Structure manufacturing method, estimation method, estimation device, program, structure, information processing method, and information processing device

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a structure manufacturing method capable of appropriately managing the state of a structure. [Solution] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a structure. This manufacturing method comprises a formation step and an installation step. In the formation step, a curable material, which is a powder or paste material, to be mineralized via a hydration reaction, a polymerization reaction, or firing is ejected from a 3D printer to form a shaped object. In the installation step, a sensor is installed in the shaped object during the formation step, and a structure in which the sensor is integrated with the cured body of the shaped object is obtained.

Description

Structure manufacturing method, estimation method, estimation device, program, structure, information processing method, and information processing device

[0001] The present invention relates to a manufacturing method, an estimation method, an estimation device, a program, a structure, an information processing method, and an information processing device for a structure.

[0002] In recent years, methods for forming objects using hydraulic materials such as cement and gypsum and additive manufacturing devices have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an additive manufacturing method that can stably produce objects with delicate and diverse designs even when the hydration of a cementitious mixture progresses and the fluidity of the mixture decreases.

[0003] Meanwhile, there are known methods for estimating the deterioration of concrete structures, etc. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a method for estimating the chloride ion concentration in a reinforced concrete structure using a corrosion sensor embedded in the RC structure.

[0004] JP 2018-122539 A JP 2019-74410 A

[0005] It is desirable that structures obtained by additive manufacturing processes such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1 be used stably for a long period of time. From this perspective, there is a need to appropriately manage the condition of the structures.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a structure that allows the state to be appropriately managed.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a structure. The method includes a forming step and an installation step. In the forming step, a 3D printer ejects a hardening material, which is a powder or paste material that mineralizes via a hydration reaction, a polymerization reaction, or a calcination, to form a shaped object. In the installation step, a sensor is installed in the shaped object during the forming step, and a structure is obtained in which the sensor is integrated with the hardened body of the shaped object.

[0008] According to the above aspect, a method for manufacturing a structure that can appropriately manage its condition is provided.

[0009] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an estimation system 100. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an estimation device 1. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the estimation device 1. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a structure 2. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a process for manufacturing the structure 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the overall information processing system. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a server 6. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the server 6. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining manufacturing conditions that can be acquired by a terminal device 7A. FIG. 10 is an activity diagram showing the flow of information processing in a second embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on each embodiment. Note that the various features shown in each embodiment can be combined with each other.

[0011] First Embodiment First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0012] [Method for Manufacturing a Structure] That is, the manufacturing method according to this embodiment is as follows. Note that a structure manufactured by such a manufacturing method can constitute part of the estimation system described below. A method for manufacturing a structure, comprising: a forming step; and an installing step; in the forming step, a shaped object is formed by ejecting, from a 3D printer, a hardening material that is a powder or paste material that mineralizes via a hydration reaction, a polymerization reaction, or firing; and in the installing step, a sensor is installed in the shaped object during the shaped object forming step, and a structure is obtained in which the sensor is integrated with the hardened body of the shaped object.

[0013] Incidentally, the program for realizing the software appearing in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, or may be provided so as to be downloadable from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is started on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

[0014] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the term "unit" may include, for example, a combination of hardware resources implemented by a circuit in the broad sense and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. Furthermore, in this embodiment, various types of information are handled, and this information is represented, for example, by physical values ​​of signal values ​​representing voltages and currents, high and low signal values ​​as a binary bit group consisting of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculations can be performed on a circuit in the broad sense.

[0015] Furthermore, a circuit in the broad sense is a circuit realized by at least an appropriate combination of a circuit, circuitry, a processor, a memory, etc. That is, it includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), etc.

[0016] 1.1 Overall Configuration In this section, the overall configuration of the estimation system 100 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the estimation system 100.

[0017] The estimation system 100 of this embodiment is a system used to estimate the state of a structure 2. For convenience, in this specification, the estimation system 100 will be considered to include the structure 2.

[0018] The estimation system 100 of this embodiment includes an estimation device 1 and a structure 2. The estimation device 1 may be referred to as an "information processing device" because it is a device that executes predetermined information processing. In the first embodiment, the estimation device 1 (information processing device) is illustrated as a standalone computer, but the "estimation device" and "information processing device" are not limited to a single device or computer, and may be a combination of multiple devices or computers. The structure 2 also includes a measurement module 3 including a sensor 31, which will be described later. The measurement module 3 is configured to be able to communicate with the estimation device 1. The communication line for this communication includes the Internet, wireless, etc., and mediates the exchange of data between devices connected to the line. The system exemplified by the estimation system 100 is composed of one or more devices or components.

[0019] 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the estimation device 1. The estimation device 1 has a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input unit 13, a display unit 14, and a communication unit 15, and is configured by electrically connecting these units via a communication bus 10. Each unit included in the estimation device 1 will be described below.

[0020] (Controller 11) The controller 11 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) not shown. The controller 11 realizes various functions related to the estimation device 1 by reading out predetermined programs stored in the memory unit 12. In other words, information processing by software stored in the memory unit 12 is specifically realized by the controller 11, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the controller 11. These will be described in detail later. Note that the controller 11 is not limited to being single, and the controller 11 may be implemented by having multiple controllers 11 for each function. Alternatively, a combination of these may be used.

[0021] (Storage Unit 12) The storage unit 12 stores various pieces of information defined above. This can be implemented, for example, as a storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) that stores various programs and the like related to the estimation device 1 executed by the control unit 11, or as a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily required information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to the program calculations. The storage unit 12 stores various programs, variables, etc. related to the estimation device 1 executed by the control unit 11.

[0022] (Input Unit 13) The input unit 13 may be included in the housing of the estimation device 1 or may be externally attached. For example, the input unit 13 may be implemented as a touch panel integrated with the display unit 14. The touch panel allows the user to input tapping, swiping, and the like. Of course, a switch button, a mouse, a QWERTY keyboard, or the like may be used instead of the touch panel. That is, the input unit 13 accepts an operation input made by the user. The input is transferred as a command signal to the control unit 11 via the communication bus 10, and the control unit 11 can execute predetermined control or calculation as necessary.

[0023] (Display Unit 14) The display unit 14 may be, for example, included in the housing of the estimation device 1 or may be externally attached. The display unit 14 displays a graphical user interface (GUI) screen that can be operated by a user. This is preferably implemented by selectively using display devices such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and a plasma display depending on the type of the estimation device 1.

[0024] (Communication Unit 15) The communication unit 15 is configured to be able to transmit various electrical signals from the estimation device 1 to external components. The communication unit 15 is also configured to be able to receive various electrical signals from the external components to the estimation device 1. Note that the communication unit 15 may have a network communication function, which allows various pieces of information to be communicated between the estimation device 1 and external devices via a communication line.

[0025] [Functional Configuration of Estimation Device 1] Here, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the estimation device 1. Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the estimation device 1. As described above, information processing by software (stored in the storage unit 12) is specifically realized by hardware (control unit 11), and can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 11.

[0026] Specifically, the control unit 11 of the estimation device 1 may include, as functional units, an acquisition unit 111, an estimation unit 112, an output unit 113, a warning unit 114, and a memory management unit 115. Note that these functional units may be increased or omitted as appropriate depending on the application to which the estimation device 1 is applied, etc.

[0027] (Acquisition unit 111) The acquisition unit 111 is configured to be able to execute an acquisition process. In the acquisition process, the acquisition unit 111 acquires various pieces of information from outside the estimation device 1. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 111 acquires a signal from a sensor (sensor 31) provided in the structure 2. Details will be described later.

[0028] (Estimation unit 112) The estimation unit 112 is configured to be able to execute an estimation process. In the estimation process, the estimation unit 112 estimates the state of the structure 2 based on the signals and parameters acquired by the acquisition unit 111. Details will be described later.

[0029] (Output Unit 113) The output unit 113 is configured to be able to execute an output process. In the output process, the output unit 113 generates various output objects. In a typical embodiment, the output objects are configured to be recognizable by a user or the like. As an example, the output unit 113 creates display information and controls it so that it is visible to a user or the like. Note that the display information may be visual information itself, such as a screen, an image, an icon, text, etc., generated in a manner that is visible to a user, or may be rendering information for displaying visual information, such as a screen, an image, an icon, text, etc., on various devices or terminals. The output unit 113 may also be configured to output auditory information, or a signal for driving a printing device or a specific device.

[0030] (Warning Unit 114) The warning unit 114 is configured to be able to execute a warning step. In the warning step, the warning unit 114 issues a predetermined warning based on the result of estimation (typically calculation) by the estimation unit 112. Details will be described later.

[0031] (Memory Management Unit 115) The memory management unit 115 is configured to be able to execute a memory management process. In the memory management process, the memory management unit 115 is configured to manage various pieces of information to be stored that are related to the estimation system 100 of this embodiment. Typically, the memory management unit 115 is configured to store information handled by the estimation device 1 in a memory area. This memory area is exemplified by the memory unit 12 of the estimation device 1 or the memory units of various devices and terminals, but this memory area does not necessarily have to be within the estimation system 100, and the memory management unit 115 can also manage various pieces of information to be stored in an external storage device or the like.

[0032] [Structure 2] The structure 2 is composed of a hardened body of a hardening material, which is a powder or paste material that mineralizes via a hydration reaction, a polymerization reaction, or a calcination, and the type of the hardening material does not matter. Such a structure 2 is obtained by first obtaining a model using a hardening material ejected from a 3D printer and then hardening the hardening material. In other words, the structure of this embodiment can be said to include a hardened body of an additive-modeled product of a hardening material, which is a powder or paste material that mineralizes via a hydration reaction, a polymerization reaction, or a calcination, and a sensor 31 provided in the hardened body.

[0033] The term "mineralization" refers to the transformation of the main component (the component that is most abundant by mass) into a hardened material that is an inorganic material. Typically, the shaped object is made of concrete, mortar, or ceramics. In a typical example, the hardened material is concrete or mortar.

[0034] A typical embodiment of such a structure 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the structure 2. As described above, the structure 2 can be made of a hardened material such as concrete or mortar, but is typically made of a stack of hardened body layers 20. Grooves are present between the hardened body layers 20 of multiple structures 2. A measurement module 3 is incorporated into the structure 2 shown in Fig. 4, and this measurement module 3 includes a sensor 31.

[0035] Such a sensor 31 may be selected from various sensors capable of detecting the state of the structure 2.

[0036] More specific examples of the sensor 31 include an acceleration sensor, a strain gauge, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a radiation sensor such as an optical sensor, an optical fiber (optical fiber cable), a vibration sensor, an acoustic emission (AE) sensor, a salinity sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a load cell, a gas sensor (carbon dioxide sensor), etc. Of course, the sensor 31 is not limited to these, and the type of sensor 31 may be appropriately selected depending on the items to be managed, etc.

[0037] The sensor 31 is usually used to detect a state quantity of the structure 2. The state quantity here can also be set as appropriate, but for example, the following state quantities may be detected. That is, the state quantities that the sensor 31 can detect may be displacement, deformation, vibration, load, temperature, humidity (moisture content), moisture penetration rate, chloride ion concentration, carbon dioxide concentration, etc. In addition, the type of state quantity to be detected may be changed as appropriate depending on the needs of the user, etc.

[0038] The sensor 31 may be installed at any location on the structure 2, and the number of sensors 31 included in the structure 2 may be two or more. More specifically, the sensor 31 may be arranged in the following manner (i) and / or manner (ii). In manner (i), the sensor evaluates a state quantity of the weather resistance of the structure, and is arranged near the surface of the structure. In manner (ii), the sensor evaluates a state quantity of the mechanical environment of the structure, and a plurality of sensors are distributed and arranged inside the structure. That is, assuming that sensors for evaluating the weather resistance of the structure 2, such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and salinity sensors, are arranged on the structure 2, it is desirable that these sensors be arranged near the surface of the structure 2. By arranging the sensor 31 near the surface of the structure 2 in this manner, changes in the structure 2 can be detected early. In this specification, "near the surface" is defined as follows, where T is the thickness of the structure 2 at the location where the sensor 31 is located. That is, "near the surface" may be a position within (1 / 3)T, within (1 / 4)T, or within (1 / 5)T from the surface. Furthermore, assuming that a plurality of sensors for evaluating the mechanical environment of the structure 2, such as strain gauges or pressure sensors, are disposed in the structure 2, it is preferable to dispose these sensors in a dispersed manner without uneven distribution within the structure 2. Note that "dispersed disposition" means that the sensors 31 are disposed at predetermined intervals within the structure 2, and the predetermined intervals may be at least twice, at least five times, at least eight times, or at least ten times the thickness of the hardened body layer 20. Furthermore, it is preferable to determine the type and placement locations of the sensors 31 depending on the location of the structure 2 (underground, in the atmosphere, underwater).

[0039] Furthermore, the type of sensor 31 included inside the structure 2 may be set according to the type of the structure 2. For example, if the structure 2 is a structure that includes reinforcing materials such as reinforcing bars, as will be described later, it is preferable to place sensors that detect humidity (amount of moisture) and chloride ion concentration, which may embrittle the reinforcing materials such as reinforcing bars. Of course, sensors that can detect other state quantities can also be added and combined with these.

[0040] The sensor 31 may also be connected to a power supply unit 32. Here, the power supply unit 32 is configured to supply power to the sensor 31. Such a power supply unit 32 may be appropriately selected from known power supply mechanisms. In a more typical example, the sensor 31 may be connected to a unit configured to receive power wirelessly as the power supply unit 32 and supply power to the sensor 31. The measurement module 3 may be partially exposed from the surface of the structure 2, or alternatively, the entire module may be enclosed within the structure 2. In the latter case, in order to supply power to the sensor 31, the power supply unit 32 may be configured to receive power wirelessly from outside the structure 2 and supply power to the sensor 31. Note that such a wirelessly powered power supply unit 32 is preferably located near the surface of the structure 2 for ease of communication from outside.

[0041] Furthermore, the power supply unit 32 may be a unit configured to be capable of generating power and configured to supply the generated power to the sensor 31. The power generation here may be, for example, a power generation method that utilizes a temperature difference within the structure 2 or a power generation method that utilizes the energy of vibrations to the structure 2. Note that the former power generation method that utilizes a temperature difference may utilize a temperature difference caused by geothermal or solar heat in the environment in which the structure 2 exists. In such a case, the power supply unit 32 may be located near the surface of the structure 2. Furthermore, power generation that utilizes the energy of vibrations to the structure 2 may be applied to applications in which the structure 2 is exposed to vibrations (for example, a deck slab installed on a highway).

[0042] The sensor 31 may also be connected to a wireless communication unit 33. Here, the wireless communication unit 33 is configured to transmit information acquired by the sensor 31 to the outside of the structure 2 (typically, to the estimation device 1). Note that a portion of the measurement module 3 may be exposed from the surface of the structure 2, and in that case, a wired communication unit such as a cable may be used instead of the wireless communication unit 33.

[0043] When installing such a wireless communication unit 33 in the structure 2, its location may be set depending on the type of the structure 2. For example, if the structure 2, as described below, is a structure that includes reinforcing materials such as rebars, it is preferable that the wireless communication unit 33 be placed so that the reinforcing materials do not interfere with communication. Specifically, it is preferable that the wireless communication unit 33 be placed so that when a straight line is drawn between the wireless communication unit 33 and the surface layer of the structure 2, no reinforcing materials such as rebars are present on the straight line.

[0044] 4, a repeater may be provided inside the structure 2. This repeater may be configured to relay communication between the wireless communication unit 33 and the outside of the structure 2. For example, when the sensor 31 and the wireless communication unit 33 are placed near the center of the structure 2 (for example, in a location that does not fall under the category of "near the surface"), such a repeater may be provided inside the structure 2 to ensure a communication environment. In such a case, the repeater may be installed near the surface of the structure 2.

[0045] 4, the sensor 31 may be connected to a power storage unit. The sensor 31 may be supplied with power by the power supply unit 32 as described above, but in preparation for cases where the amount of power supplied from the power supply unit 32 is unstable, power may be stored in a power storage unit in advance and the stored power may be supplied to the sensor 31 as appropriate. By providing a power storage unit in this manner, the sensor 31 can be operated stably, for example, when the sensor 31 continuously detects various state quantities. Note that such a power storage unit may be a capacitor or a secondary battery, and may be provided inside and / or outside the structure 2.

[0046] 1.2 Manufacturing Method of Structure 2 The structure 2 described above can be manufactured by, for example, carrying out the following steps. Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the process of manufacturing the structure 2.

[0047] (Formation Step) That is, the manufacturing method of the structure 2 of this embodiment includes, as a formation step, a step of forming a shaped object by ejecting from a 3D printer a hardening material, which is a powder or paste material that mineralizes via a hydration reaction, a polymerization reaction, or firing. That is, as shown in Fig. 5(a), a hardening material layer 21 is formed by ejecting the hardening material from a nozzle 41 provided in the 3D printer. Also, as shown in Fig. 5(b), a predetermined shaped object can be obtained by layering the hardening material (hardening material layer 21).

[0048] Such modeling can be performed using an additive manufacturing device (3D printer). The additive manufacturing device is a type of industrial robot that uses computer-generated 3D data as a design drawing to build up cross-sectional shapes to create a three-dimensional object. A commercially available additive manufacturing device or a known device can be used. More specifically, the above-described modeling can be performed by filling a tank provided in the additive manufacturing device with concrete or mortar and extruding the mortar material from a nozzle 41 provided in the additive manufacturing device. The desired shape may be achieved by moving the nozzle 41, or by moving the model or the stage on which the model is placed.

[0049] The shaped object may be a combination of materials different from the hardening material. For example, the shaped object may be a combination of a reinforcing material such as rebar with a hardening material, in which case the structure 2 also includes the reinforcing material such as rebar. The reinforcing material described in this specification may also be referred to as a reinforcing material, and is a material that can reinforce the strength (tensile strength, shear strength, etc.) of the structure 2. The structure of the shaped object is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 4 or the like, and may be any shape within the range of shapes that can be additively shaped.

[0050] The hardening material as described above may be, for example, a mortar containing a combination of materials selected from the following binder (A), fine aggregate (B), admixture (C), fibrous material (D), etc.

[0051] Binder (A) The hardening material of the present embodiment may contain a binder (A). Here, the binder (A) is a general term for inorganic materials that contribute to the development of strength in mortar or concrete.

[0052] Here, the binder (A) may contain a cement component (A1) selected from the group consisting of ordinary Portland cement, moderate-heat Portland cement, low-heat Portland cement, high-early-strength Portland cement, sulfate-resistant Portland cement, blast-furnace cement, and fly ash cement.

[0053] In addition, the binder (A) may contain an admixture (A2). This admixture (A2) may contain a component selected from the group consisting of fly ash, blast furnace slag (fine) powder, limestone (fine) powder, stone powder, silica fume, and an expansive material (lime composite expansive material). These admixtures (A2) are typically blended in combination with the aforementioned cement component (A1), but the binder (A) may also consist solely of these admixtures (A2).

[0054] These binders (A) may be used singly or in combination of two or more. When two or more binders are used in combination, binders having different particle sizes may be mixed.

[0055] Fine Aggregate (B) The hardened material of the present embodiment may contain fine aggregate (B). In the present embodiment, the fine aggregate (B) refers to aggregate that passes entirely through a 10 mm mesh sieve and 85% or more by mass passes through a 5 mm mesh sieve (JIS A 0203:2014).

[0056] The type of fine aggregate (B) may be appropriately determined depending on the application, etc. As an example, the fine aggregate (B) may contain one or more components selected from the group consisting of sand, mountain sand, land sand, sea sand, silica sand, crushed sand, and slag fine aggregate. These fine aggregates (B) may be used alone or in combination of two or more. When two or more types are used in combination, fine aggregates with different particle sizes may be mixed.

[0057] Thixotropic Admixture (C) The hardening material powder composition of this embodiment may contain a thixotropic admixture (C). This admixture (C) can contribute to improving the thixotropy of concrete or mortar. Note that the admixture (C) here does not fall under the category of the binder (A) or fine aggregate (B) described above, and refers to any agent that contributes to improving the thixotropy of the resulting concrete or mortar.

[0058] This admixture (C) may be appropriately selected from known materials capable of imparting the above-mentioned properties. As an example, the admixture (C) that imparts thixotropy may contain one or more components selected from the group consisting of cellulose, modified cellulose, minerals, nanofibers, urethane, xanthan gum, diutan gum, starch ether, guar gum, polyacrylamide, carrageenan gum, agar, protein, and latex.

[0059] Examples of modified cellulose that can be used as the admixture (C) of this embodiment include carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl cellulose. Although cellulose and the modified celluloses described above are usually in a fibrous form, they are highly effective in imparting thixotropy, and therefore are treated as the admixture (C) in this specification.

[0060] Examples of minerals that can be used as the admixture (C) of this embodiment include clay minerals such as attapulgite, bentonite, montmorillonite, kaolin, and sepiolite.

[0061] Examples of nanofibers that can be used as the admixture (C) of this embodiment include carbon nanofibers, cellulose nanofibers, etc. Although these nanofibers are usually in a fibrous form, they are highly effective in imparting thixotropy, and therefore are treated as the admixture (C) in this specification.

[0062] Examples of synthetic fibers that can be used as the admixture (C) of this embodiment include polyolefin compounds such as polypropylene and polyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinyl acetate.

[0063] Examples of urethanes that can be used as the admixture (C) of this embodiment include various urethane-based thickeners used as urethane-based associative thickeners. Examples of such urethane-based associative thickeners include "Thixostar" manufactured by Japan Materials Technology Co., Ltd., the "ADEKA NOL" series manufactured by ADEKA Corporation, and the "SN Thickener" series manufactured by San Nopco Ltd.

[0064] Examples of proteins that can be used as the admixture (C) of this embodiment include amino acid condensates having a predetermined molecular weight.

[0065] Examples of latexes that can be used as the admixture (C) of this embodiment include chloroprene rubber latex and acrylic latex.

[0066] Fiber Material (D) The curable material of this embodiment may also contain a fiber material (D). By appropriately incorporating this fiber material (D), it is possible to contribute to improving the strength of the resulting shaped object and to achieve a balance between lamination properties and pumpability. Note that the fiber material (D) in this specification does not fall under the category of the thickener (C).

[0067] The type of the fibrous material (D) can be appropriately selected. For example, the fibrous material (D) may include at least one fibrous material selected from the group consisting of metal fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, PP (polypropylene) fibers, PVA (polyvinyl acetate) fibers, PE (polyethylene) fibers, glass fibers, nylon fibers, and PBO (polybenzoxazole) fibers.

[0068] In addition, the fiber material (D) may include a fiber material of natural origin. Examples of such a fiber material of natural origin include fiber materials derived from plants and fiber materials derived from animals. Here, "plants" in the fiber material of plant origin include bamboo grass, bamboo, hemp, rice, wheat, etc., which can provide fiber materials industrially. Furthermore, "animals" in the fiber material of animal origin typically include sheep, etc.

[0069] The fiber length (average fiber length) of the fiber material (D) is preferably 1 to 30 mm, more preferably 3 to 25 mm, and most preferably 5 to 20 mm.

[0070] Other Components The hardened material of this embodiment may contain components other than the above-described components (A) to (D) in order to impart desired properties. Examples of other components include rheology modifiers, antifoaming agents, water-reducing agents, set retarders, gas foaming substances, set regulators, air-entraining agents, water-absorbing polymers, rust inhibitors, water repellents, antibacterial agents, colorants, antifreeze agents, anion exchangers such as hydrotalcite, and various aggregates. The amounts of these components to be blended are optional.

[0071] In addition to the components (A) to (D), water is usually added to obtain mortar. When concrete is used as the hardening material, it may further contain coarse aggregate. While the following configuration is not necessarily required, it is preferable that the hardening material have a limited content of metal materials (metal fibers, etc.) in order to facilitate communication between the sensor 31 and the outside of the structure 2.

[0072] (Installation Step) The method for manufacturing the structure 2 of this embodiment also includes an installation step of installing a sensor 31 in the shaped object during the formation step, and obtaining a structure 2 in which the sensor 31 is integrated with the cured material of the shaped object. The method for installing the sensor 31 is arbitrary. For example, if the measurement module 3 including the sensor 31 can be extruded from a nozzle 41 together with the curable material, the sensor 31 can be installed in the structure 2 by controlling the content of the material ejected from the nozzle 41 at a predetermined timing. A simpler method is, for example, to install the sensor 31 between the stacked curable material layers 21, as shown in FIGS. 5( c) and 5(d). That is, in a typical embodiment, the sensor 31 is positioned and then installed in the shaped object.

[0073] Furthermore, after obtaining a shaped object containing a sensor 31 as shown in Fig. 5(d), the object can be subjected to conditions that allow the curing material to harden, thereby forming a structure 2 in which the sensor 31 and the shaped object (the curing material) are integrated (see Fig. 5(e)). Note that the curing conditions can be set appropriately depending on the curing material used.

[0074] Note that, when manufacturing such a structure 2 using a 3D printer, for example, the following process is performed. That is, first, the overall shape of the object is designed in advance. Then, code for controlling the 3D printer to print the designed object is designed in advance. Examples of the code format include STL, G-code, OBJ, 3MF, VRML, 3DS, and AMF. Note that in this embodiment, the code designed in this manner may include input of positional information of various components arranged in the structure 2, such as the sensor 31 and the measurement module 3. The designed code may also include information about the curing material (composition, specific gravity, curing rate, etc.). Examples of code formats that include such material information include 3MF and AMF. By simulating the object to be printed using the designed code, the accuracy of the shape of the object to be actually produced can be improved.

[0075] Next, modeling is performed using a 3D printer based on the above code. The placement of the sensor 31 and the measurement module 3 relative to the structure 2 is performed by placing the sensor 31, etc. at a predetermined position during this modeling process. This placement may be performed by an operator or by a predetermined robot (robot arm, etc.). The placement of the sensor 31, etc. may be performed based on a code into which the position information of the component, as described above, is input. That is, the installation process of this embodiment may be performed by controlling a predetermined device to place the sensor at the position information input into the code. As a specific example, when the sensor 31, etc. is placed by a predetermined robot, the robot may be controlled based on the code into which the position information of the sensor 31, as described above, is input. Furthermore, when the sensor 31, etc. is ejected from the nozzle of the 3D printer, the 3D printer may be controlled based on the code into which this position information is input.

[0076] It should be noted that code can be added or edited in a later process according to the environment or conditions of the modeling site. Furthermore, the code (for example, input information other than the path, such as the modeling speed) may be adjusted in real time during modeling.

[0077] In this manner, the desired structure 2 can be obtained.

[0078] 1.3 Details of Estimation Method Next, a description will be given of an information processing method (estimation method) executed by the estimation device 1 etc. The estimation method of this embodiment includes the following steps.

[0079] (Acquisition Process) In the acquisition process, a signal is acquired from the sensor 31 provided in the structure 2 manufactured by the above-described manufacturing method. As described above, the sensor 31 is provided inside the structure 2, and therefore can detect a state quantity related to the structure 2. The acquisition unit 111 of the estimation device 1 acquires the state quantity detected by this sensor 31 as a signal. Note that this acquisition may be performed via the wireless communication unit 33 in the measurement module 3, or may be achieved using other information means.

[0080] The acquisition may be performed periodically at predetermined intervals or in response to a user request. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 111 may be configured to continuously acquire the signal from the sensor 31 over a predetermined period of time.

[0081] (Estimation Step) In the acquisition step, the state of the structure 2 is estimated based on the acquired signal. This estimation is realized by the function of the estimation unit 112 of the estimation device 1. The estimation here may be a quantitative estimation of the state of the structure 2 or a qualitative estimation. Furthermore, the state quantity detected by the sensor 31 itself may be the estimation result. In one aspect, the estimation unit 112 may perform calculations based on the above-mentioned signal so that the state of the structure 2 is expressed as a predetermined value.

[0082] Such estimation may be performed based on a predetermined relationship model. Such a relationship model is typically obtained by previously analyzing and correlating the state of the structure 2 with the state quantities detected by the sensor 31. The analysis method used to create the relationship model may be a known one. For example, data can be analyzed using regression analysis methods (linear model, generalized linear model, generalized linear mixed model, ridge regression, lasso regression, elastic net, support vector regression, projection pursuit regression, etc.), time series analysis (VAR model, SVAR model, ARIMAX model, SARIMAX model, state space model, etc.), decision trees (decision tree, regression tree, random forest, XGBoost, etc.), neural networks (simple perceptron, multilayer perceptron, Transformer, DNN, CNN, RNN, LSTM, etc.), Bayes (Naive Bayes, etc.), clustering (k-means, k-means++, etc.), ensemble learning (Boosting, Adaboost, etc.), etc., to create a desired model.

[0083] From another perspective, the estimation unit 112 may obtain the state of the structure 2 as an output by inputting the signal acquired by the acquisition unit 111 into artificial intelligence, thereby executing the estimation process.

[0084] (Warning Process) In the warning process, a warning is issued when the state of the structure 2 estimated in the estimation process is in a predetermined state. As one example of this warning, the warning unit 114 issues the warning based on the relationship between a predetermined value calculated by the estimation unit 112 and a preset threshold value. The manner in which the warning is output can also be selected as appropriate. For example, based on the function of the output unit 113, it is also possible to display visual information that the state of the structure 2 is not good via the display unit 14 of the estimation device 1. In addition, based on the function of the output unit 113, it is also possible to output audio information that the state of the structure 2 is not good.

[0085] In addition, when the acquisition unit 111 continuously acquires signals from the sensor 31, a sudden change in the continuously acquired state quantity may be used as a trigger for the warning unit 114 to issue a warning. In addition, the warning conditions are set appropriately according to the needs of the user.

[0086] As described above, the structure 2 in this embodiment is provided with the sensor 31 inside. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the state of the structure 2 can be appropriately managed by the sensor 31.

[0087] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the second embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment, and a description of the parts that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0088] That is, the information processing method according to the second embodiment is as follows: An information processing method executed by an information processing device, comprising: an acquisition step; and an output step; wherein the acquisition step acquires parameters related to a structure, wherein the structure comprises: a hardened body of an additive-modeled product made of a hardening material that is a powder or paste material that mineralizes via a hydration reaction, a polymerization reaction, or firing; and a sensor provided in the hardened body, wherein the parameters related to the structure are based on a signal emitted from the sensor; and wherein the output step outputs a state of the structure and / or output information related to the state of the structure based on at least the acquired parameters related to the structure.

[0089] 2.1. Overall Configuration An overview of an information processing system according to a second embodiment, to which the information processing method described above is related, will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the entire information processing system. The information processing system 200 according to the second embodiment includes a server 6 (information processing device), and this server 6 is configured to be able to communicate with various terminal devices (terminal devices 7A, 7B, 7C, 8).

[0090] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 6. The server 6 typically includes a control unit 61, a storage unit 62, and a communication unit 65. These functions are similar to those of the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the communication unit 15 of the estimation device 1, respectively. The control unit 61 of the server 6 has various functions shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the server 6. As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 61 of the server 6 may include various functions, such as an acquisition unit 611, an estimation unit 612, an output unit 613, a warning unit 614, and a memory management unit 615. These functions are substantially similar to those of the estimation device 1, and therefore will not be described here.

[0091] Next, various terminal devices configured to be able to communicate with the server 6 will be described. Although not limited thereto, the terminal devices 7A, 7B, and 7C are typically terminal devices owned by businesses that manufacture and manage structures (structures 2A, 2B, and 2C). These structures are similar to the structure 2 of the first embodiment and include measurement modules (measurement modules 3A, 3B, and 3C) therein. Furthermore, the terminal device 8 is, for example, a terminal device owned by a business that repairs various structures. The various terminal devices shown in FIG. 6 may include various elements, such as a control unit, a memory unit, an input unit, a display unit, and a communication unit, similar to the estimation device 1 shown in the first embodiment.

[0092] 6, the terminal devices 7A, 7B, and 7C are configured to be able to acquire various signals from measurement modules provided in the structures, and are also configured to be able to transmit information based on the signals to the server 6. In other words, the server 6 is configured to be able to acquire parameters related to multiple types of structures. Furthermore, when the server 6 acquires various types of information in this manner, the server 6 is typically configured to store the information in the storage unit 62. In other words, since various types of information related to the structures can be aggregated in the server 6, the server 6 can provide a platform for various terminal devices.

[0093] 6 (structures 2A, 2B, and 2C) include a hardened body of an additively shaped product made of a predetermined hardening material and a sensor (measurement module) provided in the hardened body. The details of the hardening material and the sensor (measurement module) are the same as those shown in the first embodiment.

[0094] The terminal devices 7A, 7B, and 7C may be configured to acquire not only various types of information about the interior of the structure, but also manufacturing conditions for the 3D printing process. Fig. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating manufacturing conditions that can be acquired by the terminal device 7A.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 9 , the terminal device 7A is configured to be able to communicate with the 3D printer 4 and the printing material manufacturing device 5, and is configured to be able to acquire various manufacturing conditions for the 3D printing process based on signals emitted by the 3D printer 4 and the printing material manufacturing device 5. Although not shown, devices used in various processes related to 3D printing, such as a curing process and a transportation process for the 3D printed product, may be configured to be able to communicate with the terminal device 7A. Information based on signals from the various devices may be transmitted to the terminal device 7A and then further transmitted to the server 6. Although the explanation in FIG. 9 uses the terminal device 7A as an example, other terminal devices (terminal devices 7B and 7C) may also be configured to be able to acquire manufacturing conditions in a similar manner.

[0096] As described in the first embodiment, the 3D printer 4 is a type of industrial robot that uses computer-generated 3D data as a design drawing to build a three-dimensional object by layering 3D printing material. The 3D printer 4 may be a commercially available product or a known device. While not shown in detail in FIG. 9 , the 3D printer 4 is equipped with the nozzle 41 described above (see FIG. 5 , etc.). In other words, various types of objects can be created by extruding 3D printing material (modeling material) from the nozzle 41 provided on the 3D printer 4.

[0097] The printing material manufacturing apparatus 5 is an apparatus that can constitute part of a 3D printing material manufacturing system. While the printing material manufacturing apparatus 5 may have various elements, in this embodiment, it is described as an apparatus equipped with a predetermined mixing tank 51. The mixing tank 51 may include an agitator 511 configured to agitate the contents of the mixing tank 51, a motor 512 for rotating the agitator 511, and input units (input units 513, 514) configured to allow raw materials to be input into the mixing tank 51. Here, the input unit 513 is configured to allow input of a first raw material that can be mixed with another raw material (second raw material) to provide a 3D printing material. Specifically, in the printing material manufacturing apparatus 5 shown in FIG. 9, the first raw material stored in the storage unit 52 is configured to be input into the mixing tank 51 in response to opening and closing of the valve V2. This first raw material is, for example, a powder, but may be any other form of raw material. Furthermore, the input unit 514 is configured to allow input of a second raw material that can be mixed to provide a 3D printing material. In this embodiment, the second raw material is water W, and the water W is introduced into the mixing tank 51 in response to the opening and closing of the valve V1.

[0098] The printing material manufacturing apparatus 5 may also include an unloading unit 53 configured to be able to unload the contents of the mixing tank 51 (the 3D printing material mixed in the mixing tank 51). This unloading operation can be achieved by opening and closing a valve V3. The printing material manufacturing apparatus 5 also includes a pump P1 for sending the manufactured 3D printing material to the outside. As shown in FIG. 9 , the manufactured 3D printing material is typically sent to a 3D printer 4 and subjected to the printing process.

[0099] The printing material manufacturing apparatus 5 may have a different configuration from that shown in FIG. 9 or additional configurations depending on the raw materials used and the properties of the 3D printing material to be manufactured. For example, if a powder is used as the raw material, a screw may be used to send the powder to the mixing tank 51. In addition, the printing material manufacturing apparatus 5 may be provided with various sensors for managing the temperature and pressure within the apparatus. Signals related to these additional configurations may also be sent to the terminal device 7A and the server 6.

[0100] 2.2 Details of Information Processing Method Next, an information processing method according to the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 10 is an activity diagram showing the flow of information processing according to the second embodiment. This information processing is typically performed by the control unit 61 of the server 6.

[0101] (Acquisition Step) That is, in the information processing method of the second embodiment, first, the acquisition unit 611 of the server 6 acquires parameters related to the structure as an acquisition step (activity A101).

[0102] This acquisition step can be realized by the acquisition unit 611 of the server 6 acquiring signals emitted from sensors provided in the structure. Note that this acquisition step includes both an aspect in which parameters related to the structure are acquired via various terminal devices (terminal devices 7A, 7B, 7C) as shown in FIG. 6 (i.e., an aspect in which various terminal devices relay the transmission of information), and an aspect in which the acquisition unit 611 of the server 6 acquires parameters related to the structure directly (without going through a terminal device). As shown in the acquisition step of the first embodiment, this activity is achieved by acquiring state quantities (parameters) of the structure as an information processing device. Note that the sensors provided in the structure are exemplified by those shown in the first embodiment.

[0103] In addition to the parameters related to the structure described above, this acquisition process may also acquire manufacturing conditions for manufacturing the structure. As shown in Figure 9, the terminal device 7A can acquire various manufacturing conditions related to the 3D printing process, and therefore can acquire these manufacturing conditions as the acquisition unit 611 of the server 6 (in this case, the terminal device 7A relays the information related to the manufacturing conditions to the server 6). Note that acquisition of these manufacturing conditions may also be achieved by the acquisition unit 611 of the server 6 directly (without going through a terminal device).

[0104] The manufacturing conditions here may include, for example, the following: (i) Information about the raw material composition (materials used) of the hardening material; (ii) Information about the environment (temperature, humidity, weather, location information, etc.) when the hardening material is mixed; (iii) Information about the conditions (stirring speed, stirring strength, stirring time, etc.) when the hardening material is mixed; (iv) Information about the physical properties (viscosity, yield value, hardening property, etc.) of the mixed hardening material; (v) Information about the output conditions (pressure supply pressure, pump load, etc.) when performing additive modeling; (vi) Information about the shape (overall structure, pattern dimensions, spacing between patterns, etc.) when performing additive modeling; (vii) Information about the time conditions when performing additive modeling (time required to stack filaments, etc.); (viii) Information about the environment (temperature, humidity, weather, location information, etc.) when the additively modeled hardening material is hardened (cured); (ix) Information about the conditions (time) when the additively modeled hardening material is hardened (cured); (x) Information about the installation conditions (position, size of the reinforcing material, etc.) of the reinforcing material (reinforcing material) when the structure includes a reinforcing material (reinforcing material). Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above, and the server 6 may be configured to acquire various manufacturing conditions involved in the additive manufacturing process.

[0105] (Output process) When the acquisition unit 611 of the server 6 acquires parameters related to the structure as described above, the output unit 613 of the server 6 outputs the state of the structure and / or output information related to the state of the structure based on at least the acquired parameters (activity A102).

[0106] This output step is achieved by generating output information by performing a predetermined arithmetic process on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 611. A more typical example of the output step is a case in which the acquired parameters related to the structure are matched with the first reference information to estimate the state of the structure and output the output information. Here, the first reference information is information that describes the parameters of a structure manufactured in the past in association with the state of the structure manufactured in the past.

[0107] That is, the state of the structure can be estimated from the acquired parameters by the function of the estimation unit 612 included in the server 6, and the output unit 613 can output predetermined output information as a result. Typically, the estimation unit 612 can estimate the state of the structure by reference information (for convenience, referred to as "first reference information") that describes the parameters of a structure manufactured in the past in association with the state of the structure manufactured in the past.

[0108] An example will be described in which the state of the structure 2A in FIG. 6 is estimated and predetermined output information is output. Prior to executing the acquisition process and output process related to the structure 2A, the server 6 may acquire parameters of other structures (structures 2B, 2C, etc.) and the state of the structure corresponding to the parameters. Furthermore, reference information may be created based on the acquired information and stored in the storage unit 62 of the server 6. This reference information may be appropriately modeled. That is, this reference information (first reference information) may be a model analyzed and created using a predetermined method, similar to the "relationship model" described in the first embodiment. When estimating the state of the structure 2A, a predetermined calculation is performed by matching the reference information stored in the storage unit 62 with the parameters of the structure 2A.

[0109] The estimation performed by the estimation unit 612 may be a quantitative or qualitative estimation of the state of the structure. Furthermore, the state quantity detected by the sensor may itself be used as the estimation result. Furthermore, the estimation unit 612 may be configured to estimate various control items used for quality control of the structure. Examples of the control items may include compressive strength, Young's modulus, carbonation depth, carbonation rate coefficient, permeability coefficient, permeability depth, surface layer air permeability coefficient, chloride ion diffusion coefficient, completed dimensions, residual strain, cracks, surface color, etc.

[0110] In the second embodiment, the structure may have a plurality of sensors, as in the first embodiment, and the locations of the sensors may be controlled during the additive manufacturing process. That is, since the locations of the sensors can be controlled during the additive manufacturing process, the state of the structure can be estimated with higher accuracy.

[0111] The information processing method of this embodiment also has the following aspects. Specifically, when estimating the state of a structure, sensors corresponding to the items to be managed can be placed at appropriate positions within the structure. For example, in technologies for managing the state of typical concrete structures, such as those disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is difficult to precisely control the positions of sensors within the structure. In contrast, in this embodiment, sensors can be incorporated into the structure during the additive manufacturing process, making it easier to place sensors at targeted positions and improving the accuracy of acquiring and outputting various information. To explain this in more typical terms, sensors within the structure may be placed in the manner (i) and / or manner (ii) of the first embodiment, thereby improving the accuracy of estimating the items to be estimated. As described herein, various reference information may be used for estimating the state, and this reference information may also associate the positions of sensors within the structure with the state of the structure. In other words, since sensors are more likely to be placed at targeted positions for structures other than the structure being estimated, it can be said that stable data can be provided as reference information.

[0112] The output step may also be to output real-time information about the structure. Alternatively, the output step may be to output a future state of the structure and / or information related to the future state of the structure. That is, the reference information may include information about a change in the state of the structure over time, and based on this information about the change in state over time, it is possible to predict a change in the state of the structure that is the subject of the output information or a future state of the structure.

[0113] Furthermore, the output step may output output information based on the further acquired manufacturing conditions. In this case, the output step may estimate the state of the structure by matching parameters corresponding to the acquired manufacturing conditions with the second reference information, and output the output information. Here, the second reference information is information describing parameters related to the manufacturing conditions of a previously manufactured structure and the state of the previously manufactured structure in association with each other.

[0114] As described above, the server 6 can acquire manufacturing conditions for various structures. Based on this, the server 6 can estimate the state of the structure from the acquired parameters related to the structure and parameters corresponding to the manufacturing conditions using the function of the estimation unit 612 included in the server 6, and the output unit 613 can output predetermined output information. Typically, the estimation unit 612 can estimate the state of the structure based on information (referred to as "second reference information" for convenience) that describes parameters related to the manufacturing conditions of a previously manufactured structure in association with the state of the previously manufactured structure. Note that the information referenced by the server 6 may include both the first reference information and the second reference information described above, and may be modeled information as described above. Furthermore, even when output information is output based on such manufacturing conditions, the output information may relate to a future state.

[0115] The output process may acquire various information other than the above-described parameters, and output predetermined output information based on this information. Such information may include information about the external environment. The information about the external environment may include, for example, temperature, humidity, wind speed, weather (amount of solar radiation), etc. Furthermore, information that can contribute to the output information may include imaging information (including still images and videos) that observes the state of the structure.

[0116] In one aspect, the output step may output information related to the state of the structure regarding repairs according to the state of the structure. That is, if the state of the structure is deteriorating, information notifying the user to repair the structure may be output. While FIG. 6 illustrates a terminal device owned by a business entity that repairs various structures as the terminal device 8, such information regarding repairs may be output so that the business entity that performs the repairs can understand it. Typically, the display unit of the terminal device 8 may be controlled to display content that encourages the user to repair a specified structure.

[0117] The repair information may include various types of information. For example, it may include information about the location of the structure, information quantitatively or qualitatively indicating the condition of the structure, information indicating the owner of the structure, information about the timing of repairs to the structure, information indicating the location of the structure to be repaired (a specific portion of the structure), and repair details for the structure. As shown in the first embodiment, the structure may be equipped with multiple measurement modules (sensors), so the estimation unit 612 of the server 6 can determine which portion (part) of the structure needs to be repaired. Furthermore, when outputting repair details from the information acquired by the acquisition unit 611, the type and value of parameters related to the structure can be referenced. For example, if a certain structure is prone to high chlorine concentrations inside, a construction method that prevents chlorine from being absorbed from the external environment (e.g., a coating method using a highly chlorine-resistant paint) can be suggested. Similarly, if a certain structure is prone to high moisture inside, a construction method that prevents moisture from being absorbed from the external environment (e.g., a coating method using a highly water-repellent paint) can be suggested.

[0118] <Modifications> In this section, modifications of the above-described embodiments will be described.

[0119] Although the above embodiment has been described as a configuration of the estimation device 1, a computer may be provided with a program that causes the computer to execute each of the above-described steps. Similarly, a computer may be provided with a program that causes the computer to execute each of the steps executed by the server 6 (information processing device).

[0120] In the above-described embodiment, the estimation device 1 performs various storage and control operations, but multiple external devices may be used instead of the estimation device 1. That is, using blockchain technology or the like, acquired information about the structure 2 may be distributed and stored in multiple external devices.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the estimation device 1 receives data (signals) from the measurement module 3 via wireless communication, but the data (signals) may be received by a device different from the estimation device 1. For example, a device that can store various data, different from the estimation device 1, may receive the signal received from the measurement module 3 and transfer the data separately to the estimation device 1.

[0122] Furthermore, it may be provided in the following aspects.

[0123] (1) A method for manufacturing a structure, comprising a forming step and an installation step, in which in the forming step, a shaped object is formed by ejecting from a 3D printer a hardening material that is a powder or paste material that mineralizes via a hydration reaction, a polymerization reaction, or firing, and in the installation step, a sensor is installed in the shaped object during the forming step, and a structure is obtained in which the sensor is integrated with the hardened body of the shaped object.

[0124] (2) In the manufacturing method described in (1) above, the forming process is performed by stacking the curable material, and the installation process is performed by placing the sensor between the stacked layers of the curable material.

[0125] (3) In the manufacturing method described in (1) above, the sensor is connected to a power supply unit, and the power supply unit is configured to receive power wirelessly and supply power to the sensor.

[0126] (4) In the manufacturing method described in (1) above, the sensor is connected to a power supply unit, the power supply unit is configured to be capable of generating power, and the power supply unit is configured to supply the generated power to the sensor.

[0127] (5) In the manufacturing method described in (1) above, the sensor is connected to a wireless communication unit, and the wireless communication unit is configured to transmit information acquired by the sensor to the outside of the structure.

[0128] (6) In the manufacturing method described in (5) above, the structure includes a reinforcing material, and the wireless communication unit is positioned so that when a straight line is drawn between the wireless communication unit and the surface of the structure, the reinforcing material does not exist on the straight line.

[0129] (7) In the manufacturing method described in (1) above, the sensor is arranged in the following manner (i) and / or manner (ii), wherein the manner (i) is a manner in which the sensor evaluates a state quantity of weather resistance related to the structure and is arranged near the surface of the structure, and the manner (ii) is a manner in which the sensor evaluates a state quantity of the mechanical environment related to the structure and multiple sensors are distributed and arranged inside the structure.

[0130] (8) In the manufacturing method described in (1) above, the forming process is performed by controlling a 3D printer by a pre-designed code, and the code has position information of the sensor input therein.

[0131] (9) In the manufacturing method described in (8) above, the installation process is performed by controlling a specified device to position the sensor at the position information input into the code.

[0132] (10) An estimation method for estimating the state of a structure, comprising an acquisition step and an estimation step, wherein the acquisition step acquires a signal from a sensor provided in the structure manufactured by the manufacturing method described in any one of (1) to (9) above, and the estimation step estimates the state of the structure based on the acquired signal.

[0133] (11) The estimation method described in (10) above further includes a warning step, in which the estimation step calculates the state of the structure based on the signal so that it is expressed as a predetermined value, and the warning step issues a warning based on the relationship between the calculated predetermined value and a preset threshold value.

[0134] (12) An estimation device comprising a control unit, the control unit being configured to execute each of the steps described in (10) above.

[0135] (13) A program that causes a computer to execute each of the steps described in (10) above.

[0136] (14) A structure comprising: a hardened body of an additively shaped product of a hardening material that is a powder or paste material that mineralizes via a hydration reaction, a polymerization reaction, or a firing; and a sensor provided in the hardened body, wherein the sensor is arranged in the following manner (i) and / or manner (ii): in manner (i), the sensor evaluates a state quantity of weather resistance related to the structure, and the sensor is arranged near the surface of the structure; and in manner (ii), the sensor evaluates a state quantity of the mechanical environment related to the structure, and a plurality of the sensors are distributed and arranged inside the structure.

[0137] (15) An information processing method executed by an information processing device, comprising an acquisition step and an output step, wherein the acquisition step acquires parameters related to a structure, wherein the structure comprises a hardened body of an additive manufacturing product made of a hardening material that is a powder or paste material that mineralizes via a hydration reaction, a polymerization reaction, or firing, and a sensor provided in the hardened body, wherein the parameters related to the structure are based on a signal emitted from the sensor, and the output step outputs a state of the structure and / or output information related to the state of the structure based on at least the acquired parameters related to the structure.

[0138] (16) In the information processing method described in (15) above, the sensor is arranged in the following manner (i) and / or manner (ii), wherein the manner (i) is a manner in which the sensor evaluates a state quantity of weather resistance related to the structure and is arranged near the surface of the structure, and the manner (ii) is a manner in which the sensor evaluates a state quantity of the mechanical environment related to the structure and multiple sensors are distributed and arranged inside the structure.

[0139] (17) In the information processing method described in (15) or (16) above, the output process estimates the state of the structure by matching the acquired parameters related to the structure with first reference information, and outputs the output information, and the first reference information is information that describes the parameters of a structure manufactured in the past in association with the state of the structure manufactured in the past.

[0140] (18) In the information processing method described in any one of (15) to (17) above, the acquisition step further acquires manufacturing conditions for manufacturing the structure, and the output step further outputs the output information based on the acquired manufacturing conditions.

[0141] (19) In the information processing method described in (18) above, the output process estimates the state of the structure by matching parameters corresponding to the acquired manufacturing conditions with second reference information, and outputs the output information, and the second reference information is information that describes parameters related to the manufacturing conditions of structures manufactured in the past in association with the state of the structures manufactured in the past.

[0142] (20) In the information processing method described in any one of (15) to (19) above, the output step outputs the future state of the structure and / or information related to the future state of the structure.

[0143] (21) In the information processing method described in any one of (15) to (20) above, in the output process, information related to the condition of the structure is output as information related to repairs in accordance with the condition of the structure.

[0144] (22) An information processing device comprising a control unit, the control unit being configured to execute each step of the information processing method described in any one of (15) to (21) above.

[0145] (23) A program that causes a computer to execute each step of the information processing method according to any one of (15) to (21) above. Of course, this is not a limitation.

[0146] In addition, the reference form is added below.

[0147] [α1] A method for manufacturing a structure, comprising a forming step and an installation step, wherein in the forming step, a shaped object is formed by discharging a hardening material made of concrete or mortar from a 3D printer, and in the installation step, a sensor is installed in the shaped object during the forming step, to obtain a structure in which the sensor is integrated with the hardened body of the shaped object. [α2] The manufacturing method described in [α1], wherein the forming step is performed by stacking the hardening material, and the installation step is performed by arranging the sensor between the stacked layers of the hardened material. [α3] The manufacturing method described in [α1] or [α2], wherein the sensor is connected to a power supply unit, and the power supply unit is configured to receive power wirelessly and supply power to the sensor. [α4] The manufacturing method described in [α1] or [α2], wherein the sensor is connected to a power supply unit, and the power supply unit is configured to be capable of generating power and to supply the generated power to the sensor. [α5] The manufacturing method described in any one of [α1] to [α4], wherein the sensor is connected to a wireless communication unit, and the wireless communication unit is configured to transmit information acquired by the sensor to the outside of the structure. [α6] The manufacturing method described in [α5], wherein the structure includes a reinforcing material, and the wireless communication unit is arranged so that when a line is drawn between the wireless communication unit and a surface layer of the structure, the reinforcing material is not present on the line. [α7] The manufacturing method described in any one of [α1] to [α6], wherein the sensor is arranged in the following manner (i) and / or manner (ii): The manner (i) is a manner in which the sensor evaluates a state quantity of weather resistance related to the structure and is arranged near the surface layer of the structure, and the manner (ii) is a manner in which the sensor evaluates a state quantity of a mechanical environment related to the structure and a plurality of the sensors are arranged dispersedly inside the structure.[α8] The manufacturing method described in any one of [α1] to [α7], wherein the forming step is performed by controlling a 3D printer using a pre-designed code, and the code has position information of the sensor input into it. [α9] The manufacturing method described in [α8], wherein the installation step is performed by controlling a predetermined device to place the sensor at the position information input into the code. [α10] An estimation method for estimating the state of a structure, comprising an acquisition step and an estimation step, wherein the acquisition step acquires a signal from the sensor provided in the structure manufactured by the manufacturing method described in any one of [α1] to [α9], and the estimation step estimates the state of the structure based on the acquired signal. [α11] The estimation method described in [α10], further comprising a warning step, wherein the estimation step calculates the state of the structure to be expressed as a predetermined value based on the signal, and the warning step issues a warning based on the relationship between the calculated predetermined value and a preset threshold. [α12] An estimation device comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to execute each of the steps described in [α10] or [α11]. [α13] A program causing a computer to execute each of the steps described in [α10] or [α11]. [α14] A structure comprising: a hardened body of an additively shaped product made of a hardening material made of concrete or mortar; and a sensor provided in the hardened body.

[0148] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations may be adopted. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications and improvements within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0149] 1: Estimation device, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C: Structure, 3, 3A, 3B, 3C: Measurement module, 4: 3D printer, 5: Printing material manufacturing device, 6: Server, 7A, 7B, 7C: Terminal device, 8: Terminal device, 10: Communication bus, 11: Control unit, 12: Memory unit, 13: Input unit, 14: Display unit, 15: Communication unit, 20: Hardened body layer, 21: Hardened material layer, 31: Sensor, 32: Power supply unit, 33: Wireless communication unit, 41: Nozzle, 51: Mixing tank, 52: Storage unit, 53: Extraction unit, 61: Control unit, 62: Memory unit, 65: Communication unit, 100: Estimation system, 111: Acquisition unit, 112: Estimation unit, 113: Output unit, 114: Warning unit, 115: Memory management unit, 200: Information processing system, 511: Stirring blade, 512: Motor, 513: Input unit, 514: Input unit, 611: Acquisition unit, 612: Estimation unit, 613: Output unit, 614: Warning unit, 615: Memory management unit, P1: Pump, V1, V2, V3: Valves, W: Water

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a structure, comprising: a forming step; and an installation step, in which in the forming step, a molded object is formed by ejecting a hardening material, which is a powder or paste material that is mineralized via a hydration reaction, a polymerization reaction, or a firing, from a 3D printer; and in the installation step, a sensor is installed in the molded object during the forming step, and a structure is obtained in which the sensor is integrated with the hardened body of the molded object.

2. A manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the forming step is carried out by stacking the curable material, and the placing step is carried out by disposing the sensor between the layers of the laminated curable material.

3. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is connected to a power supply unit, and the power supply unit is configured to receive power wirelessly to supply power to the sensor.

4. A manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is connected to a power supply unit, the power supply unit is configured to be capable of generating power, and the power supply unit is configured to supply the generated power to the sensor.

5. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is connected to a wireless communication unit, and the wireless communication unit is configured to transmit information acquired by the sensor to the outside of the structure.

6. A manufacturing method according to claim 5, wherein the structure includes a reinforcing material, and the wireless communication unit is positioned so that when a straight line is drawn between the wireless communication unit and the surface of the structure, the reinforcing material is not present on the straight line.

7. A manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is arranged in the following manner (i) and / or manner (ii): the manner (i) is a manner in which the sensor evaluates a state quantity of weather resistance related to the structure, and the sensor is arranged near the surface of the structure; and the manner (ii) is a manner in which the sensor evaluates a state quantity of the mechanical environment related to the structure, and the sensor is arranged in a plurality of dispersed positions inside the structure.

8. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the forming process is performed by controlling a 3D printer by a pre-designed code, and the code includes input of position information of the sensor.

9. A manufacturing method according to claim 8, wherein the setting step is performed by controlling a specified device to place the sensor at the position information inputted into the code.

10. An estimation method for estimating the state of a structure, comprising an acquisition step and an estimation step, wherein the acquisition step acquires a signal from a sensor provided in the structure manufactured by a manufacturing method described in any one of claims 1 to 9, and the estimation step estimates the state of the structure based on the acquired signal.

11. An estimation method as claimed in claim 10, further comprising an alarm process, said estimation process calculating the state of said structure based on said signal so as to be expressed as a predetermined value, and said alarm process issuing an alarm based on the relationship between the calculated predetermined value and a preset threshold value.

12. An estimation apparatus comprising: a control unit, the control unit being configured to execute each of the steps recited in claim 10.

13. A program causing a computer to execute each of the steps according to claim 10.

14. A structure comprising: a hardened body of an additively shaped product of a hardening material, which is a powder or paste material that mineralizes via a hydration reaction, a polymerization reaction, or a firing; and a sensor provided in the hardened body, wherein the sensor is arranged in the following manner (i) and / or manner (ii): the manner (i) is a manner in which the sensor evaluates a state quantity of weather resistance related to the structure, and the sensor is arranged near the surface of the structure; and the manner (ii) is a manner in which the sensor evaluates a state quantity of the mechanical environment related to the structure, and the sensor is arranged in a plurality of dispersed positions inside the structure.

15. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, comprising an acquisition step and an output step, in which the acquisition step acquires parameters related to a structure, wherein the structure comprises: a hardened body of an additive manufacturing product made of a hardened material that is a powder or paste material that mineralizes via a hydration reaction, a polymerization reaction, or firing; and a sensor provided in the hardened body, wherein the parameters related to the structure are based on a signal emitted from the sensor, and the output step outputs a state of the structure and / or output information related to the state of the structure based on at least the acquired parameters related to the structure.

16. An information processing method according to claim 15, wherein the sensor is arranged in the following manner (i) and / or manner (ii): The manner (i) is a manner in which the sensor evaluates a state quantity of weather resistance related to the structure and is arranged near the surface of the structure; and the manner (ii) is a manner in which the sensor evaluates a state quantity of the mechanical environment related to the structure and a plurality of the sensors are distributed and arranged inside the structure.

17. An information processing method as defined in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the output step estimates the state of the structure by matching the acquired parameters relating to the structure with first reference information, and outputs the output information, and the first reference information is information describing the parameters of a previously manufactured structure in association with the state of the previously manufactured structure.

18. An information processing method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the acquisition step further acquires manufacturing conditions for manufacturing the structure, and the output step further outputs the output information based on the acquired manufacturing conditions.

19. An information processing method according to claim 18, wherein the output process estimates the state of the structure by matching parameters corresponding to the acquired manufacturing conditions with second reference information, and outputs the output information, and the second reference information is information describing parameters relating to the manufacturing conditions of a structure manufactured in the past in association with the state of the structure manufactured in the past.

20. An information processing method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the output step outputs a future state of the structure and / or information related to the future state of the structure.

21. An information processing method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein in the output step, information relating to repairs according to the condition of the structure is output as the information relating to the condition of the structure.

22. An information processing device comprising: a control unit, the control unit being configured to execute each step of the information processing method according to any one of claims 15 to 21.

23. A program causing a computer to execute each step of the information processing method according to any one of claims 15 to 21.

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