL when modeling a divided structure DST corresponding to the divided model DM#11. For example, a direction perpendicular to the clipping plane CP#12 may be used as the stacking direction of multiple structural layers SL when modeling a divided structure DST corresponding to the divided model DM#12. For example, a direction perpendicular to the clipping plane CP#13 may be used as the stacking direction of multiple structural layers SL when modeling a divided structure DST corresponding to the divided model DM#13. In the following explanation, for the sake of simplicity, unless otherwise specified, the stacking direction of multiple structural layers SL when forming a divided structure DST corresponding to the divided model DM will be referred to as the "stacking direction of the divided model DM."

[0132] The stacking directions of at least two of the multiple divided models DM may be different. This is because, as described above, the stacking direction of the multiple structural layers SL can be changed during the period in which the three-dimensional structure ST is being formed in accordance with the rotation of at least one of the processing head 121 and the stage 131. In the example shown in Figure 14(a) , the stacking direction of the divided model DM#11 is the same as the stacking direction of the divided model DM#12, and the stacking direction of the divided model DM#13 is different from the stacking directions of the divided models DM#11 and DM#12.

[0133] Thereafter, the model dividing unit 211 identifies a peculiar part DM_defect from each of the multiple divided models DM. The peculiar part DM_defect is at least a part of the divided model DM. Specifically, the peculiar part DM_defect may be at least a part of the divided model DM that causes a defect in forming by the processing device 1 when it is assumed that the processing device 1 forms the divided structure DST based on the processing control information generated based on the divided model DM. In other words, the peculiar part DM_defect may be at least a part of the divided model DM that causes the above-mentioned defective-forming part ST_defect when it is assumed that the processing device 1 forms the divided structure DST based on the processing control information generated based on the divided model DM. The peculiar part DM_defect may be at least a part of the divided model DM that corresponds to the above-mentioned defective-forming part ST_defect.

[0134] The model dividing unit 211 may identify the peculiar part DM_defect by determining whether or not each part of the surface of the divided model DM is the peculiar part DM_defect. Specifically, as described with reference to Fig. 7 , when the extension angle θstex formed by the stacking axis LX extending along the stacking direction of the multiple structure layers SL formed by the processing apparatus 1 and the extension axis EX extending along the extension direction of each part of the three-dimensional structure ST to be formed by the processing apparatus 1 exceeds the allowable upper limit angle θmax, there is a high possibility that at least a part of the three-dimensional structure ST will be a defective-printing part ST_defect, as described above. 14(b) and 14(c), the model dividing unit 211 may determine whether each portion of the surface of the divided model DM is a singular portion DM_defect based on the extension angle θdmex formed by the stacking axis lx extending along the stacking direction of the divided model DM and the extension axis ex extending in the direction in which each portion of the surface of the divided model DM extends. Note that the extension axis ex extending in the direction in which each portion of the surface of the divided model DM extends may also mean an axis extending along a tangent to each portion of the surface of the divided model DM. Specifically, the model dividing unit 211 may determine that a portion of the surface of the divided model DM is a singular portion DM_defect when the extension angle θdmex of that portion of the surface of the divided model DM exceeds the allowable upper limit angle θmax. On the other hand, the model dividing unit 211 may determine that a portion of the surface of the divided model DM is not a singular portion DM_defect if the extension angle θdmex of the portion of the surface of the divided model DM does not exceed the allowable upper limit angle θmax.

[0135] Note that FIG. 14( b ) shows a divided model DM#11 that extends linearly, and FIG. 14( c ) shows a divided model DM#12 that extends curvedly. As shown in FIG. 14( b ), when the divided model DM#11 extends linearly, the direction in which the extension axis ex extends does not change in each portion of the surface of the divided model DM#11. Therefore, as long as the stacking direction of the divided model DM#11 is appropriately set, the extension angle θdmex is unlikely to be greater than the allowable upper limit angle θmax. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14( c ), when the divided model DM#12 extends curvedly, the direction in which the extension axis ex extends in each portion of the surface of the divided model DM#12 changes depending on the position of each portion of the surface of the divided model DM#12. As a result, even if the stacking direction of the divided model DM#12 is appropriately set, the extension angle θdmex is likely to be greater than the allowable upper limit angle θmax. Therefore, in general, the amount of the singular part DM_defect occurring in the division model DM extending in a straight line is smaller than the amount of the singular part DM_defect occurring in the division model DM extending in a curved line.

[0136] As described above, when the normal angle θstnx formed by the stacking axis LX extending along the stacking direction of the multiple structural layers SL to be formed by the processing apparatus 1 and the normal axis NX extending along the direction in which the normal to each portion of the three-dimensional structure ST to be formed by the processing apparatus 1 extends exceeds the sum of the allowable upper limit angle θmax and 90 degrees, there is a high possibility that at least a portion of the three-dimensional structure ST will be a defectively formed portion ST_defect. For this reason, as shown in Figures 14(b) and 14(c), the model dividing unit 211 may determine whether each portion on the surface of the divided model DM is a singular portion DM_defect based on the normal angle θdmnx formed by the stacking axis lx extending along the stacking direction of the divided model DM and the normal axis nx extending along the normal to each portion on the surface of the divided model DM. Specifically, the model dividing unit 211 may determine that a portion of the surface of the divided model DM is a singular part DM_defect when the normal angle θdmnx of the portion of the surface of the divided model DM exceeds the sum of the allowable upper limit angle θmax and 90 degrees. On the other hand, the model dividing unit 211 may determine that a portion of the surface of the divided model DM is not a singular part DM_defect when the normal angle θdmnx of the portion of the surface of the divided model DM does not exceed the sum of the allowable upper limit angle θmax and 90 degrees.

[0137] As described above, the allowable upper limit angle θmax may be considered to be a parameter determined according to the characteristics of the machining device 1. In other words, the allowable upper limit angle θmax may be considered to be an inherent parameter associated with the machining device 1. In this case, the model dividing unit 211 may acquire the allowable upper limit angle θmax, which is an inherent parameter associated with the machining device 1, and divide the object model OM into a plurality of divided models DM based on the acquired allowable upper limit angle θmax. In this case, the control information generating device 2 may be considered to be a device that operates in cooperation with the machining device 1.

[0138] 7, the larger the extension angle θstex and the normal angle θstnx, the higher the possibility that each part of the three-dimensional structure ST will face downward. Therefore, the model dividing unit 211 may identify a part of the divided model DM including a surface of the divided model DM facing downward as the peculiar part DM_defect. Specifically, the model dividing unit 211 may identify a part of the divided model DM including a surface of the divided model DM facing downward when the divided model DM is rotated so that the stacking direction of the divided model DM is parallel to the direction of gravity as the peculiar part DM_defect.

[0139] Thereafter, the model division unit 211 divides the object model OM into a plurality of division models DM so as to minimize the amount of the calculated singular part DM_defect, and repeats the operation of identifying the singular part DM_defect. In other words, the model division unit 211 solves the optimization problem of minimizing the amount of the calculated singular part DM_defect. At this time, the model division unit 211 may repeat the above-described operation while changing the number of division models DM (i.e., the number of clipping planes CP). The model division unit 211 may repeat the above-described operation while changing the position of the clipping plane CP. The model division unit 211 may repeat the above-described operation while changing the orientation of the clipping plane CP. As a result, a plurality of division models DM that can realize a state in which the amount of the singular part DM_defect is minimized are finally generated.

[0140] The quantity of the specific portion DM_defect may include the area of ​​the specific portion DM_defect. The quantity of the specific portion DM_defect may include the number of the specific portion DM_defect. The quantity of the specific portion DM_defect may include the volume of the specific portion DM_defect.

[0141] Alternatively, in addition to or instead of using the extension angle θdmex and normal angle θdmnx described above, the model division unit 211 may divide the object model OM into at least one division model DM whose shape satisfies a first shape condition and at least one division model DM whose shape satisfies a second shape condition different from the first shape condition.

[0142] An example of the first shape condition is a condition that the curvature of the division model DM in the extension direction of the division model DM is less than a predetermined rate. On the other hand, an example of the second shape condition is an upper limit that the curvature of the division model DM in the extension direction of the division model DM is equal to or greater than a predetermined rate. In this case, a division model DM whose shape satisfies the first shape condition becomes a division model DM_line having a shape that is hardly curved or not curved very much in the extension direction of the division model DM. On the other hand, a division model DM whose shape satisfies the second shape condition becomes a division model DM_curve having a shape that is curved relatively greatly in the extension direction of the division model DM. Therefore, in this case, the model dividing unit 211 can divide the object model OM into at least one division model DM_line and at least one division model DM_curve, as shown in FIG. 15 .

[0143] The model dividing unit 211 may divide the object model OM into at least one divided model DM whose shape satisfies a first shape condition and at least one divided model DM whose shape satisfies a second shape condition based on geometric information related to the geometric shape of the object model OM. As shown in FIG. 16 , an example of the geometric information is at least one of information related to a control point P of the object model OM and information related to a center line CL of the object model OM. The information related to the control point P may include information related to the position of the control point P and information related to a direction vector of the control point P. Control points used in general CAD data may be used as the control points P. In this case, if the direction of a vector connecting a first control point P and a second control point P adjacent to the first control point P coincides with the direction of the direction vector of the first control point P, the model dividing unit 211 may generate a model portion of the object model OM between the first control point P and the second control point P as a divided model DM_line. When the angle formed by the vector connecting the first control point P and the second control point P and the direction vector of the first control point P is smaller than a predetermined angle, the model dividing unit 211 may generate, as the divided model DM_line, a model portion of the object model OM between the first control point P and the second control point P. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 16 , the direction of the vector connecting the control point P0 and the control point P1 adjacent to the control point P0 matches the direction of the direction vector of the control point P0, and therefore the model dividing unit 211 may generate, as the divided model DM_line, a model portion of the object model OM between the control point P0 and the control point P1. On the other hand, if the direction of the vector connecting the first control point P and the second control point P adjacent to the first control point P does not match the direction of the direction vector of the first control point P, the model dividing unit 211 may generate, as a divided model DM_curve, a model portion of the object model OM between the first control point P and the second control point P. If the angle formed by the vector connecting the first control point P and the second control point P and the direction vector of the first control point P is larger than a predetermined angle, the model dividing unit 211 may generate, as a divided model DM_line, a model portion of the object model OM between the first control point P and the second control point P.For example, in the example shown in Figure 16, the direction of the vector connecting control point P1 and control point P2 adjacent to control point P1 does not match the direction of the directional vector of control point P1, so the model division unit 211 may generate the model portion of the object model OM between control point P1 and control point P2 as a division model DM_curve.

[0144] Note that the model division unit 211 may divide the object model OM into at least one division model DM_line and at least one division model DM_curve before performing the division process of step S21 of FIG. 12 on the object model OM. In this case, the model division unit 211 may perform the division process of step S21 of FIG. 12 on the division model DM_curve, which is likely to cause a singular portion DM_defect, as described above. That is, the model division unit 211 may use the division model DM_curve as the object model OM in step S21 of FIG. 12. On the other hand, the model division unit 211 does not need to perform the division process of step S21 of FIG. 12 on the division model DM_line, which is unlikely to cause a singular portion DM_defect, as described above. As a result, the processing load for performing the division process of step S21 of FIG. 12 can be reduced.

[0145] 12 , the display control unit 213 controls the display device 25 to update the model division screen 250 in accordance with the generation of the multiple division models DM (step S22). Specifically, the display control unit 213 generates display data for controlling the display device 25 to display the updated model division screen 250, and outputs the generated display data to the display device 25. The display device 25 displays the updated model division screen 250 based on the display data generated by the display control unit 213.

[0146] 17 showing the updated model division screen 250, the display control unit 213 may update the model division screen 250 so that the multiple division models DM generated in step S21 are displayed on the model display screen 251. In particular, the display control unit 213 may update the model division screen 250 so that the peculiar part DM_defect identified in step S21 is displayed in association with the division model DM. As a result, the user can check the amount of the peculiar part DM_defect. For example, the user can check whether the amount of the peculiar part DM_defect is within the user's tolerance range.

[0147] The display control unit 213 may change the display mode of the peculiar portion DM_defect based on at least one of the extension angle θdmex and the normal angle θdmnx. For example, the display control unit 213 may change the display mode of the peculiar portion DM_defect so that the display mode of a first portion of the peculiar portion DM_defect, in which at least one of the extension angle θdmex and the normal angle θdmnx falls within a first angle range, is different from the display mode of a second portion of the peculiar portion DM_defect, in which at least one of the extension angle θdmex and the normal angle θdmnx falls within a second angle range different from the first angle range. An example of a display mode is display color. In this case, the user can relatively easily identify the peculiar portion DM_defect that is likely to cause the defective printing portion ST_defect. This is because the greater the extension angle θdmex or the normal angle θdmnx, the higher the possibility that a defective printing portion ST_defect will occur.

[0148] The display control unit 213 may display the modeling time required for the processing device 1 to model the three-dimensional structure ST based on the multiple divided models DM generated in step S21. That is, the display control unit 213 may display a model division screen 250 including a display object 256 capable of displaying the modeling time, as shown in Fig. 17 . In this case, the user can easily check the modeling time.

[0149] When the modeling time is displayed, the control information generation unit 212 may calculate the modeling time based on the plurality of divided models DM generated in step S21. For example, the control information generation unit 212 may generate processing control information based on the plurality of divided models DM generated in step S21, and calculate the modeling time based on the generated processing control information. The display control unit 213 may display the modeling time calculated by the control information generation unit 212.

[0150] 12 , thereafter, the model dividing unit 211 determines whether or not to perform a re-division process for dividing at least one of the plurality of generated divided models DM into a plurality of new divided models DM (step S23). For example, when the user presses the re-division button 253 included in the model division screen 250, the model dividing unit 211 may determine to perform the re-division process. In other words, when the model dividing unit 211 acquires input information (instruction information) for the user to instruct the control information generating device 2 to perform the re-division process, the model dividing unit 211 may determine to perform the re-division process.

[0151] Alternatively, the model division unit 211 may determine whether to perform the re-division processing without requesting a user instruction. For example, as described above, the model division unit 211 divides the object model OM into multiple division models DM so as to minimize the amount of the peculiar part DM_defect. In this case, the model division unit 211 may determine whether to perform the re-division processing based on the calculated amount of the peculiar part DM_defect. As an example, the model division unit 211 may determine whether to perform the re-division processing by determining whether the amount of the peculiar part DM_defect exceeds the allowable upper limit. In this case, the model division unit 211 may determine to perform the re-division processing if the amount of the peculiar part DM_defect exceeds the allowable upper limit. On the other hand, the model division unit 211 may determine not to perform the re-division processing if the amount of the peculiar part DM_defect does not exceed the allowable upper limit.

[0152] Note that the input information with which the user instructs the control information generating device 2 to perform the re-division processing may be acquired at a timing other than the timing immediately before the model division unit 211 performs the re-division processing in step S24. For example, if the user has previously performed an operation on a screen other than the model division screen 250 that the user desires to perform the re-division processing, before the model division unit 211 performs the re-division processing in step S24, before the model division unit 211 performs the division processing in step S21, or before the model division screen 250 is displayed in step S20, the model division unit 211 may determine that the re-division processing will be performed.

[0153] As a result of the determination in step S23, if it is determined that the re-division processing is to be performed (step S23: Yes), the model division unit 211 performs the re-division processing to re-divide at least one of the multiple division models DM that have already been generated into multiple new division models DM (step S24). For example, as shown in Fig. 18 , the model division unit 211 re-divides at least one generated division model DM into multiple new division models DM. In other words, the model division unit 211 generates multiple new division models DM from at least one generated division model DM.

[0154] The flow of the re-division process in step S24, in which the generated division model DM is divided into a plurality of new division models DM, may be the same as the flow of the division process in step S21, in which the object model OM is divided into a plurality of division models DM. In other words, the description of the division process in step S21, in which the object model OM is divided into a plurality of division models DM, can be used as a description of the re-division process in step S24, in which the generated division model DM is divided into a plurality of new division models DM, by replacing the term "object model OM" with the term "generated division model DM." Therefore, a detailed description of the re-division process in step S24, in which the generated division model DM is divided into a plurality of new division models DM, will be omitted.

[0155] In the above description, the model dividing unit 211 performs both the dividing process and the re-dividing process. However, a model re-dividing unit different from the model dividing unit 211 may perform the re-dividing process. In other words, the control information generating device 2 may separately include the model dividing unit 211 that performs the dividing process and a model re-dividing unit that performs the re-dividing process.

[0156] As described above, the division process is a process of dividing the object model OM into a plurality of division models DM that can realize a state in which the amount of the idiosyncratic part DM_defect is minimized. Therefore, the re-division process may also be considered a process of re-dividing a generated division model DM into a plurality of division models DM that can realize a state in which the amount of the idiosyncratic part DM_defect is minimized. In this case, the model division unit 211 may typically perform the re-division process so that the number of idiosyncratic parts DM_defects occurring in the division model DM that has undergone the re-division process (i.e., the plurality of division models DM newly generated from the generated division model DM) is smaller than the number of idiosyncratic parts DM_defects occurring in the division model DM that has not undergone the re-division process. The division model DM that has undergone the re-division process may be referred to as a re-division model RDM.

[0157] When a generated division model DM is further subdivided into multiple division models DM, as shown in FIG. 19 , which shows multiple new division models DM generated from the generated division model DM, the stacking direction of at least one of the multiple division models DM newly generated by the subdivision may be different from the stacking direction of the division model DM before the subdivision. Conversely, if the stacking direction of each of the multiple division models DM newly generated by the subdivision is the same as the stacking direction of the division model DM before the subdivision, the amount of the idiosyncratic part DM_defect is not likely to be reduced by the subdivision process. Therefore, the model subdivision unit 211 may perform the subdivision process so that the stacking direction of at least one of the multiple division models DM newly generated by the subdivision is different from the stacking direction of the division model DM before the subdivision. As a result, the model subdivision unit 211 can perform the subdivision process so as to reduce the amount of the idiosyncratic part DM_defect.

[0158] The model dividing unit 211 may perform the re-division process on a divided model DM that includes a singular part DM_defect. The model dividing unit 211 may perform the re-division process on a divided model DM in which the amount of the singular part DM_defect exceeds an allowable amount. The model dividing unit 211 may perform the re-division process on a divided model DM specified by a user.

[0159] Note that, instead of performing the re-division process on the entire division model DM, the model division unit 211 may selectively perform the re-division process on a peculiar part DM_defect included in the division model DM. That is, the model division unit 211 may extract a peculiar part DM_defect from the division model DM and selectively perform the re-division process on the extracted peculiar part DM_defect. In other words, the model division unit 211 may divide the extracted peculiar part DM_defect into a plurality of new division models DM.

[0160] Alternatively, instead of performing the re-division processing, if it is determined in step S23 that the re-division processing should be performed, the model dividing unit 211 may perform the division processing in step S21 again. In other words, the model dividing unit 211 may divide the object model OM into a plurality of new division models DM different from the plurality of division models DM that have already been generated.

[0161] Furthermore, as described above, after a control information generation instruction is input by the user, when the control information generating device 2 generates processing control information by automatically performing the control information generation operation shown in Figure 10, the control information generating device 2 may perform a re-division process to re-divide the generated division model DM in step S24 of Figure 12, regardless of whether the user presses the re-division button 253 included in the model division screen 250.

[0162] 12, the display control unit 213 performs the operation of step S22 again. That is, the display control unit 213 controls the display device 25 so as to update the model division screen 250 in accordance with the new generation of multiple division models DM (step S22).

[0163] For example, the display control unit 213 may update the model division screen 250 so that the multiple division models DM generated in step S24 are displayed on the model display screen 251. In particular, the display control unit 213 may update the model division screen 250 so that the peculiar part DM_defect identified in step S24 is displayed in association with the division model DM.

[0164] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that the re-division process is not to be performed (step S23: No), the model division unit 211 ends the division operation shown in Fig. 12. As a result, the control information generation unit 212 may generate processing control information based on an object model OM including a plurality of division models DM generated in steps S21 and S24. Specifically, the control information generation unit 212 may generate processing control information based on an object model OM including at least one division model DM generated by the division process in step S21 and that was not subject to the re-division process in step S24, and a plurality of division models DM generated by the re-division process in step S24.

[0165] The model dividing unit 211 may determine not to perform the re-division process based on a user's input to the input device 24. For example, when the user presses the decision button 254, the model dividing unit 211 may determine not to perform the re-division process. In other words, the control information generating unit 212, which has received a user's instruction not to perform the re-division process, may generate processing control information based on the object model OM including the multiple division models DM generated in steps S21 and S24. The control information generating unit 212 may generate processing control information based only on the portion of the object model OM generated by the re-division process in step S24.

[0166] If the model division screen 250 includes a display object 256 capable of displaying the modeling time, the modeling time may change as a result of multiple new divided models DM being generated by the re-division process. Therefore, the display control unit 213 may display the modeling time required for the processing device 1 to model the three-dimensional structure ST based on the multiple new divided models DM generated in step S24 and the generated divided models DM that were not subject to the re-division process in step S24. In other words, the display control unit 213 may update the modeling time displayed on the model division screen 250.

[0167] As described above, the model division unit 211 divides the object model OM into multiple division models DM so as to minimize the amount of the peculiar part DM_defect. In this case, if the calculated amount of the peculiar part DM_defect does not exceed the allowable upper limit, the model division unit 211 may switch the state of the enter button 254 from an inactive state in which the user cannot press the enter button 254 to an active state in which the user can press the enter button 254. However, even if the user has not pressed the enter button 254, the model division unit 211 may automatically determine not to perform the re-division process if the calculated amount of the peculiar part DM_defect does not exceed the allowable upper limit.

[0168] However, the model dividing unit 211 may determine not to perform the re-division process even when the calculated amount of the peculiar portion DM_defect exceeds the allowable upper limit. In this case, the control information generating unit 212 may generate processing control information for forming a three-dimensional structure ST supported by supporting structures so that the defective-forming portion ST_defect corresponding to the peculiar portion DM_defect is properly formed. That is, the control information generating unit 212 may generate processing control information for forming both the three-dimensional structure ST and the supporting structure for supporting the three-dimensional structure ST. Similarly, when the amount of the peculiar portion DM_defect exceeds the allowable upper limit when the user presses the enter button 254, the control information generating unit 212 may generate processing control information for forming a three-dimensional structure ST supported by supporting structures. However, even if the amount of the peculiar part DM_defect exceeds the allowable upper limit, the control information generation unit 212 may generate processing control information for forming a three-dimensional structure ST that is not supported by a support structure.

[0169] The control information generator 212 may generate processing control information for modeling a three-dimensional structure ST supported by a support structure, based on a user's instruction. For example, when the control information generator 212 receives input information (in other words, instruction information) from the user instructing the control information generating device 2 to generate processing control information for modeling a three-dimensional structure ST supported by a support structure, the control information generator 212 may generate processing control information for modeling a three-dimensional structure ST supported by a support structure. For example, when the control information generator 212 does not receive input information (in other words, instruction information) from the user instructing the control information generating device 2 to generate processing control information for modeling a three-dimensional structure ST supported by a support structure, the control information generator 212 may not generate processing control information for modeling a three-dimensional structure ST supported by a support structure. In this case, the model division screen 250 may include a button that the user can press when the user instructs the control information generating device 2 to generate processing control information for modeling a three-dimensional structure ST supported by a support structure.

[0170] When processing control information for forming a three-dimensional structure ST supported by a support structure is generated, the display control unit 213 may display a three-dimensional model indicating the three-dimensional shape of the support structure in addition to the object model OM that has been subjected to the division process (and further subjected to the further division process as necessary) on the model display screen 251 of the model division screen 250. As a result, the user can recognize the support structure.

[0171] In addition to or instead of the function of supporting the three-dimensional structure ST, the support structure may have a function for releasing heat from the three-dimensional structure ST (or an intermediate object generated in the process of modeling the three-dimensional structure ST; the same applies hereinafter in this paragraph). When the support structure has a function for releasing heat from the three-dimensional structure ST, the control information generator 212 may estimate the heat generated in the three-dimensional structure ST in the process of modeling the three-dimensional structure ST, and may generate processing control information for modeling a support structure capable of appropriately releasing the heat of the three-dimensional structure ST together with the three-dimensional structure ST, based on the estimated result of the heat generated in the three-dimensional structure ST.

[0172] When heat generated in the three-dimensional structure ST during the process of forming the three-dimensional structure ST is estimated, the display control unit 213 may control the display device 25 to display information about the heat generated in the three-dimensional structure ST on the model division screen 250. For example, the display control unit 213 may display the object model OM on the display device 25 so that a user can recognize a part of the object model OM corresponding to a portion of the three-dimensional structure ST to be formed where excessive heat is generated as an excessive heat part. In this case, the display control unit 213 may display the excessive heat part as at least a part of the singular part DM_defect. Alternatively, the display control unit 213 may display the excessive heat part and the singular part DM_defect in a display manner that allows the excessive heat part to be distinguished from the singular part DM_defect.

[0173] (3) Effects As described above, in this embodiment, the control information generating device 2 generates processing control information based on multiple division models DM generated by dividing the object model OM. Therefore, the control information generating device 2 can reduce the number of peculiar parts DM_defects occurring in an object model OM divided into multiple division models DM compared to the number of peculiar parts DM_defects occurring in an object model OM not divided into multiple division models DM. Therefore, the control information generating device 2 can generate processing control information that can control the processing device 1 to form a three-dimensional structure ST with fewer or no defective modeling parts ST_defects, compared to when processing control information is generated based on an object model OM not divided into multiple division models DM. In other words, the control information generating device 2 can generate processing control information that can control the processing device 1 to properly form a three-dimensional structure ST. As a result, the machining apparatus 1 can manufacture a three-dimensional structure ST with a reduced number of defective-modeling portions ST_defect or without defective-modeling portions ST_defect, compared to when machining control information generated based on an object model OM that is not divided into multiple divided models DM is used. In other words, the machining apparatus 1 can properly manufacture a three-dimensional structure ST. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control information generating device 2 can perform a re-division process to further divide the generated divided model DM into multiple divided models DM. Therefore, the control information generating device 2 can reduce the number of peculiar portions DM_defect, compared to when the re-division process is not performed. Therefore, the control information generating device 2 can generate machining control information that can control the machining apparatus 1 to manufacture a three-dimensional structure ST with a reduced number of defective-modeling portions ST_defect or without defective-modeling portions ST_defect, compared to when the re-division process is not performed. In other words, the control information generating device 2 can generate machining control information that can control the machining apparatus 1 to properly manufacture a three-dimensional structure ST.As a result, the processing apparatus 1 can form a three-dimensional structure ST with a smaller amount of defective modeling portions ST_defect or without defective modeling portions ST_defect, compared to when the re-division process is not performed. In other words, the processing apparatus 1 can properly form the three-dimensional structure ST.

[0174] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, when a division model DM that includes a singular part DM_defect or in which the amount of the singular part DM_defect exceeds the allowable amount is generated, the control information generating device 2 performs a re-division process on the division model DM instead of redoing the division process using the object model OM. As a result, the control information generating device 2 does not need to redo the division process using the object model OM multiple times. Therefore, compared to redoing the division process using the object model OM, the control information generating device 2 can shorten the time required to generate a division model DM that does not include a singular part DM_defect or in which the amount of the singular part DM_defect does not exceed the allowable amount.

[0175] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control information generating device 2 may perform the re-division process on a division model DM that includes a singular part DM_defect or in which the amount of the singular part DM_defect exceeds the allowable amount. In this case, the control information generating device 2 does not need to perform the re-division process on a division model DM that does not include a singular part DM_defect or in which the amount of the singular part DM_defect does not exceed the allowable amount. Therefore, the control information generating device 2 can divide the object model OM into a plurality of division models DM so as to reduce the amount of the singular part DM_defect without unnecessarily increasing the number of division models DM generated by the division process and re-division process.

[0176] Dividing the object model OM into an excessively large number of division models DM can reliably reduce the number of peculiar parts DM_defect. However, the greater the number of division models DM, the longer the modeling time required to model the three-dimensional structure ST. In particular, in the modeling operation using the above-mentioned simultaneous five-axis machining, the movement of the stage 131 becomes complex, which tends to lengthen the modeling time. However, in this embodiment, the number of division models DM generated by the division process and re-division process is not increased more than necessary. Therefore, the processing apparatus 1 can model a three-dimensional structure ST with a small number of modeling defects ST_defect or no modeling defects ST_defect without unnecessarily extending the modeling time. In other words, the processing apparatus 1 can appropriately model a three-dimensional structure ST in a relatively short modeling time.

[0177] Naturally, such an effect of shortening the modeling time can also be achieved in modeling operations using indexed 5-axis machining performed by the processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment. On the other hand, the effect of shortening the modeling time is particularly effective in modeling operations using simultaneous 5-axis machining, in which the modeling time becomes longer as the number of divided models DM increases. Therefore, the control information generating device 2 may be used for a processing apparatus that performs modeling operations using simultaneous 5-axis machining. In this case, if a user desires to shorten the modeling time, the control information generating device 2 may shorten the modeling time by performing the division operation shown in FIG. 12 described above (particularly, a division operation including a re-division process). On the other hand, if a user does not desire to shorten the modeling time, the control information generating device 2 may divide the object model OM into multiple divided models DM by performing a division operation different from the division operation shown in FIG. 12 described above (for example, a division operation including a division process but not a re-division process). In other words, the division operation shown in FIG. 12 (particularly, a division operation including a re-division process) may function as a user-selectable option.

[0178] 12 , it is also possible to generate a plurality of division models DM with a small amount of singular part DM_defect or with no singular part DM_defect occurring, without performing the re-division process. However, it is not easy to change the division process algorithm to suit all machining apparatuses 1. In this embodiment, the control information generating device 2 newly introduces a relatively easy process, namely, a re-division process for further re-dividing the generated division model DM into a plurality of division models DM, thereby making it possible to generate a plurality of division models DM with a small amount of singular part DM_defect or with no singular part DM_defect occurring, without changing the division process algorithm.

[0179] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control information generating device 2 can display the idiosyncratic parts DM_defect occurring in the multiple division models DM on the display device 25. This allows the user to check the amount of the idiosyncratic parts DM_defect. For example, the user can check whether the amount of the idiosyncratic parts DM_defect is within the user's tolerance range. As a result, if the amount of the idiosyncratic parts DM_defect is not within the user's tolerance range, the user can instruct the control information generating device 2 to perform re-division processing.

[0180] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the model dividing unit 211 can divide the object model OM into at least one divided model DM_line and at least one divided model DM_curve. In this case, the model dividing unit 211 may perform the dividing process of step S21 in FIG. 12 on the divided model DM_curve, which is likely to have a singular part DM_defect because it is significantly curved with respect to the stacking direction as described above. On the other hand, the model dividing unit 211 does not need to perform the dividing process of step S21 in FIG. 12 on the divided model DM_line, which is unlikely to have a singular part DM_defect because it is not significantly curved as described above. As a result, the processing load for performing the dividing process of step S21 in FIG. 12 can be reduced.

[0181] (4) Modifications Next, modifications of the machining system SYS will be described.

[0182] (4-1) First Modification In a first modification, the machining system SYS may divide the object model OM into a plurality of divided models DM by performing a division operation shown in Fig. 20 instead of the division operation shown in Fig. 12. Hereinafter, the flow of the division operation for dividing the object model OM into a plurality of divided models DM in the first modification will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the division operation for dividing the object model OM into a plurality of divided models DM in the first modification. Note that the same operations as those described above are assigned the same step numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0183] 20 , in the first modified example as well, the display control unit 213 controls the display device 25 to display a model division screen 250 (step S20). Thereafter, the model division unit 211 performs division processing to divide the object model OM into a plurality of divided models DM (step S21). Note that in the first modified example, the model division unit 211 may perform the division processing so as to maximize the number of divided models DM generated from the object model OM. Thereafter, the display control unit 213 controls the display device 25 to update the model division screen 250 in accordance with the generation of the plurality of divided models DM (step S22).

[0184] Thereafter, the model dividing unit 211 generates a combined model CM by performing a combining process for combining at least two of the plurality of divided models DM generated in step S21 (steps S23a to S27a). Specifically, as shown in Fig. 21 , the model dividing unit 211 may generate one combined model CM by performing a combining process for combining at least two of the plurality of divided models DM generated in step S21.

[0185] 21 , the model division unit 211 may generate a single combined model CM extending in a straight line by performing a combining process to combine at least two of a plurality of divided models DM obtained by dividing a first straight line model portion extending in a straight line of the object model OM. In the example shown in FIG. 21 , the model division unit 211 (i) performs a combining process to combine a plurality of first divided models DM#L1 obtained by dividing a first straight line model portion extending in the object model OM to generate a single first combined model CM#L1, (ii) performs a combining process to combine a plurality of second divided models DM#L2 obtained by dividing a second straight line model portion extending in a straight line of the object model OM to generate a single second combined model CM#L2, and (iii) performs a combining process to combine a plurality of third divided models DM#L3 obtained by dividing a third straight line model portion extending in a straight line of the object model OM to generate a single third combined model CM#L3.

[0186] In this case, the model dividing unit 211 may determine whether each divided model DM is a divided model DM obtained by dividing a straight-line model portion of the object model OM that extends in a straight line. The model dividing unit 211 may generate a combined model CM that extends in a straight line by combining multiple divided models DM obtained by dividing the straight-line model portion.

[0187] 21 , the model division unit 211 may generate a single combined model CM extending in a straight line by performing a combining process to combine at least two of a plurality of divided models DM obtained by dividing a curved model portion of the object model OM that extends in a curved line. In the example shown in FIG. 21 , the model division unit 211 (i) selects at least two adjacent first divided models DM#C1 from the plurality of divided models DM obtained by dividing the curved model portion of the object model OM, and performs a combining process to combine the at least two selected first divided models DM#C1 to generate a single first combined model CM#C1, and (ii) selects at least two adjacent second divided models DM#C2 from the plurality of divided models DM obtained by dividing the curved model portion of the object model OM, and performs a combining process to combine the at least two selected second divided models DM#C2 to generate a single second combined model CM#C2.

[0188] The combined model CM is used as a new division model DM. Therefore, in the first modified example, the control information generator 212 may generate processing control information based on an object model OM that includes at least one division model DM that was generated by the division process in step S21 and was not a target of the combination process, and at least one division model DM that was newly generated by the combination process (i.e., at least one combined model CM).

[0189] When at least two divided models DM are combined, typically, the number of times at least one of the processing head 121 and the stage 131 is rotated to form the three-dimensional structure ST is likely to be reduced compared to when at least two divided models DM are not combined. As a result, the modeling time for forming the three-dimensional structure ST is likely to be shortened. For this reason, it may be considered that the model dividing unit 211 is performing the combining process so as to shorten the modeling time for forming the three-dimensional structure ST.

[0190] To perform the combining process, the model dividing unit 211 selects at least two divided models DM to be combined by the combining process (step S23a). For example, the model dividing unit 211 may select at least two divided models DM to be combined by the combining process based on user input information (instruction information) specifying the at least two divided models DM to be combined by the combining process. In this case, the user may input input information specifying the at least two divided models DM to be combined by the combining process to the control information generating device 2 by specifying the at least two divided models DM on the model division screen 250.

[0191] The user may specify at least two divided models DM as part of the multiple divided models DM to be combined by the combining process. In this case, the model dividing unit 211 may select the at least two divided models DM specified by the user and at least one divided model DM that can be combined with the at least two divided models DM specified by the user, as the multiple divided models DM to be combined by the combining process. However, the user may specify all of the multiple divided models DM to be combined by the combining process.

[0192] The model dividing unit 211 may select a plurality of divided models DM to be combined by the combining process, based on a predetermined combination number that is set in advance as the number of divided models DM to be combined by the combining process. Specifically, the model dividing unit 211 may select the same number of divided models DM as the combination number as the plurality of divided models DM to be combined by the combining process.

[0193] Thereafter, the display control unit 213 controls the display device 25 to update the model split screen 250 in accordance with the selection of the multiple split models DM to be combined by the combining process (step S24a). Specifically, the display control unit 213 generates display data for controlling the display device 25 to display the updated model split screen 250, and outputs the generated display data to the display device 25. The display device 25 displays the updated model split screen 250 based on the display data generated by the display control unit 213.

[0194] For example, as shown in Fig. 22 which shows an updated model division screen 250, the display control unit 213 may update the model division screen 250 so that multiple divided models DM that should be combined by the combining process can be distinguished from other divided models DM that should not be combined by the combining process. Furthermore, the display control unit 213 may update the model division screen 250 so as to display information regarding the number of connections. In the example shown in Fig. 22, the number of connections is 5, but the number of connections may be 4 or less or 6 or more.

[0195] 20 , the model division unit 211 then determines whether to perform a combining process to combine multiple divided models DM, the number of which is equal to the preset number of combinations (step S25a). That is, the model division unit 211 determines whether to perform a combining process to combine multiple divided models DM that are to be combined by the combining process and are displayed on the model division screen 250 updated in step S24a (step S25a). For example, the model division unit 211 may determine to perform the combining process when it receives input information (in other words, instruction information) from the user instructing the control information generating device 2 to perform the combining process. As an example, as shown in FIG. 22 , the model division screen 250 may include a combine button 257a that the user can press to instruct the control information generating device 2 to perform the combining process. In this case, when the user presses the combine button 257a, the model division unit 211 may determine to perform the combining process.

[0196] As a result of the determination in step S25a, if it is determined that the combining process should be performed to combine the same number of divided models DM as the preset combining number (step S25a: Yes), the model dividing unit 211 performs the combining process to combine the same number of divided models DM as the preset combining number (step S26a). That is, the model dividing unit 211 performs the combining process to combine the multiple divided models DM that are to be combined by the combining process and are displayed on the model division screen 250 updated in step S24a (step S26a).

[0197] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S25a that the combining process for combining the same number of divided models DM as the preset number of connections is not to be performed (step S25a: Yes), the model dividing unit 211 may perform the combining process for combining the same number of divided models DM as the number of connections specified by the user (step S27a). In this case, the user may specify the number of connections using the model division screen 250. For example, as shown in FIG. 22 , if the model division screen 250 includes a text box 258a for specifying the number of connections, the user may specify the number of connections by inputting the number of connections in the text box 258a. Thereafter, the model dividing unit 211 selects the same number of divided models DM as the number of connections specified by the user, and performs the combining process for combining the selected multiple divided models DM.

[0198] Alternatively, if the result of the judgment in step S25a is that it is determined that the combining process will not be performed to combine multiple divided models DM in the same number as the preset number of combinations (step S25a: Yes), the model dividing unit 211 does not need to perform the combining process.

[0199] Thereafter, the display control unit 213 controls the display device 25 to update the model split screen 250 in accordance with the combination of the multiple split models DM by the combination process (step S28a). Specifically, the display control unit 213 generates display data for controlling the display device 25 to display the updated model split screen 250, and outputs the generated display data to the display device 25. The display device 25 displays the updated model split screen 250 based on the display data generated by the display control unit 213.

[0200] For example, as shown in FIG. 23 illustrating the updated model division screen 250, the display control unit 213 may update the model division screen 250 so that the combined model CM generated as a new divided model DM by the combining process is displayed on the model display screen 251. Furthermore, since there is a high possibility that the modeling time will be shortened by the combining process as described above, the display control unit 213 may update the model division screen 250 so that the modeling time is updated. In this case, the control information generation unit 212 may recalculate the modeling time based on the multiple divided models DM including the combined model CM generated in step S26a or S27a. The display control unit 213 may update the model division screen 250 so that the modeling time recalculated by the control information generation unit 212 is displayed. As a result, the user can recognize the change in the modeling time due to the combining process.

[0201] Generally, when at least two division models DM are combined, the amount of the idiosyncratic part DM_defect may increase compared to when at least two division models DM are not combined. Therefore, the display control unit 213 may update the model division screen 250 so that the idiosyncratic part DM_defect is displayed in association with multiple division models DM, in order to allow the user to recognize the change in the amount of the idiosyncratic part DM_defect due to the combining process. As a result, the user can confirm the change in the amount of the idiosyncratic part DM_defect by comparing the model division screen 250 (particularly, the display of the idiosyncratic part DM_defect) before the combining process and the model division screen 250 (particularly, the display of the idiosyncratic part DM_defect) after the combining process. If the amount of the idiosyncratic part DM_defect occurring after the combining process is not within the user's tolerance, the model dividing unit 211 may redo the combining process.

[0202] Alternatively, if the amount of the peculiar part DM_defect occurring after the combining process is not within the user's tolerance, the model dividing unit 211 may perform a re-division process to divide the divided model DM (i.e., the combined model CM) generated by the combining process into multiple divided models DM. For example, when the model dividing unit 211 receives input information (in other words, instruction information) from the user instructing the control information generating device 2 to perform the re-division process, the model dividing unit 211 may determine to perform the re-division process to divide the combined model CM into multiple divided models DM. As an example, as shown in FIG. 22 , the model division screen 250 may include a re-division button 259a that the user can press when the user instructs the control information generating device 2 to perform the re-division process to divide the combined model CM into multiple divided models DM. In this case, when the user presses the re-division button 259a, the model dividing unit 211 may determine to perform the re-division process to divide the combined model CM into multiple divided models DM.

[0203] As described above, in the first modification, if a plurality of division models DM generated from an object model OM do not satisfy the user's requirements, the control information generating device 2 can perform a combining process to combine at least two division models DM instead of redoing the division process using the object model OM. As a result, the control information generating device 2 does not need to redo the division process using the object model OM multiple times. Therefore, compared to redoing the division process using the object model OM, the control information generating device 2 can shorten the time required to generate a division model DM that does not include a singular part DM_defect or in which the amount of the singular part DM_defect does not exceed the allowable amount.

[0204] Furthermore, in the first variant, because a combining process is performed, the control information generating device 2 can divide the object model OM into multiple divided models DM so as to reduce the amount of singular parts DM_defect without increasing the number of divided models DM generated by the dividing process and combining process more than necessary.

[0205] As described above, dividing the object model OM into an excessive number of divided models DM can reliably reduce the number of peculiar parts DM_defect. However, the greater the number of divided models DM, the longer the modeling time required to form the three-dimensional structure ST. In particular, in the modeling operation using the above-described simultaneous five-axis machining, the movement of the stage 131 becomes complex, which tends to lengthen the modeling time. However, in the first modified example, the number of divided models DM generated by the dividing process and the combining process is not increased more than necessary. Therefore, the processing apparatus 1 can form a three-dimensional structure ST with a small number of defective modeling parts ST_defect or no defective modeling parts ST_defect, without unnecessarily extending the modeling time. In other words, the processing apparatus 1 can appropriately form the three-dimensional structure ST in a relatively short modeling time.

[0206] As described above, such an effect of shortening the modeling time is particularly effective in modeling operations using simultaneous 5-axis machining, in which the modeling time becomes longer as the number of divided models DM increases. Therefore, the control information generating device 2 of the first modified example may be used for a machining device that performs modeling operations using simultaneous 5-axis machining. In this case, when a user desires to shorten the modeling time, the control information generating device 2 may shorten the modeling time by performing the division operation shown in FIG. 20 described above (particularly, the division operation including the combining process). On the other hand, when a user does not desire to shorten the modeling time, the control information generating device 2 may divide the object model OM into multiple divided models DM by performing a division operation different from the division operation shown in FIG. 20 described above (for example, a division operation including the division process but not the combining process). In other words, the division operation shown in FIG. 20 (particularly, the division operation including the combining process) may function as a user-selectable option.

[0207] Furthermore, in the first modified example, as described above, in addition to the combining process, the control information generating device 2 may perform a re-division process in which the division model DM (i.e., the combined model CM) generated by the combining process is divided into multiple division models DM. That is, if the generated multiple division models DM (including the combined model CM) do not satisfy the user's requirements, the control information generating device 2 can perform at least one of the combining process and the re-division process instead of redoing the division process using the object model OM. As a result, the control information generating device 2 does not need to redo the division process using the object model OM multiple times. Therefore, compared to redoing the division process using the object model OM, the control information generating device 2 can shorten the time required to generate a division model DM that does not include a singular part DM_defect or in which the amount of the singular part DM_defect does not exceed the allowable amount. Furthermore, the control information generating device 2 can combine, as necessary, a combination process that combines at least two already-generated division models DM and a re-division process that re-divides the already-generated division models DM (including the combined model CM), thereby increasing the likelihood of generating a division model DM that does not contain a singular part DM_defect or in which the amount of the singular part DM_defect does not exceed the allowable amount, compared to when neither the combination process nor the re-division process is performed.

[0208] (4-2) Second Modification In the above description, the control information generating device 2 acquires an object model OM (step S1 in FIG. 10 ), divides the object model OM into a plurality of division models DM (step S2 in FIG. 10 ), and generates processing control information based on the plurality of division models DM (step S3 in FIG. 10 ). In other words, a single piece of software executed by a single device, the control information generating device 2, acquires an object model OM (step S1 in FIG. 10 ), divides the object model OM into a plurality of division models DM (step S2 in FIG. 10 ), and generates processing control information based on the plurality of division models DM (step S3 in FIG. 10 ). However, a first device may acquire an object model OM (step S1 in FIG. 10 ), a second device, which may be the same as or different from the first device, may divide the object model OM into a plurality of division models DM (step S2 in FIG. 10 ), and a third device, which may be the same as or different from at least one of the first and second devices, may generate processing control information based on the plurality of division models DM (step S3 in FIG. 10 ). In other words, the object model OM may be acquired by first software (step S1 in FIG. 10 ), the object model OM may be divided into a plurality of division models DM by second software, which may be the same as or different from the first software (step S2 in FIG. 10 ), and processing control information may be generated based on the plurality of division models DM by third software, which may be the same as or different from at least one of the first and second software (step S3 in FIG. 10 ).

[0209] As an example, the control information generating device 2 may divide the object model OM into a plurality of division models DM, but may not generate processing control information based on the plurality of division models DM. In this case, the control information generating device 2 may be considered to function as a modeling device that divides the object model OM into a plurality of division models DM. The computer program executed by the arithmetic unit 21 of the control information generating device 2 may be considered to be modeling software that causes the control information generating device 2 to function as a modeling device. In this case, a control information generating device different from the control information generating device 2 may generate processing control information based on the plurality of division models DM generated by the control information generating device 2.

[0210] (4-3) Third Modification In the above description, the machining system SYS includes a single machining apparatus 1. However, the machining system SYS may include a plurality of machining apparatuses 1. In this case, the control information generating device 2 may separately generate first machining control information for controlling a first machining apparatus 1 among the plurality of machining apparatuses 1 and second machining control information for controlling a second machining apparatus 1 different from the first machining apparatus 1 among the plurality of machining apparatuses 1. However, the control information generating device 2 may generate common machining control information that can be used as the first machining control information for controlling the first machining apparatus 1 and as the second machining control information for controlling the second machining apparatus 1.

[0211] As described above, the allowable upper limit angle θmax used to divide the object model OM into the multiple division models DM is a unique parameter associated with the processing device 1. Therefore, when the processing system SYS includes multiple processing devices 1, the control information generating device 2 may acquire multiple allowable upper limit angles θmax associated with the multiple processing devices 1, respectively. The multiple allowable upper limit angles θmax associated with the multiple processing devices 1 may be different from each other. In this case, the control information generating device 2 may divide the first object model OM, which indicates the three-dimensional shape of the three-dimensional structure ST to be formed by the first processing device 1, into multiple first division models DM, using the first allowable upper limit angle θmax associated with the first processing device 1, and generate first processing control information for controlling the first processing device 1 based on the multiple first division models DM. Furthermore, the control information generating device 2 may use a second allowable upper limit angle θmax associated with the second processing device 1 to divide the second object model OM, which indicates the three-dimensional shape of the three-dimensional structure ST to be formed by the second processing device 1, into a plurality of second division models DM, and generate second processing control information for controlling the second processing device 1 based on the plurality of second division models DM.

[0212] The multiple processing devices 1 may include at least two processing devices 1 manufactured by the same manufacturer. In this case, the at least two allowable upper limit angles θmax associated with the at least two processing devices 1 manufactured by the same manufacturer may be different from each other. In this case, the control information generating device 2 may generate at least two pieces of processing control information for respectively controlling the at least two processing devices 1 manufactured by the same manufacturer.

[0213] The multiple processing devices 1 may include at least two processing devices 1 manufactured by at least two different manufacturers. In this case, the at least two allowable upper limit angles θmax associated with the at least two processing devices 1 manufactured by the at least two different manufacturers may be different from each other. In this case, the control information generating device 2 may generate at least two pieces of processing control information for controlling the at least two processing devices 1 manufactured by the at least two different manufacturers.

[0214] The manufacturer that manufactures the processing device 1 may sell and / or manage the control information generating device 2. The manufacturer that manufactures the processing device 1 may sell and / or manage the computer program (i.e., software) executed by the control information generating device 2. A company different from the manufacturer that manufactures the processing device 1 may sell and / or manage the control information generating device 2. A company different from the manufacturer that manufactures the processing device 1 may sell and / or manage the computer program (i.e., software) executed by the control information generating device 2.

[0215] (4-4) Fourth Modification In the above description, in step S21 of FIG. 12 , the model dividing unit 211 performs the division process when the user acquires input information (in other words, instruction information) for instructing the control information generating device 2 to perform the division process. However, the model dividing unit 211 may automatically perform the division process of step S21 of FIG. 12 without acquiring input information from the user. In other words, the model dividing unit 211 may automatically perform the division process of step S21 of FIG. 12 without a user instruction to perform the division process. As an example, the model dividing unit 211 may automatically perform the division process of step S21 of FIG. 12 when it acquires an object model OM.

[0216] In the above description, in step S24 of FIG. 12 , the model division unit 211 performs the re-division processing when the user acquires input information (in other words, instruction information) for instructing the control information generating device 2 to perform the re-division processing. However, the model division unit 211 may automatically perform the re-division processing of step S24 of FIG. 12 without acquiring input information from the user. That is, the model division unit 211 may automatically perform the re-division processing of step S24 of FIG. 12 without a user instruction to perform the re-division processing. As an example, the model division unit 211 may automatically perform the re-division processing of step S24 of FIG. 12 following the division processing of step S21 of FIG. 12 . In this case, the model division unit 211 may repeatedly perform the re-division processing of step S24 of FIG. 12 until the amount of the singular portion DM_defect becomes equal to or less than the allowable amount. The model division unit 211 may repeatedly perform the re-division processing of step S24 of FIG. 12 until the singular portion DM_defect disappears.

[0217] As an example, the model dividing unit 211 may automatically perform the dividing process of step S21 in Fig. 12 without a user instruction to perform the dividing process, and then automatically perform the re-dividing process of step S24 in Fig. 12 without a user instruction to perform the re-dividing process. In this case, the user does not need to input input information to the control information generating device 2 to instruct the control information generating device 2 to perform the dividing process and the re-dividing process.

[0218] As another example, the model division unit 211 may perform the division process of step S21 in Fig. 12 after acquiring input information with which the user instructs the control information generating device 2 to perform the division process, and then automatically perform the re-division process of step S24 in Fig. 12 without a user instruction to perform the re-division process. As another example, the model division unit 211 may automatically perform the division process of step S21 in Fig. 12 without a user instruction to perform the re-division process, and then perform the re-division process of step S24 in Fig. 12 after acquiring input information with which the user instructs the control information generating device 2 to perform the re-division process.

[0219] (4-5) Fifth Modification In the fifth modification, the model dividing unit 211 may perform a division process that divides the object model OM into a plurality of division models DM using a computational model. The computational model may be a computational model that, when the object model OM is input (for example, when feature quantities of the object model OM are input), outputs a plurality of ideal division models DM that should be generated from the object model OM (for example, outputs feature quantities of a plurality of ideal division models DM). In this case, the model dividing unit 211 may divide the object model OM into a plurality of division models DM by inputting the object model OM into the computational model.

[0220] The computational model may be a learning model that can be learned by machine learning (in other words, an AI (Artificial Intelligence) model). An example of a learning model that can be learned by machine learning is a learning model that uses a neural network. In this case, the computational model may be learned by machine learning using a learning dataset that includes a sample model that indicates the three-dimensional shape of a sample object and a plurality of pieces of learning data that include ground truth labels that indicate ideal segmentation results of the sample model (i.e., information on ideal multiple segmentation models that should be generated by segmenting the sample object).

[0221] The training data set may include training data including an object model OM that has actually been subjected to a segmentation process (and further to a re-segmentation process, if necessary; the same applies hereinafter in the fifth modified example) based on a user's instruction, and a correct answer label indicating the result of the segmentation process based on the user's instruction (i.e., information on multiple segmentation models DM actually generated by the segmentation process based on the user's instruction). In this case, the trained computational model substantially reflects the user's request. Therefore, the computational model can generate multiple segmentation models DM that satisfy the user's request from the object model OM. For example, the trained computational model can generate multiple segmentation models DM from the object model OM in a number that satisfies the user's request.

[0222] (4-6) Other Modifications In the above description, the processing apparatus 1 melts the shaping material M by irradiating the shaping material M with the processing light EL. However, the processing apparatus 1 may melt the shaping material M by irradiating the shaping material M with any energy beam. Examples of any energy beam include at least one of a charged particle beam and an electromagnetic wave. Examples of a charged particle beam include at least one of an electron beam and an ion beam. [Supplementary Note 1] A display method including: displaying a plurality of first division models obtained by dividing an object model representing a three-dimensional shape of at least a portion of an object to be shaped by additive processing by the processing apparatus, together with a portion of the first division model as a singular portion; and displaying a plurality of re-division models obtained by further dividing at least one of the first division models including the singular portion based on a user input, and the first division model not subjected to the second division process, as a plurality of second division models. [Supplementary Note 2] A display method comprising: displaying a plurality of first division models obtained by dividing an object model that indicates the three-dimensional shape of at least a part of an object to be formed by additive processing by a processing device; and displaying, together with the plurality of first division models, a part of the first division model that may cause a defect in forming by the processing device based on the first division model as a unique part, wherein the unique part is a part that extends in a direction that is at least a predetermined angle with respect to the stacking direction when it is assumed that the object is formed by the processing device based on the first division model. [Supplementary Note 3] A display method comprising: displaying a plurality of first division models obtained by dividing an object model that indicates the three-dimensional shape of at least a part of an object to be formed by additive processing by a processing device; and displaying a combined model in which at least two or more of the first division models are combined based on user input, and the first division models in which the combination has not been performed.

[0223] At least some of the constituent elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined with at least some of the other constituent elements of each of the above-described embodiments. Some of the constituent elements of each of the above-described embodiments may not be used. Furthermore, to the extent permitted by law, the disclosures of all publications and U.S. patents cited in each of the above-described embodiments are incorporated herein by reference.

[0224] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims and the gist or idea of ​​the invention as can be read from the entire specification, and information processing methods, information processing devices, computer programs, processing methods and processing devices that involve such modifications are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0225] SYS Machining system 1 Machining device 2 Control information generating device 211 Model division unit 212 Control information generating unit 213 Display control unit 25 Display device 250 Model division screen W Workpiece ST Three-dimensional structure DST Divided structure ST_defect Defectively formed part OM Object model DM Divided model DM_defect Singular part

Claims

1. performing a first division process of dividing an object model representing a three-dimensional shape of at least a part of an object to be formed by additive processing by a processing device into a plurality of first divided models; generating first display data for displaying, on a display device, the object model configured from the plurality of first division models and a part of the first division models as a singular part; performing a second division process for further dividing at least one of the first divided models including the singular portion based on an input from a user to generate a plurality of re-divided models; generating second display data for displaying the plurality of second division models on the display device, using the plurality of re-division models and the first division model on which the second division processing has not been performed as a plurality of second division models; An information processing method including:

2. The unique portion is a part of the first divided model that may cause a defect in forming by the processing device based on the first divided model. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. The unique portion is a part of the first divided model that may not satisfy a predetermined quality condition when formed by the processing device based on the first divided model. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

4. The second division process is performed so as to reduce at least one of the number and volume of the unique portions.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The unique portion is a portion that extends in a direction at a predetermined angle or more with respect to the stacking direction when it is assumed that the object is formed by the processing device based on the first division model. The information processing method according to claim 2 .

6. The display of the unique portion varies depending on the angle extending with respect to the stacking direction. The information processing method according to claim 5 .

7. the first division model includes at least a first partial model and a second partial model; The stacking direction includes a first stacking direction of the first partial model and a second stacking direction of the second partial model. The information processing method according to claim 5 .

8. The unique portion includes a portion of the first partial model that forms an angle equal to or greater than a predetermined angle with respect to the first stacking direction, and a portion of the second partial model that forms an angle equal to or greater than a predetermined angle with respect to the second stacking direction. The information processing method according to claim 7.

9. At least one of the stacking directions of the plurality of subdivided models is different from the first stacking direction. The information processing device according to claim 7 .

10. The information processing method further includes acquiring the object model before performing the first segmentation process.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The information processing method further includes acquiring input information from the user before performing the second division process.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The singular portion is a first singular portion, and the second display data includes data for displaying a part of the second divided model as a second singular portion on the display device.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

13. The second unique portion is a portion that extends in a direction at a predetermined angle or more with respect to the stacking direction when it is assumed that the object is formed by the processing device based on the second division model. The information processing method according to claim 12.

14. the object model is a first object model, the information processing method further includes performing a third division process for dividing a second object model indicating a three-dimensional shape of at least a part of the object into a third division model corresponding to a part of the object whose shape satisfies a first shape condition and a fourth division model corresponding to another part of the object whose shape satisfies a second shape condition different from the first shape condition; Performing the first division process includes performing the first division process using the fourth division model as the first object model.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

15. The plurality of first division models generated in the first division process include a third partial model corresponding to a part of the object whose shape satisfies a first shape condition, and a fourth partial model corresponding to another part of the object whose shape satisfies a second shape condition different from the first shape condition.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

16. the first shape condition includes a condition that a curvature of the object along an extension direction of the object is less than a predetermined rate; The second shape condition includes a condition that the curvature along the extension direction is equal to or greater than a predetermined rate. The information processing method according to claim 14.

17. The extension direction is a direction along a stacking direction when it is assumed that the object is formed by the processing device based on the first division model.

17. The information processing method according to claim 16.

18. The information processing method further includes generating third display data for displaying, on the display device, information regarding a time required for the processing device to form the object.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

19. The information processing method further includes performing a processing control information generation process to generate processing control information indicating a processing path for shaping by the processing device based on the second division model.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

20. An information processing device that generates information by the information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

21. A processing method for performing a modeling operation with the processing device based on the processing control information generated by the information processing method according to claim 19.

22. A processing device that performs processing based on the processing control information generated by the information processing method according to claim 19.

23. performing a first division process for dividing an object model that indicates a three-dimensional shape of at least a part of an object to be formed by additive processing using a processing device into a plurality of first divided models; generating first display data for displaying, on a display device, a part of the first divided models, which may cause a defect in molding by the processing device based on the first divided models, as a peculiar part, together with the object model constituted by the plurality of first divided models; Including, The unique portion is a portion that extends in a direction at a predetermined angle or more with respect to the stacking direction when it is assumed that the object is formed by the processing device based on the first division model. Information processing methods.

24. The information processing method further includes performing a second division process to further divide at least one of the first division models including the singular portion based on an input by a user to generate a plurality of re-divided models.

24. The information processing method according to claim 23.

25. The information processing method further includes performing a second segmentation process to further segment the singular portion to generate a plurality of sub-segmentation models based on an input from a user.

24. The information processing method according to claim 23.

26. The information processing method further includes performing the first division process again to divide the object model into a new plurality of first division models based on an input by a user.

24. The information processing method according to claim 23.

27. The information processing method further includes generating second display data for displaying the object model configured from the plurality of second division models on the display device, the plurality of re-division models and the first division model not subjected to the second division processing as a plurality of second division models.

26. The information processing method according to claim 24 or 25.

28. performing a division process for dividing an object model that indicates a three-dimensional shape of at least a part of an object to be formed by additive processing using a processing device into a plurality of first divided models; generating first display data for displaying the object model configured from the plurality of first divided models; performing a combining process for combining at least two or more of the first divided models to generate a combined model based on a user input; generating third display data for displaying the object model configured from the plurality of fifth divided models on a display device, the combined model and the first divided models that have not been subjected to the combining process as a plurality of fifth divided models; An information processing method including:

29. The first display data includes data for displaying first time information, which is a time required for the processing device to form the object, together with the object model configured from the plurality of first divided models.

29. The information processing method according to claim 28.

30. The first time information is calculated based on the plurality of first division models.

30. The information processing method according to claim 29.

31. the combining process is performed so as to shorten the time based on the first time information.

31. The information processing method according to claim 29 or 30.

32. The third display data includes data for displaying second time information required for the processing device to form the object, together with the object model configured of the plurality of fifth divided models.

31. The information processing method according to any one of claims 28 to 30.

33. The second time information is calculated based on the plurality of fifth division models.

33. The information processing method according to claim 32.

34. the first display data includes data for displaying a part of the first divided model as a first singular part on a display device; The third display data includes data for displaying a part of the fifth divided model as a third singular part on a display device.

31. The information processing method according to any one of claims 28 to 30.

35. The information processing method includes: selecting at least two or more first segmented models to be combined by the combining process; displaying information about the number of first divided models that can be combined by the combining process; Further comprising: The combining process includes a process of combining the first division models, the number of which is indicated by the combination number information, including the selected at least two or more first division models.

31. The information processing method according to any one of claims 28 to 30.

36. The information processing method further includes acquiring information regarding whether or not the number of first divided models indicated by the connection number information can be connected; The joining process includes: When the user permits the combination of the number of first division models indicated by the combination number information, performing the combination process including a process of combining the number of first division models indicated by the combination number information, including the selected at least two or more first division models; performing the combining process, which includes a process of combining the number of first division models designated by the user, including the selected at least two or more first division models, when the user does not permit combining the number of first division models indicated by the combining number information; 36. The information processing method according to claim 35, comprising:

37. The information processing method further includes performing a processing control information generation process to generate processing control information indicating a processing path for modeling by the processing device based on the fifth division model.

31. The information processing method according to any one of claims 28 to 30.

38. An information processing device that generates information by the information processing method according to any one of claims 28 to 30.

39. A processing method for performing modeling by the processing device based on the processing control information generated by the information processing method according to claim 37.

40. A processing device that performs processing based on the processing control information generated by the information processing method according to claim 37.

41. A computer program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 23 to 26, and 28 to 30.

42. performing a first division process of dividing an object model representing a three-dimensional shape of at least a part of an object to be formed by additive processing by a processing device into a plurality of first divided models; performing a second division process for further dividing at least one of the first divided models including a singular portion to generate a plurality of re-divided models; generating the object model configured from the plurality of second division models by using the plurality of re-division models and the first division model that has not been subjected to the second division processing as a plurality of second division models; An information processing method including:

43. the object model is input by a user; At least one of the first division process and the second division process is performed without a user instruction.

43. The information processing method according to claim 42.

44. The information processing method further includes acquiring first instruction information regarding division input by a user; Performing the first division process includes performing the first division process after obtaining the first instruction information.

43. The information processing method according to claim 42.

45. The information processing method further includes acquiring second instruction information regarding subdivision input by a user; Performing the second division process includes performing the second division process after obtaining the second instruction information.

45. The information processing method according to claim 42 or 44.

46. A processing method for processing an object based on information generated based on the object model configured from the plurality of second division models generated by the information processing method according to any one of claims 42 to 44.

47. The information generated based on the object model configured with the plurality of second division models includes processing control information indicating a processing path in shaping by the processing device based on the second division models.

47. The processing method according to claim 46.

48. The processing control information is generated by performing a slice process to divide each of the plurality of second divided models into a plurality of layered models.

48. The processing method according to claim 47.

49. A processing device that processes an object based on information generated based on the object model configured from the plurality of second division models generated by the information processing method according to any one of claims 42 to 44.

50. The information generated based on the object model configured with the plurality of second division models includes processing control information indicating a processing path in shaping by the processing device based on the second division models.

50. The processing device according to claim 49.

51. The processing control information is generated by performing a slice process to divide each of the plurality of second divided models into a plurality of layered models.

51. The processing device according to claim 50.