3D Shaping Device Camera Visibility Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
When multiple users share a three-dimensional shaping device, it is difficult to maintain confidentiality of the shaped objects as images of the shaping process are transmitted to distant locations, allowing other users to visually recognize the current user's object.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional shaping device with a control unit that acquires setting information for displaying images or moving images captured by a camera, allowing for transmission and display control based on user-defined settings, including periods before, during, and after shaping, to manage visibility and confidentiality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If images captured by the video camera are transmitted to a distant location, then the user can view the shaped object remotely, but other users can also visually recognize the shaped object, compromising confidentiality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image transmission function by introducing a selection unit that divides image data into multiple channels corresponding to different users. Each user receives only their designated image data, preventing other users from viewing confidential shaped objects while maintaining remote viewing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image transmission control unit as an intermediary between the video camera and external display units. This intermediary selectively transmits image data based on user authentication and settings, acting as a gatekeeper that prevents unauthorized viewing while allowing authenticated users to view remotely.
2Reliability
If the camera continuously captures and transmits images during shaping, then real-time monitoring is achieved, but energy consumption increases and confidentiality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by allowing the camera to operate in alternating states of capture and non-capture based on predetermined settings. The image transmission unit transmits images at intervals or only when shaping events occur, reducing continuous energy consumption while maintaining real-time monitoring capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the camera operation through the image transmission control unit, which adjusts camera activation based on shaping progress, user presence, and confidentiality requirements. The system dynamically switches between capturing and non-capturing states to optimize energy usage while maintaining monitoring reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional shaping device includes: a discharge unit configured to discharge a plasticized material toward a shaping region of a stage; a camera configured to capture an image of the shaping region; and a control unit configured to control the discharge unit based on shaping data for shaping a three-dimensional shaped object. When the control unit acquires setting information for setting whether to display an image or a moving image captured by the camera on an external display unit in at least one of a period before starting shaping of the three-dimensional shaped object, a period during shaping of the three-dimensional shaped object, and a period after shaping of the three-dimensional shaped object, the control unit executes, based on the setting information, for each of the shaping data, first processing of transmitting or not transmitting the image or the moving image to the display unit, second processing of activating or stopping the camera, and third processing of transmitting, to the display unit, output instruction information for instructing whether to display the image or the moving image on the display unit.