JP2017148976A - Three-dimensional object molding apparatus, three-dimensional object molding method, and control program for three-dimensional object molding apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide such technology capable of improving an appearance of a three-dimensional object to be molded.SOLUTION: A three-dimensional object molding apparatus includes: a dot forming part for forming a plurality of types of dots including a first dot in a first color and a second dot in a second color different from the first color; and a control part for controlling molding of a three-dimensional object by assembling unit molded objects each comprising one or more dots to be formed. The control part creates a layout data expressing layout of the plurality of types of dots with respect to the assembly of the unit molded objects by subjecting an input data expressing a formation rate of dots in the unit molded body to a halftone process; and when the dots of the layout are not accommodated in the unit molded body, the control part controls to change the layout so as to accommodate the dots in the unit molded body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a three-dimensional object formation apparatus, a three-dimensional object formation method, and a control program for a three-dimensional object formation apparatus.

  A 3D (three-dimensional) printer is known as a three-dimensional object modeling apparatus. 3D printers that use ink that is cured by ultraviolet irradiation, for example, form dots by discharging droplets of ultraviolet curable ink to cure by ultraviolet irradiation to form a modeling layer, and stack the modeling layer. Shape a three-dimensional object. In the manufacturing method of a shaped article disclosed in Patent Document 1, a film formed of magenta (M) ink is laminated on a film formed of yellow (Y) ink, and further, cyan is formed thereon. The film formed by the ink of (C) is laminated, and a laminated body in which the film formed by the clear ink is further laminated thereon is manufactured.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-123865

  The above-described manufacturing method of the model only has to sequentially laminate a film made of Y ink, a film made of M ink, a film made of C ink, and a film made of clear ink. Therefore, the above-described technique cannot adjust the ink discharge amount in a fine unit, and if the Y ink dot is overlaid on the C ink dot, the overlapping order cannot be changed. Expression cannot be given to the appearance of a model.

The above-mentioned problems are not limited to 3D printers that use ultraviolet curable inks, but three-dimensional object modeling apparatuses that use visible light curable inks that are cured by visible light irradiation, and thermosetting inks that are cured by heating. Various technologies such as a three-dimensional object forming apparatus to be used and a three-dimensional object forming apparatus using a thermoplastic material also exist in the same manner.
In view of the above, one object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of improving the appearance of a three-dimensional object to be shaped.

To achieve one of the above objects, the present invention forms a plurality of types of dots including a first dot of a first color and a second dot of a second color different from the first color. A dot forming portion for,
A control unit that controls modeling of a three-dimensional object in which unit shaped objects formed by one or more dots are formed; and
A three-dimensional object shaping apparatus comprising:
The control unit performs halftone processing on input data representing a dot formation rate in the unit modeling body to generate arrangement data representing the arrangement of the plurality of types of dots with respect to the set of unit modeling bodies. In the case where dots do not fit in the unit shaped body, control is performed to change the arrangement so that dots fit in the unit shaped body.

Further, the present invention uses a dot forming portion for forming a plurality of types of dots including a first dot of a first color and a second dot of a second color different from the first color, It is a three-dimensional object modeling method for modeling a three-dimensional object in which unit shaped objects formed by one or more dots are formed,
The input data representing the dot formation rate in the unit modeling body is subjected to halftone processing to generate arrangement data representing the arrangement of the plurality of types of dots with respect to the set of unit modeling bodies, and the dots in the arrangement are the unit modeling When it does not fit in the body, the solid shaped object is shaped by changing the arrangement so that the dot fits in the unit shaped body.

Furthermore, the present invention comprises a dot forming portion for forming a plurality of types of dots including a first dot of a first color and a second dot of a second color different from the first color, A control program for a three-dimensional object formation apparatus that controls the formation of a three-dimensional object obtained by assembling unit shaped objects with one or more dots to be formed,
The input data representing the dot formation rate in the unit modeling body is subjected to halftone processing to generate arrangement data representing the arrangement of the plurality of types of dots with respect to the set of unit modeling bodies, and the dots in the arrangement are the unit modeling In a case where the computer does not fit in the body, the computer has a function of performing control to change the arrangement so that the dots fit in the unit shaped body.

  The aspect mentioned above can provide the technique which can improve the external appearance of the solid object to be modeled.

  Furthermore, the present invention provides a three-dimensional object modeling system including a three-dimensional object modeling apparatus, a control method for a three-dimensional object modeling apparatus, a control method for a three-dimensional object modeling system including this control method, a control program for a three-dimensional object modeling system, and a three-dimensional object modeling apparatus. And a computer-readable medium in which a control program for a three-dimensional object modeling system is recorded. The aforementioned apparatus may be composed of a plurality of distributed parts.

The functional block diagram which shows the structural example of a solid-object modeling apparatus. The figure which shows the modeling example of a solid thing typically. The figure which shows the example of a modeling processing apparatus typically. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of arrangement of nozzles of a recording head. An example of a concept for controlling ejection of a droplet equivalent to a large dot, ejection of a droplet equivalent to a medium dot, ejection of a droplet equivalent to a small dot, or non-ejection of a droplet based on a drive signal is schematically shown. Figure. The figure which shows the structural example of a solid thing typically. The flowchart which shows the example of modeling processing. The figure which shows typically the example which corrects arrangement | positioning data so that a halftone process may be performed to input data, arrangement | positioning data may be generated, and a dot may fit in a unit modeling body. The figure which shows the structural example of a dither mask typically. FIG. 10A is a diagram schematically illustrating an example in which a dot that does not fit in the unit shaped body is moved to a unit shaped body at a position where it can be accommodated, and FIG. 10B is a diagram schematically illustrating another example in which the dot is placed in the unit shaped body. The figure which shows typically the example of the relationship between the unit modeling body and dot in a modeling layer in the case of forming the dot of multiple sizes in a unit modeling body. FIG. 12A is a diagram schematically illustrating an example in which dots that do not fit in the unit shaped body are moved to a unit shaped body at a position where the dots do not fit in the unit shaped body when forming dots of a plurality of sizes, and FIG. The figure which shows the example transferred preferentially to a modeling body. The figure which shows typically the example which moves to the unit modeling body of the position which fits a part of dot which does not fit in a unit modeling body, when forming a dot of multiple sizes. The figure which shows typically the comparative example which forms the dot of multiple colors by a halftone process, and laminates | stacks a modeling layer.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Of course, the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and all the features shown in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the means for solving the invention.

(1) Overview of this technology:
First, the outline | summary of the technique included in this invention is demonstrated with reference to the example shown by FIGS. 1 to 14 are diagrams schematically showing examples. The enlargement ratios in the respective directions shown in these drawings may be different, and the respective drawings may not be matched.

[Aspect 1]
The three-dimensional object modeling apparatus 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 and the like includes a plurality of types of first dots DT1 having a first color and second dots DT2 having a second color different from the first color. A dot forming unit (for example, the head unit 3) for forming the dot DT, and a control unit U1 for controlling the modeling of the three-dimensional object Obj in which the unit modeling bodies B0 are formed by the one or more dots DT to be formed. . The control unit U1 performs a halftone process on input data (for example, modeling layer original data OD) representing the formation rate of the dots DT in the unit modeling body B0, and the plurality of types of dots DT with respect to the set of the unit modeling body B0. Is generated, and when the dot DT of the arrangement does not fit in the unit modeling body B0, control is performed to change the arrangement to fit the dot DT in the unit modeling body B0.

  FIG. 14 schematically shows a comparative example in which a plurality of color ink dots DT91 and DT92 are formed by halftone processing and the modeling layers LY91 and LY92 are stacked. In FIG. 14, the X direction is a direction along the modeling layers LY91 and LY92, and the Z direction is a stacking direction of the modeling layers LY91 and LY92. Since halftone processing is performed for each dot color, C dot arrangement data representing the arrangement of C dots DT91 is obtained by performing halftone processing on input data representing the formation rate of C (cyan) ink dots DT91. M dot arrangement data representing the arrangement of the M dots DT92 is generated by performing halftone processing on the input data representing the formation rate of the M (magenta) ink dots DT92. Although not shown, halftone processing is performed on the input data representing the Y (yellow) ink dot DT formation rate to generate Y dot arrangement data representing the Y dot DT arrangement.

  The C dot arrangement data is data indicating whether or not C dots DT91 are formed on the voxels Vx arranged in the modeling layer. The M dot arrangement data is data indicating whether or not M dots DT92 are formed in the voxels Vx arranged in the modeling layer. As described above, since halftone processing is performed for each dot color, the C dot DT91 and the M dot DT92 are arranged in the same voxel Vx as in the X position 901, or the X position 902 The dots DT91 and DT92 are not arranged in the voxel Vx. For this reason, the position 901 where the C dot DT91 and the M dot DT92 overlap with each other becomes higher, the position 902 where none of the dots DT91 and DT92 is formed is recessed, and the modeling layer LY91 is uneven. In addition, when the modeling layer LY92 is stacked on the modeling layer LY91, the degree of unevenness may increase.

  On the other hand, in the first aspect of the present technology, the first dot DT1 of the first color and the second dot DT2 of the second color are arranged in the same unit modeling body B0 by the halftone process, and so on. When it does not fit in the modeled body B0, the solid object Obj is modeled instead of the arrangement in which the dots DT are stored in the unit modeled body B0. For this reason, it becomes possible to suppress the unevenness | corrugation resulting from the dot of a different color being arrange | positioned in the same unit modeling body B0 by a halftone process. Therefore, this aspect can provide a three-dimensional object forming apparatus capable of adjusting the dot formation amount in fine units and improving the appearance of the three-dimensional object to be formed.

  Here, the first color may be a chromatic color or an achromatic color. Specifically, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), white (W), A color selected from gray, metallic, and the like may be used. The second color may also be a chromatic color or an achromatic color, and specifically, a color selected from C, M, Y, K, W, gray, metallic, and the like.

[Aspect 2]
As illustrated in FIG. 8 and the like, the plurality of types of dots DT may include third dots DT3 (for example, clear ink dots) that are not the first color and the second color. The control unit U1 performs control to form the third dot DT3 in the unfilled portion when the unit shaped body B0 is not filled with dots other than the third dot DT3 among the plurality of types of dots DT. Also good. This aspect can provide a technique capable of suppressing the unevenness due to the unit shaped body not being filled with the dots other than the third dot among the plurality of types of dots from occurring in the three-dimensional object. For example, when modeling a three-dimensional object Obj in which modeling layers including a plurality of unit modeling bodies B0 are stacked, the unevenness of the modeling layer is suppressed, and the thickness ΔZ of the modeling layer is kept substantially constant.
It should be noted that the present technology also includes a case where a plurality of types of dots do not have a third dot.

[Aspect 3]
As illustrated in FIGS. 10A, 12A, etc., the control unit U1 performs control to move the dot DT that does not fit in the unit shaped body B0 to the unit shaped body B0 at a position that fits in the arrangement represented by the arrangement data AD. You may go. In this aspect, since the color of the dot DT that does not fit in the unit shaped body B0 is also expressed in the arrangement by the halftone process, it is possible to provide a technique that can further improve the appearance of the three-dimensional object.
Note that the present technology also includes a case where dots that do not fit in the unit modeling body are not formed in the arrangement represented by the arrangement data.

[Aspect 4]
As illustrated in FIG. 12B, the control unit U1 applies dots that do not fit in the unit modeling body B0 in the arrangement represented by the arrangement data AD to the first adjacent unit modeling body B1 adjacent to the unit modeling body B0. Control to shift may be performed. In addition, the control unit U1 adjoins the first adjacent unit modeling body B1 when the dots originally present in the first adjacent unit modeling body B1 do not fit in the first adjacent unit modeling body B1. You may control to move to 2nd adjacent unit modeling body B2. This aspect provides a technique capable of improving the color reproducibility of a three-dimensional object because the color of dots that do not fit in the unit modeling body B0 is expressed at a position close to the original position in the arrangement by halftone processing. be able to.

[Aspect 5]
As illustrated in FIG. 11 and the like, the plurality of types of dots DT may include dots of a plurality of sizes including a first size and a second size smaller than the first size. In this aspect, since the first size dots and the second size dots can be formed in the unit modeling body B0, it is possible to provide a technique capable of further improving the appearance of the three-dimensional object Obj.

  Here, when there are three or more dot sizes, the first size may be one dot size selected from a plurality of types of dot sizes, and the second size is obtained by removing the first size from the plurality of types of dot sizes. A dot size selected from the dot sizes may be used. For example, it is assumed that the dots include a maximum size large dot, a minimum size small dot, and a medium dot smaller than the large dot and larger than the small dot. In this case, the first size may be a large dot size and the second size may be a medium dot or small dot size, or the first size may be a medium dot size and the second size may be a small dot size.

[Aspect 6]
As illustrated in FIG. 13, the control unit U1 stores a part of the dot DT that does not fit in the arrangement represented by the arrangement data AD when a part of the dot DT does not fit in the unit modeling body B0. You may perform control which moves to the unit modeling body B0 of a position. This aspect can also provide a technique capable of improving the color reproducibility of the three-dimensional object because a part of the color of the dot DT that does not fit in the unit modeling body B0 is also expressed in the arrangement by the halftone process. .

[Aspect 7]
The third dot DT3 may be a dot (for example, a clear ink dot) having less color material components than the first dot DT1 and the second dot DT2. This aspect can provide a suitable technique for improving the appearance of a three-dimensional object.

[Aspect 8]
The plurality of types of dots DT may include dots of one or more colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, black, white, gray, and metallic. This aspect can provide a suitable technique for improving the appearance of a three-dimensional object.

[Aspect 9]
The solid modeling method illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 and the like performs halftone processing on input data (for example, modeling layer source data OD) representing the formation rate of the dots DT in the unit modeling body B0 to perform the unit modeling body B0. If the arrangement data AD representing the arrangement of the plurality of types of dots DT with respect to the set of is generated and the dot DT of the arrangement does not fit in the unit modeling body B0, the arrangement is changed to an arrangement in which the dots fit in the unit modeling body B0. Shape the object Obj. This aspect can provide a three-dimensional object modeling method capable of improving the appearance of the three-dimensional object to be modeled.

[Aspect 10]
In the control program PR0 of the three-dimensional object formation apparatus 100 exemplified in FIGS. 1 to 4, the control unit U1 uses input data (for example, formation layer original data OD) representing the formation rate of the dots DT in the unit formation body B0. The unit modeling is performed when halftone processing is performed to generate arrangement data AD representing the arrangement of the plurality of types of dots DT with respect to the set of unit modeling bodies B0, and the dots DT of the arrangement do not fit in the unit modeling body B0. The computer realizes a function of performing control to change the arrangement so that the dots DT fit in the body B0. This aspect can provide a control program for a three-dimensional object forming apparatus capable of improving the appearance of a three-dimensional object to be formed.

(2) Configuration example of the three-dimensional object forming apparatus:
FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of a three-dimensional object forming apparatus 100 including a modeling processing apparatus 1 and a host device 9 as a configuration example of the three-dimensional object modeling apparatus. FIG. 2 schematically shows a modeling example of the three-dimensional object Obj. FIG. 3 schematically shows an example of the modeling processing apparatus 1. Y shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 does not mean yellow, but represents the Y direction. The Z direction is an example of the stacking direction D1 shown in FIG. 10A and the like. The X direction and the Y direction are examples of the surface direction D2 shown in FIG. 10A and the like. The X, Y, and Z directions shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are assumed to be orthogonal to each other, but the present technology also includes a case where they are not orthogonal as long as they intersect each other. The modeling processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 forms a three-dimensional object Obj by forming a modeling layer LY with a predetermined thickness ΔZ, for example, with dots DT formed by the discharged liquid LQ, and laminating the modeling layer LY. . In the modeling layer LY, a plurality of voxels Vx (an example of the unit modeling body B0) as illustrated in FIG. 6 and the like are arranged in the X direction and the Y direction. In this specific example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the unit is formed when the dot DT having the arrangement represented by the arrangement data AD generated by the halftone process does not fit in the unit modeling body B0 (overflows from the unit modeling body B0). The three-dimensional object Obj is modeled by changing the arrangement so that the dots DT are accommodated in the modeled body B0. The host device 9 illustrated in FIG. 1 generates modeling layer data FD that defines the shape and color of each modeling layer LY of the three-dimensional object Obj.

  The host device 9 includes a display operation unit 91, a model data generation unit 92, a modeling data generation unit 93, and a storage unit 94, and the operation of each unit is controlled by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown). The display operation unit 91 includes a display and operation input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device. The model data generation unit 92 generates model data Dat described later. The modeling data generation unit 93 includes a halftone processing unit 95 and generates modeling layer data FD based on the model data Dat. The halftone processing unit 95 determines the voxel that forms the dot DT based on the modeling layer source data OD (example of input data) that represents the formation rate of the dot DT in the voxel Vx included in the voxel set that represents the three-dimensional object Obj. decide. The storage unit 94 includes a nonvolatile memory and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The nonvolatile memory stores a control program PR2 of the host device 9, a driver program of the modeling processing device 1, an application program such as CAD (Computer Aided Design) software, a mask MA1, and the like. As the nonvolatile memory, a rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a flash memory, a rewritable nonvolatile magnetic memory such as a hard disk, and the like can be used. The host device 9 includes a computer such as a personal computer.

The model data Dat is data indicating the shape and color of the model representing the three-dimensional object Obj, and is data for designating the shape and color of the three-dimensional object Obj. It should be noted that the color of the three-dimensional object Obj is the manner in which the plurality of colors are added when the three-dimensional object Obj is provided with a plurality of colors, that is, the pattern, characters, etc. represented by the plurality of colors attached to the three-dimensional object Obj. These images are also included. The model data Dat only needs to include information that can identify at least the external shape of the three-dimensional object Obj, and specifies the internal shape and material of the three-dimensional object Obj in addition to the external shape and color of the three-dimensional object Obj. It may be. As the data format of the model data Dat, AMF (Additive Manufacturing File Format), STL (Standard Triangulated Language), or the like can be used.
The model data generation unit 92 is realized by, for example, a CAD application, and designates the shape and color of the three-dimensional object Obj based on information input by the user of the three-dimensional object modeling apparatus 100 by operating the display operation unit 91. Model data Dat is generated.

  In this specific example, a method of modeling a three-dimensional object Obj in which a modeling layer LY is formed as a Q layer (Q is a natural number satisfying Q ≧ 2) will be described. In addition, the modeling layer LY formed in the q-th stacking process (q is a natural number satisfying 1 ≦ q ≦ Q) among the Q stacking processes for forming the modeling layer LY is referred to as a modeling layer LY [q]. The modeling layer data FD that defines the shape and color of the layer LY [q] is referred to as modeling layer data FD [q]. The model data Dat of this specific example is assumed to have color only on the surface.

  The modeling data generation unit 93 first generates modeling layer source data OD indicating the shape and color of a cross section obtained by slicing the three-dimensional shape indicated by the model data Dat for each thickness ΔZ. Referring to FIG. 6, the modeling data generation unit 93 has, for example, a multi-gradation (for example, 256 gradations) representing the formation rate of the dots DT including the first dots DT1 and the second dots DT2 expressing the colors. Generate color data. For example, the color data is generated for each of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), W (white), and CL (clear). Also, multi-tone color data is generated for each of C, M, Y, and CL in the outer area AR3 of the three-dimensional object Obj, and CL dots (example of the third dot DT3) are generated in the inner area AR1 of the three-dimensional object Obj. Modeling data for forming may be generated. Further, shielding data for forming a W dot (an example of the shielding dot DT4) in the shielding area AR2 between the outer area AR3 and the inner area AR1 may be generated. The modeling layer source data OD is generated for each of C, M, Y, W, and CL, for example. The qth modeling layer source data OD is referred to as modeling layer source data OD [q]. In addition, the halftone processing unit 95 adds halftone to the modeling layer source data OD [q] to form the modeling layer LY [q] corresponding to the shape and color indicated by the modeling layer source data OD [q]. Processing is performed to generate arrangement data AD [q] representing the arrangement of a plurality of types of dots DT with respect to the voxel set, and the arrangement data AD [q] is corrected when the arranged dots DT do not fit in the voxel Vx. The determination result of the dot arrangement is output as modeling layer data FD [q]. The modeling layer data FD [q] specifies the dots DT to be formed in each voxel Vx by subdividing the shape and color indicated by the modeling layer original data OD [q] into voxels Vx arranged in a grid pattern. The voxel Vx is a virtual solid, and in this specific example, the thickness is ΔZ and is a rectangular parallelepiped having a unit volume. Of course, the shape of the virtual voxel is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped. Only one dot may be formed in one voxel Vx, or two or more dots may be formed.

  In order to model the three-dimensional object Obj, it is preferable that the three-dimensional object Obj is solid. When the shape specified by the model data Dat is a hollow shape, the modeling data generation unit 93 according to this specific example complements the hollow portion of the shape indicated by the model data Dat so that the three-dimensional object Obj is solid. Assume that data FD is generated. Alternatively, the hollow portion may be formed of a material that can be easily removed after three-dimensional modeling, such as water-soluble ink, and the material may be removed.

  The modeling processing apparatus 1 performs a lamination process of the modeling layer LY [q] based on the modeling layer data FD [q]. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the modeling layer LY [1] is formed based on the modeling layer data FD [1], and the modeling layer LY [2] is stacked based on the modeling layer data FD [2]. The modeling processing apparatus 1 models the three-dimensional object Obj by sequentially stacking the modeling layers LY [q].

  The modeling processing apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 includes a modeling table 45, a carriage 41, a head unit (an example of a dot forming unit) 3, a curing unit 61, a position change mechanism 7, a storage unit 60, a processing control unit 6, and the like. Prepare. The modeling table 45 has a stacking surface of the modeling layer LY on the upper surface, and is installed so as to be movable up and down with respect to the housing 40 by the modeling table lifting mechanism 79a. The carriage 41 has the head unit 3 and an ink cartridge (an example of a liquid cartridge) 48 mounted thereon, and is disposed above the modeling table 45. As will be described in detail later, the head unit 3 has a recording head 30 having a plurality of ejection portions D that eject (spray) droplets (liquid LQ) toward the modeling table 45, and a drive signal to each ejection portion D. A drive signal generation unit 31 that generates Vin is provided. The modeling processing device 1 and the host device 9 excluding the head unit 3 are examples of the control unit U1.

  The curing unit 61 cures the dot DT by the liquid LQ discharged onto the modeling table 45. For the curing unit 61, a light source having a suitable wavelength or a heat source is used to cure the liquid LQ. For example, if ultraviolet curable ink is used as the liquid LQ, the curing unit 61 is constituted by an ultraviolet light source having a wavelength with good curing efficiency of the liquid LQ (for example, a near ultraviolet LED light source having a wavelength of 395 nm as a central wavelength). If a visible light curable ink is used as the liquid LQ, a visible light source is used for the curing unit 61, and if a thermosetting ink is used, a heat source such as an infrared heater is used for the curing unit 61. The curing unit 61 can be installed on the upper side (+ Z direction) of the modeling table 45, for example.

  The position change mechanism 7 includes drive motors 71 to 74, motor drivers 75 to 78, and the like. The lifting mechanism drive motor 71 is driven by a motor driver 75 and moves the modeling table 45 in the Z direction (+ Z direction and −Z direction) via the modeling table lifting mechanism 79a. The carriage drive motor 72 is driven by a motor driver 76 to move the carriage 41 in the Y direction (+ Y direction and −Y direction) along the carriage guide 79b. The carriage guide drive motor 73 is driven by a motor driver 77 to move the carriage guide 79b in the X direction (+ X direction and −X direction) along the guide 79c. The curing unit drive motor 74 is driven by a motor driver 78 to move the curing unit 61 in the X direction (+ X direction and −X direction) along the guide 79d.

  The storage unit 60 includes a nonvolatile memory and a RAM. The non-volatile memory stores a control program PR1 of the modeling processing apparatus. As the nonvolatile memory, a rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a ROM and a flash memory, a rewritable nonvolatile magnetic memory such as a hard disk, and the like can be used. The RAM stores a control program PR1 developed from a non-volatile memory, modeling layer data FD from the host device 9, and the like. The control program PR1 stored in the storage unit 60 of the modeling processing device 1 and the control program PR2 stored in the storage unit 94 of the host device 9 are examples of the control program PR0.

  The processing control unit 6 includes a CPU that performs control processing of the entire modeling processing apparatus in accordance with the control program PR1 and the like. The processing control unit 6 models the three-dimensional object Obj according to the model data Dat by controlling the operations of the head unit 3 and the position change mechanism 7 based on the modeling layer data FD from the host device 9. For example, the processing control unit 6 generates various signals including an analog drive waveform signal Com and a waveform designation signal SI for driving the ejection unit D according to the modeling layer data FD, and outputs the generated signals to the head unit 3. To do. Further, the processing control unit 6 generates various signals for controlling the operations of the motor drivers 75 to 78 in accordance with the modeling layer data FD, and outputs these generated signals to the position change mechanism 7.

  FIG. 4 schematically shows an arrangement example of the nozzles NZ (a part of the ejection part D shown in FIG. 1) of the recording head 30 included in the head unit 3. 4 shows a nozzle surface 33 in which a plurality of nozzle rows 32 are arranged in the Y direction (scanning direction DS1) in the recording head 30. FIG. The recording head 30 shown in FIG. 4 ejects the liquid LQ for forming dots from the nozzles NZ while moving in the scanning direction DS1 (forward direction DS2 and backward direction DS3) with respect to the modeling table 45 that has not moved. It is assumed that bidirectional recording is performed. Of course, the present technology can also be applied to a recording head that performs unidirectional recording. The plurality of nozzle rows 32 includes nozzle rows 32CL in which nozzles NZ for discharging droplets of CL are arranged in the X direction and nozzle rows 32C and M in which nozzles NZ for discharging droplets of C are arranged in the X direction. Nozzle row 32M in which nozzles NZ for ejection are arranged in the X direction, nozzle row 32Y in which nozzles NZ for ejecting Y droplets are arranged in the X direction, and nozzles NZ in which W droplets are ejected are arranged in the X direction. The nozzle row 32W is included. The aforementioned four colors C, M, Y, and W are colors that can be the first color and the second color of the present technology. From the droplets (liquid LQ) discharged from the nozzle NZ, dots DT are formed as shown in the lower part of FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first color is applied to C, the second color is applied to M, the C dot is the first dot DT1, the M dot is the second dot DT2, and the CL dot is A third dot DT3 is indicated.

  Of course, when the predetermined color C is applied to the first color, the predetermined color Y may be applied to the second color. When the predetermined color M is applied to the first color, the predetermined color C or the predetermined color Y may be applied to the second color. When the predetermined color Y is applied to the first color, the predetermined color C or the predetermined color M may be applied to the second color.

  C ink, M ink, and Y ink are chromatic inks. W ink reflects 30% or more (preferably 50% or more) of the irradiated light when irradiated with light having a wavelength in the visible light wavelength region (approximately 400 to 700 nm). Achromatic ink. The dots formed from the W ink can be shielding dots DT4 for shielding the inner area AR1 of the three-dimensional object Obj as illustrated in FIG. The first dot DT1, the second dot DT2, the third dot DT3, and the shielding dot DT4 are collectively referred to as a dot DT. The CL ink is a modeling ink to which no color material is added, and is an ink having a low content of the color material component and high transparency as compared with the chromatic color ink and the achromatic color ink.

  The recording head 30 of this specific example can change the weight of the liquid droplet (liquid LQ) discharged from the nozzle NZ, and as shown in the lower part of FIG. 4, a large dot DTL, a medium dot DTM, and a small dot DTS. Can be formed. These dots DTL, DTM, and DTS are collectively referred to as dots DT. Since it is possible to discharge droplets in which dots DTL, DTM, and DTS are formed from each nozzle NZ, FIG. 4 shows that only large dots DTL are formed from CL and Y nozzles NZ, for example. Not a translation.

The arrangement of the nozzles NZ in each nozzle row 32 may be a direction shifted from the X direction in the nozzle surface 33, and may be not only linear but also so-called staggered.
In addition to the nozzle NZ, the ejection unit D shown in FIG. 1 has a drive element that ejects liquid droplets from the nozzle NZ by an applied drive signal Vin. As the driving element, a piezoelectric element that applies pressure to the liquid LQ in the pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle NZ, a thermal element that generates bubbles in the pressure chamber by heat and discharges droplets from the nozzle NZ, and the like can be used. In this embodiment, the drive element is configured by using a piezoelectric element as a piezoelectric element. Liquid LQ is supplied from the ink cartridge 48 to the pressure chamber. The liquid LQ in the pressure chamber is ejected as a droplet from the nozzle NZ toward the modeling table 45 by the driving element, and droplet dots DT are formed on the modeling layer LY. By the relative movement of the recording head 30 and the modeling table 45, the modeling layer LY corresponding to the modeling layer data FD is formed.

  Various known circuits that apply a drive signal to a drive element that discharges droplets from the nozzle NZ can be used for the drive signal generation unit 31.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a concept for controlling ejection of a droplet corresponding to a large dot, ejection of a droplet corresponding to a medium dot, ejection of a droplet corresponding to a small dot, or non-ejection of a droplet based on a drive signal Vin. Is schematically shown. Note that the waveforms PL1, PL2, and PL3 of the drive signal Vin shown in FIG. 5 are merely schematic and are not necessarily actual waveforms.

In this example, when a droplet corresponding to a large dot is ejected from the nozzle NZ, the drive signal generation unit 31 has three waveforms in a predetermined ejection unit period Tu based on the drive waveform signal Com input from the processing control unit 6. PL1, PL2, and PL3 are supplied to the ejection unit D as the drive signal Vin. As a result, droplets are ejected from the nozzles NZ at a timing in accordance with the waveforms PL1, PL2, and PL3, and large dots are formed.
Further, when ejecting a droplet corresponding to a medium dot from the nozzle NZ, the drive signal generation unit 31 has two waveforms PL1, 2 in the ejection unit period Tu based on the drive waveform signal Com input from the processing control unit 6. PL2 is supplied to the ejection unit D as the drive signal Vin. As a result, droplets are ejected from the nozzles NZ at a timing in accordance with the waveforms PL1 and PL2, and a medium dot is formed.

Furthermore, when ejecting a droplet corresponding to a small dot from the nozzle NZ, the drive signal generating unit 31 generates one waveform PL1 in the ejection unit period Tu based on the drive waveform signal Com input from the processing control unit 6. The drive signal Vin is supplied to the discharge unit D. Thereby, a droplet is ejected from the nozzle NZ at a timing in accordance with the waveform PL1, and a small dot is formed.
In addition, when the liquid droplets are not discharged from the nozzle NZ, the drive signal generation unit 31 does not supply any of the waveforms PL1, PL2, and PL3 to the discharge unit D. Is not formed.

(3) First specific example of the three-dimensional object forming apparatus:
FIG. 6 schematically shows a structural example of a three-dimensional object Obj in which large dots DTL are formed on all voxels Vx as a first specific example. In the first specific example, an example will be described in which a three-dimensional object Obj is formed by stacking a modeling layer LY in which a plurality of voxels Vx by one large dot DTL are arranged in the X direction and the Y direction. In the lower part of FIG. 6, the fourth modeling layer LY is extracted from the top of the three-dimensional object Obj. In FIG. 6, any one of C, M, Y, W, and CL on the −Y direction side surface (front surface in FIG. 6) and the + Z direction side surface (upper surface) of the three-dimensional object Obj on which the modeling layer LY is stacked. Are formed by C, M, Y, W, and CL. The three-dimensional object Obj illustrated in FIG. 6 is a simplified example, and the number of voxels Vx included in the modeling layer LY is not limited to 9 × 9, and the number of modeling layers LY is not limited to nine layers.

In the inner area AR1 of the three-dimensional object Obj shown in FIG. 6, a third dot DT3 of CL ink for modeling is formed. The outer area AR3 of the three-dimensional object Obj shown in FIG. 6 includes dots of predetermined colors C, M, and Y that represent the surface color of the three-dimensional object Obj (examples of the first dot DT1 and the second dot DT2), and a modeling layer CL third dots DT3 are formed to make the LY thickness ΔZ substantially constant. As shown in FIG. 6, the outer area AR3 may be one voxel from the surface of the three-dimensional object, or three or more voxels from the surface of the three-dimensional object, as well as two voxels from the surface of the three-dimensional object Obj. But you can. In the three-dimensional object Obj shown in FIG. 6, a shielding area AR2 formed of W ink shielding dots DT4 is arranged between the inner area AR1 and the outer area AR3. FIG. 6 shows only the cross section along the XY plane, but the cross section along the XZ plane, and the cross section along the YZ plane also include a cross section along the XY plane. Similarly, an inner area AR1, a shielding area AR2, and an outer area AR3 appear. Since the back area is shielded from the inner area AR1 due to the presence of the shielding area AR2, the appearance of the three-dimensional object is further improved.
The shielding area AR2 may cover only a part of the inner area AR1, such as excluding the lower side of the inner area AR1, in addition to covering the entire area of the inner area AR1. The outer area AR3 may cover only a part of the inner area AR1, such as excluding the lower side of the inner area AR1, besides covering the entire area of the inner area AR1. Of course, the present technology can also be applied to modeling a three-dimensional object Obj that does not have the inner area AR1 and the shielding area AR2.

(4) Processing example of solid object shaping apparatus:
FIG. 7 shows an example of a modeling process performed by the three-dimensional object modeling apparatus 100 shown in FIG. This processing is performed in cooperation by the modeling data generation unit 93 of the host device 9 and the processing control unit 6 of the modeling processing device 1. When the modeling data generation unit 93 acquires at least the model data Dat from the model data generation unit 92, the modeling data generation unit 93 performs a modeling layer data generation process in steps S102 to S106. Hereinafter, the description of “step” is omitted. When acquiring the modeling layer data FD from the host device 9, the process control unit 6 controls the modeling of the three-dimensional object Obj by the dots DT that are cured in the modeling process of S <b> 108 to S <b> 114. The host device 9 and the modeling processing device 1 execute a plurality of processes in parallel by multitasking.

  FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an example of processing of S104 to S106 in which halftone processing is performed on the modeling layer source data OD to generate the arrangement data AD, and the arrangement data AD is corrected so that the dots DT are contained in the voxel Vx. Is shown. In this example, the modeling layer source data OD [q], the modeling layer source data ODc [q] for C, the modeling layer source data ODm [q] for M, and the modeling layer source data ODy [q] for Y And adjust the dot placement by generating the placement data ADc [q], ADm [q], ADy [q] for each color from these modeling layer source data ODc [q], ODm [q], ODy [q] I am going to do it. The final modeling layer data FD [q] is data obtained by combining the modeling layer data FDc [q], FDm [q], and FDy [q] for each color. The voxel values of the modeling layer source data ODc [q], ODm [q], ODy [q] are input values V1c (x, y), V1m (x, y), V1y (x, y), and the arrangement data. The voxel values of ADc [q], ADm [q], ADy [q] are V2c (x, y), V2m (x, y), V2y (x, y), and the modeling layer data FDc [q], FDm [ The voxel values of q], FDy [q] are output values V3c (x, y), V3m (x, y), V3y (x, y), and the voxel values of the modeling layer data FD [q] are output values V3 ( x, y). x represents a coordinate value in the X direction, and y represents a coordinate value in the Y direction. Arranged in the arrangement data ADc [q], ADm [q], ADy [q], the modeling layer data FDc [q], FDm [q], FDy [q], and the modeling layer data FD [q] The type of dot (any one of C, M, Y, CL) is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 7, the modeling layer source data ODc [q], ODm [q], and ODy [q] are collectively referred to as modeling layer source data OD [q], and input values V1c (x, y), V1m (x , Y), V1y (x, y) are collectively referred to as the input value V1 (x, y), the arrangement data ADc [q], ADm [q], ADy [q] are collectively referred to as the arrangement data AD [q], The voxel values V2c (x, y), V2m (x, y), and V2y (x, y) are collectively referred to as voxel values V2 (x, y).

  The modeling data generation unit 93 that has acquired the model data Dat first generates modeling layer source data OD for each of C, M, Y, W, and CL based on the model data Dat (S102). For example, each modeling layer source data OD [q] (q = 1, 2,..., Q) uses an input value V1 (x, y) of multi-gradation (for example, 256 gradations) representing the modeling layer LY [q]. Assume that each voxel Vx has.

  After generation of the modeling layer source data OD, the modeling data generation unit 93 performs a halftone process on the input value V1 (x, y) of each voxel Vx of the modeling layer source data OD in the halftone processing unit 95. Thus, the arrangement data AD is generated for each of C, M, Y, W, and CL (S104). For example, it is assumed that each arrangement data AD [q] (q = 1, 2,..., Q) has a binary voxel value V2 (x, y) indicating whether or not a dot DT is formed in each voxel Vx. In the outer area AR3 of the three-dimensional object Obj, the W third blocking dot DT4 is not formed, and the CL third dot DT3 is formed at a location where the C, M, or Y dot is not formed. The arrangement data ADc [q], ADm [q], and ADy [q] may be generated from the Y modeling layer source data ODc [q], ODm [q], and ODy [q]. In the inner area AR1 and the shielding area AR2, when the input value V1 (x, y) is 255, the voxel value V2 (x, y) is set to 1 (an example meaning dot formation), and the input value V1 (x, y ) Is 0, the voxel value V2 (x, y) can be set to 0 (an example meaning no dot).

  The arrangement data ADc [q], ADm [q], and ADy [q] are, for example, C based on the modeling layer source data ODc [q], ODm [q], ODy [q] and the mask MA1. , M, Y dot arrangement data ADc [q], ADm [q], ADy [q] can be generated by a halftone process using a systematic dither method. The voxel values V2c (x, y), V2m (x, y), and V2y (x, y) of the arrangement data ADc [q], ADm [q], and ADy [q] that are halftone results are, for example, dots DT Can be binary data indicating whether or not (for example, 1) is formed (for example, 0).

FIG. 9 schematically shows a structural example of a two-dimensional dither mask as the mask MA1. Each cell (square square) shown in FIG. 9 represents the storage element E1 of the mask MA1, and the numerical value given to each cell represents the threshold value T (x, y) stored in the storage element E1. For easy understanding, the input value V1 (x, y) of the modeling layer source data OD is represented by an integer of 0 to 100 corresponding to the percentage, and each threshold value of the mask MA1 is a unique value different from each other. It shall be stipulated. When the input value V1 (x, y) is a gradation value of 0 to 255, a dot formation rate of 50% corresponds to a gradation value of about 128, and a dot formation rate of 25% corresponds to a gradation value of about 64. To do. In FIG. 9, when the input value V1 (x, y) is a dot formation rate of 20%, the storage element in which the dot DT is formed is surrounded by a bold line.
When the modeling layer LY [q] is larger than the mask MA1, all the input values V1 (x, y) of the modeling layer original data OD can be associated with each threshold value of the mask MA1 by arranging a plurality of masks MA1.

The halftone process using the mask MA1 can be performed as follows, for example.
First, a modeling layer LY [q] to be halftone processed is set from the modeling layer original data OD of the Q layer. Then, for each voxel Vx of the modeling layer LY [q], it is determined whether or not the input value V1 (x, y) is equal to or greater than the threshold value T (x, y) of the mask MA1, and V1 (x, y) ≧ The voxel value V2 (x, y) of the voxel with T (x, y) is set to 1 (meaning the first dot formation), for example, and the voxel value with V1 (x, y) <T (x, y) V2 (x, y) may be set to 0 (meaning no first dot), for example.

  The halftone process in S104 may be an error diffusion process.

The above halftone process is performed for each color of C, M, and Y, and is performed for the modeling layer LY of the Q layer. Therefore, the binary voxel value V2c (x, y) of the arrangement data ADc [q] is generated based on the multi-tone input value V1c (x, y) of the modeling layer original data ODc [q], and the modeling layer A binary voxel value V2c (x, y) of the arrangement data ADm [q] is generated based on the multi-tone input value V1m (x, y) of the original data ODm [q], and the modeling layer original data ODy [ A binary voxel value V2c (x, y) of the arrangement data ADy [q] is generated based on the multi-tone input value V1y (x, y) of q].
Since the arrangement data ADc [q], ADm [q], and ADy [q], which are halftone results, are generated independently for each color of C, M, and Y, as illustrated in FIG. In the modeling layer LY [q], different color dots may be arranged at the same voxel position (x, y). In the example of FIG. 8, C dot and M dot are arranged at the same voxel position P1, C dot and Y dot are arranged at the same voxel position P2, and M dot and Y dot are arranged at the same voxel position P3. Are arranged, and a C dot, an M dot, and a Y dot are arranged at the same voxel position P4. In this state, the voxel positions P1 to P4 are increased in the modeling layer LY [q], and the modeling layer LY [q] is uneven. Also, none of the C, M, and Y dots are formed at the voxel position P5 or the like. In this state, the voxel position P5 is recessed in the modeling layer LY [q], and the modeling layer LY [q] is uneven.

  Therefore, after the halftone process in S104, the modeling data generation unit 93 performs a dot arrangement adjustment process in the halftone processing unit 95 (S106). In this dot arrangement adjustment process, the dots that do not fit in the voxel Vx at the voxel positions P1 to P4 are moved to the voxel Vx where they fit, and the C, M, and Y dots are not arranged as in the voxel position P5. The Q layer arrangement data ADc [q], ADm [q], and ADy [q] are modified so that the CL dots are arranged.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, since none of the C, M, and Y dots are arranged in the voxel adjacent in the + Y direction in the modeling layer from the voxel position P1, as shown by the arrows in FIG. The M dot at the position P1 can be moved by one voxel in the + Y direction. Needless to say, one C dot at the voxel position P1 may be moved in the + Y direction. In addition, since none of the C, M, and Y dots are arranged in the + X direction in the modeling layer from the voxel position P2, it is possible to move the Y or C dot by one voxel in the + X direction. it can. When the arrangement data AD is corrected such that the dots that do not fit in the voxel Vx in the arrangement represented by the arrangement data AD are moved to the voxel Vx at the position where they fit, the C, M, and Y dots have different voxel positions (x , Y), the modeling layer data FDc [q], FDm [q], and FDy [q] representing that they are arranged at the same position are obtained. The output values V3c (x, y), V3m (x, y), and V3y (x, y) of the generated modeling layer data FDc [q], FDm [q], and FDy [q] are, for example, dots DT. It can be binary data indicating whether it is formed (for example, 1) or not (for example, 0).
Note that the color of the dots to be moved when a plurality of color dots overlaps the voxel Vx may be changed for each voxel, may be changed for each modeling layer, and priority is given to the color of the dots. The predetermined color may be fixed according to the priority order.

  When the above modeling layer data FDc [q], FDm [q], and FDy [q] are combined, dots of different colors do not overlap with the same voxel, but C on some voxels of the modeling layer LY [q]. , M, Y dots may not be arranged. Such a voxel is a unit shaped body B0 that is not filled with dots other than the third dot among the plurality of types of dots DT. Therefore, in the dot arrangement adjustment process, the output value V3 (x, y) of the modeling layer data FD [q] is generated so that the CL dot is arranged in the voxel where none of the C, M, and Y dots are arranged. As a result, the third CL dot DT3 is formed in the voxel in which the CL dot is arranged. In FIG. 8, the first color is applied to C, the second color is applied to M, the first dot DT1 is formed in the voxel in which the C dot is arranged, and the voxel in which the M dot is arranged. It is also shown that the second dot DT2 is formed.

  The modeling data generation unit 93 transmits the modeling layer data FD to the modeling processing apparatus 1. The modeling processing apparatus 1 receives the modeling layer data FD. The process control unit 6 that has acquired the modeling layer data FD first sets the modeling layer LY [q] for forming the dots DT (S108). This process can be, for example, a process of setting the number of processes (1, 2,..., Q) in S108 to a variable q indicating the number of executions of the stacking process. Next, the processing control unit 6 causes the motor driver 75 to drive the lifting mechanism drive motor 71 so as to move the modeling table 45 to a position in the Z direction for forming the modeling layer LY [q] (S110). For example, when forming the modeling layer LY [1] of FIG. 2, the process control unit 6 raises the modeling table 45 to a predetermined proximity position close to the curing unit 61. When forming the modeling layer LY [2] in FIG. 2, the processing control unit 6 lowers the modeling table 45 by a thickness ΔZ from the proximity position.

  After the movement of the modeling table 45, the processing control unit 6 causes the head unit 3, the position change mechanism 7, and so on to form the modeling layer LY [q] based on the qth modeling layer data FD [q]. The operation of the curing unit 61 is controlled (S112). For example, this process may be a process of repeatedly discharging the ink droplet (liquid LQ) from the nozzle NZ and feeding the head unit 3 in the X direction while scanning the head unit 3 in the scanning direction DS1 (Y direction). it can. For example, the process controller 6 causes the motor driver 76 to drive the carriage drive motor 72 so as to move the head unit 3 in the scanning direction DS1. Further, the process control unit 6 causes the motor driver 77 to drive the carriage guide drive motor 73 so as to move the carriage guide 79b in the X direction together with the head unit 3. Here, according to the modeling layer data FD [q], C ink, M ink, Y ink, CL ink, or W ink is ejected from the nozzle NZ, and the first dot DT1, the second dot DT2, and the third dot DT3 or shielding dot DT4 is formed.

  The dots DT1, DT2, DT3, and DT4 passed by the head unit 3 on the upper side are irradiated with ultraviolet rays (UV) from the curing unit 61 from above. As a result, the components contained in the ink (liquid LQ) are polymerized, and the dots DT1, DT2, DT3, and DT4 are cured. In this way, the modeling layer LY [q] is formed by the dots DT1, DT2, DT3, and DT4 to be cured.

  After forming the modeling layer LY [q], the processing control unit 6 determines whether or not all the modeling layers LY [q] are set (S114). When q <Q, the process control unit 6 repeats the processes of S108 to S114. For example, when q = 1, the modeling layer LY [2] is set in the next process of S108. When q = Q, the process control unit 6 ends the modeling process. As a result, the three-dimensional object Obj is placed on the modeling table 45.

Here, with reference to FIG. 10A, the effect | action and effect of this example are demonstrated. In FIG. 10A, the first color is applied to C, the second color is applied to M, and the first dot DT1 of C and the second dot DT2 of M are formed by halftoning to fit in the voxel Vx. An example is schematically shown in which an unaccepted dot is moved to a voxel Vx at a position where it is accommodated as it is. FIG. 10A shows a main part of a cross section along the stacking direction D1 and the surface direction D2 of the q-th modeling layer LY, and the upper side of FIG. 10A shows the dot arrangement represented by the arrangement data AD [q]. The lower side shows the dot arrangement represented by the modeling layer data FD [q]. The same applies to FIGS. 10B, 12A, 12B, and 13 described later.
“Specified amount” in FIG. 10A means the amount of dots that can be formed in one voxel, and in the case of this specific example, it is one large dot DTL. That is, when a large dot DTL is formed in all voxels, the designated amount is reached when one dot DT is formed in the voxel Vx.

  As shown in the upper side of FIG. 10A, the dots of the arrangement represented by the arrangement data AD [q] generated by the halftone process include the C first dots DT1 and M of the C first dots DT1 and 802 as in the voxel positions 801 and 802. There are voxels where two dots DT2 overlap. The halftone processing unit 95 performs control to move a dot that does not fit in the voxel Vx to a position that fits in the voxel Vx in the surface direction D2 in the modeling layer. The direction in which the dots are transferred may be selected randomly within the modeling layer, or may be fixed in one direction of the surface direction D2, such as the + X direction.

  For example, the C first dot DT1 that does not fit in the voxel Vx from the voxel position 801 is moved in one direction of the surface direction D2 (to the right in FIG. 10A). In the arrangement data AD [q], since no dot is arranged in the right adjacent voxel from the voxel position 801, the C first dot DT1 can be moved from the voxel position 801 to the right adjacent voxel. On the other hand, in the arrangement data AD [q], since the dot is arranged in the right adjacent voxel from the voxel position 802, the M second dot DT2 cannot be moved from the voxel position 802 to this right adjacent voxel. . Since no dot is placed in the next voxel right next to the right voxel, that is, the voxel next closest to the voxel position 802 in the arrangement data AD [q], the next voxel next to the voxel position 802 to M The second dot DT2 can be moved. In this way, in the arrangement data AD [q], the dots DT1 and DT2 that do not fit in the voxel Vx move to the voxel Vx at a position that fits in the vicinity. In the obtained modeling layer data FD [q], only one of the C first dot DT1 and the M second dot DT2 is arranged in the voxel Vx where the dot is arranged. For this reason, the increase in the thickness ΔZ of the modeling layer due to the first dot DT1 and the second dot DT2 overlapping at the same voxel position is suppressed. In addition, the color of dots that do not fit in the voxel Vx is also expressed, and good color reproducibility is obtained.

  In addition, even if the dots that do not fit in the voxel Vx are moved to the voxel Vx where the dots fit, neither the first dot DT1 of C nor the second dot DT2 of M may be arranged in some voxels of the modeling layer LY. Since the dots DT1 and DT2 are not arranged at the voxel position 803 in the modeling layer data FD [q], the voxel at the voxel position 803 is not filled with dots other than the third dot DT3 among the plurality of types of dots DT. B0. The CL third dot DT3 is arranged in the voxel at the voxel position 803, and the CL third dot DT3 is formed in the voxel not filled with the first dot DT1 or the second dot DT2. For this reason, the dent of the modeling layer by the voxel not being filled with the 1st dot DT1 or the 2nd dot DT2 is suppressed.

  As described above, this specific example can adjust the ejection amount of ink in fine units, and suppress the formation of unevenness in the modeling layer due to the dots of different colors being arranged in the same voxel Vx by the halftone process. It becomes possible to do. Thus, since the thickness ΔZ of the modeling layer can be kept substantially constant, the present specific example can improve the appearance of the three-dimensional object to be modeled.

  In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 10B, the dots that do not fit in the voxel Vx may not be moved and formed. In the dot arrangement represented by the arrangement data AD [q] shown in FIG. 10B, the C first dot DT1 does not fit in the voxel position 801, and the M second dot DT2 does not fit in the voxel position 802. In the dot arrangement represented by the modeling layer data FD [q] shown in FIG. 10B, the first dot DT1 from C is lost from the voxel position 801, and the second dot DT2 from M is lost from the voxel position 802. In such a case, although the color of the dot that did not fit in the voxel Vx is not reproduced, an increase in the thickness ΔZ of the modeling layer due to the dots DT1 and DT2 overlapping at the same voxel position can be suppressed. Accordingly, unevenness due to the arrangement of dots of different colors in the same voxel Vx by the halftone process does not occur, and the appearance of the three-dimensional object to be shaped is improved.

(5) Second specific example of the three-dimensional object forming apparatus:
FIG. 11 shows, as a second specific example, in a modeling layer LY in the case where dots of a plurality of sizes selected from a large dot DTL, a medium dot DTM, and a small dot DTS are formed on a voxel Vx (an example of a unit modeling body B0). The example of the relationship between unit modeling object B0 and a dot is shown typically. The modeling layer LY shown in FIG. 11 is a simplified example, and the number of voxels Vx included in the modeling layer LY is not limited to 5 × 5. In FIG. 11, voxels Vx at y = 1 are indicated as voxels Vx11 to Vx15, and voxels Vx at y = 3 are indicated as voxels Vx31 to Vx35. These voxels also indicate the size of the dot DT and its ink type. For example, the voxel Vx12 is formed by M large dots DTL. In the voxel Vx11, the medium dot DTM of CL is formed on the M small dot DTS. In the voxel Vx15, M small dots DTS, C small dots DTS, and CL small dots DTS are formed in order from the bottom. The modeling control unit 6 shown in FIG. 1 makes each voxel Vx form one large dot, one medium dot and one small dot combination, or three small dot combinations. The layer LY is set to a predetermined thickness ΔZ.

  1 forms one large dot DTL, one medium dot DTM and one small dot DTS combination, or three small dot DTS combinations in each voxel Vx. Then, the modeling layer LY is set to a predetermined thickness ΔZ. The control unit U1 is three-dimensional so that there are voxels in which large dots DTL are arranged, voxels in which one or more dots DT including medium dots DTM are arranged, and voxels in which one or more dots DT including small dots DTS are arranged. Controls the modeling of the object Obj. When the first size is applied to the size of the large dot DTL, the second size can be applied to the size of the medium dot DTM or the small dot DTS, and when the first size is applied to the size of the medium dot DTM, the first size is applied. Two sizes can be applied to the size of the small dot DTS.

  Even when dots of a plurality of sizes are formed on the unit modeling body B0, the three-dimensional object Obj can be modeled according to the modeling process shown in FIG. Here, the halftone processing of S104 in FIG. 7 is a multi-gradation of each modeling layer source data OD [q] (q = 1, 2,..., Q) for each of C, M, Y, W, and CL. The input value V1 (x, y) (for example, 256 gradations) can be multivalued (for example, quaternary). For example, the voxel value of the quaternarized arrangement data AD [q] (q = 1, 2,..., Q) is V2 (x, y) is 0 (no dot), 1 (one small dot DTS) Minute), 2 (for two small dots DTS), or 3 (for three small dots DTS). Two small dots DTS correspond to one medium dot DTM, and three small dots DTS correspond to one large dot DTL.

  The above halftone processing also generates the arrangement data ADc [q], ADm [q], ADy [q] independently for each color of C, M, Y as shown in FIG. However, the voxel values V2c (x, y), V2m (x, y), and V2y (x, y) are four values. Also in this case, for example, if a large C dot and a small M dot are arranged at the same voxel position P1, at least one small dot does not fit in the voxel Vx, and the middle dot of the C and the Y of the same dot are located at the same voxel position P2. When a large dot is arranged, at least one medium dot does not fit in the voxel Vx, and when a medium dot of M and a medium dot of Y are arranged at the same voxel position P3, at least one small dot fits in the voxel Vx. If the middle dot of C, the middle dot of M, and the middle dot of Y are arranged at the same voxel position P4, at least one large dot does not fit in the voxel Vx. Also, none of the C, M, and Y dots are formed at the voxel position P5 or the like. In this state, the voxel positions P1 to P4 are increased in the modeling layer LY [q], the voxel position P5 is recessed, and the modeling layer LY [q] is uneven.

  Therefore, the dot arrangement adjustment process in S106 of FIG. 7 is also performed when a plurality of sizes of dots are formed in the voxel Vx. In this dot arrangement adjustment processing, dots that do not fit in the voxel Vx (dots selected from the dots DTL, DTM, and DTS) at the voxel positions P1 to P4 are moved to the voxel Vx at the position where they fit, and C, M, and Y dots are used. Q layer arrangement data ADc [q], ADm [q], and ADy [q] are arranged so that CL dots (dots selected from the dots DTL, DTM, and DTS) are arranged in the unfilled portion of the unfilled voxel. Correct it.

  In the modeling layer forming process of S112 in FIG. 7, when there is a voxel Vx that cannot form all the dots DT by one main scanning in the scanning direction DS1, all the dots DT of the voxel Vx are processed twice or more times. It may be formed by scanning.

  FIG. 12A shows a case where a dot of a plurality of sizes is formed, the first dot DT1 of C and the second dot DT2 of M are formed by halftone processing, and the voxel Vx at a position where the dot that does not fit in the voxel Vx is accommodated as it is. The example which moves to is shown typically. The “specified amount” shown in FIG. 12A corresponds to one large dot, which is equivalent to the sum of one medium dot and one small dot, and three small dots. The same applies to FIGS. 12A and 13 described later.

  For example, an M large dot DTL that does not fit in the voxel Vx from the voxel position 804 is moved in one direction of the surface direction D2 (to the right in FIG. 12A). In the arrangement data AD [q], since there is a space for one large dot in the right adjacent voxel from the voxel position 804, the M large dot DTL can be moved from the voxel position 804 to the right adjacent voxel. On the other hand, in the arrangement data AD [q], the nearest right voxel from the voxel position 805 has only one small dot, so the middle dot DTM of M is moved from the voxel position 805 to the right adjacent voxel. I can't. The voxel that is further to the right of the right voxel, that is, the voxel that is next to the voxel position 805 in the arrangement data AD [q] has a space corresponding to one large dot. M medium dot DTM can be moved from 805. In this way, in the arrangement data AD [q], the dot DT that does not fit in the voxel Vx moves to the voxel Vx at a position that fits in the vicinity. In the obtained modeling layer data FD [q], the dots DT1 and DT2 are arranged only up to one large dot in the voxel Vx. For this reason, an increase in the thickness ΔZ of the modeling layer due to the dots DT1 and DT2 exceeding one large dot overlapping at the same voxel position is suppressed. In addition, the color of dots that do not fit in the voxel Vx is also expressed, and good color reproducibility is obtained.

  Further, even if the dots that do not fit in the voxel Vx are moved to the voxel Vx where the dot fits, some voxels of the modeling layer LY may be vacant. In the modeling layer data FD [q], the voxel position 806 is a dot except for the third dot DT3 among the plurality of types of dots DT because the medium dot DTM of C remains due to the decrease of the M large dot DTL. The unit shaped body B0 is not filled with one small dot. A CL small dot DTS is arranged in the voxel at the voxel position 806, and a CL small dot DTS is formed in a voxel not filled with the dots DT1 and DT2. In the modeling layer data FD [q], at the voxel position 807, the medium dot DTM of C is disposed without disposing M dots, and therefore, the small dot DTS of CL is disposed. In the modeling layer data FD [q], at the voxel position 808, since the M medium dot DTM moves without the C dot being arranged, the CL small dot DTS is arranged. Therefore, the dent of the modeling layer due to the voxel not being filled with the dots DT1 and DT2 is suppressed.

  As described above, this specific example can adjust the ejection amount of ink in finer units and suppress the occurrence of unevenness due to dots of different colors being arranged in the same voxel Vx by halftone processing. Is possible. Further, since the thickness ΔZ of the modeling layer can be kept substantially constant in units smaller than the voxel Vx, this specific example can further improve the appearance of the three-dimensional object to be modeled.

  Note that, as illustrated in FIG. 12B, dots that do not fit in the voxel Vx may be transferred with priority over the adjacent voxel Vx. For example, in the arrangement data AD [q], the nearest right voxel from the voxel position 805 (the first adjacent unit model B1) has only one small dot, but the right next voxel (B1) The M medium dot DTM from the voxel position 805 is forcibly shifted. In this case, the medium dot DTM of C originally present in the voxel (B1) does not fit in the voxel (B1). Therefore, the medium dot DTM of C from the voxel (B1) is forcibly transferred from the voxel position 805 to the next right adjacent voxel (second adjacent unit modeling body B2). Since the voxel (B2) has a space for one large dot, there is no need to move dots further. In this way, when the dots originally present in the first adjacent unit modeling body B1 from which the dots have moved do not fit in the first adjacent unit modeling body B1, the dots that do not fit are adjacent to the first adjacent unit modeling body B1. It moves to 2nd adjacent unit modeling body B2.

  The specific example shown in FIG. 12B also suppresses an increase in the thickness ΔZ of the modeling layer due to the dots DT1 and DT2 exceeding one large dot overlapping each other at the same voxel position, and expresses the color of the dots that did not fit in the voxel Vx. Is done. At this time, since the color of dots that do not fit in the voxel Vx in the arrangement by the halftone process is expressed at a position close to the original position, the color reproducibility of the three-dimensional object is improved.

In addition, when the dots originally present in the second adjacent unit modeling body B2 do not fit in the second adjacent unit modeling body B2, similarly, the dots that do not fit are adjacent to the second adjacent unit modeling body B2. It may be transferred to three adjacent unit shaped bodies. Such repetition may be performed as long as the unit shaped body exists in the direction in which the dots that do not fit in the unit shaped body are moved.
In addition, even when the size of the dots to be formed is fixed to, for example, a large dot, the first adjacent unit modeling body that is adjacent to the unit modeling body B0 for dots that do not fit in the unit modeling body B0 in the arrangement represented by the arrangement data AD You may move to B1. Also in this case, when the dots originally present in the first adjacent unit modeling body B1 do not fit in the first adjacent unit modeling body B1, the dots that do not fit can be transferred to the second adjacent unit modeling body B2.

(6) Third specific example of the three-dimensional object forming apparatus:
FIG. 13 schematically shows an example in which, when a plurality of sizes of dots are formed, a part of the dots that do not fit in the voxel Vx is divided and moved to a voxel Vx at a position that fits as a third specific example. Also in this example, the direction in which dots that do not fit in the voxel Vx are moved is one direction of the surface direction D2 (right side in FIG. 13). At the voxel position 804, the middle dot portion that is a part of the M large dots DTL does not fit in the voxel Vx. Therefore, the M large dot DTL is divided into the small dot DTS and the medium dot DTM, the M small dot DTS is left at the voxel position 804, and the M medium dot DTM is moved to the voxel Vx at the position where it fits. In the arrangement data AD [q], since there is a space for one large dot in the voxel nearest to the right from the voxel position 804, the medium dot DTM of M can be moved from the voxel position 804 to the right adjacent voxel.

At the voxel position 805, the entire M medium dot DTM does not fit in the voxel Vx. However, in the arrangement data AD [q], the voxel nearest to the right from the voxel position 805 has only one vacant space. Therefore, the M medium dot DTM at the voxel position 805 is divided into two small dots DTS, and one small dot DTS of M is first moved to the right voxel. The voxel that is further to the right of the right voxel, that is, the voxel that is next to the voxel position 805 in the arrangement data AD [q] has a space corresponding to one large dot. From 805, M remaining small dots DTS can be transferred. Even in this case, an increase in the thickness ΔZ of the modeling layer due to the dots DT1 and DT2 exceeding one large dot overlapping each other at the same voxel position is suppressed, and the color of the dots that did not fit in the voxel Vx is also expressed. . At this time, since a part of dots that do not fit in the voxel Vx in the arrangement by the halftone process is formed at a position close to the original position, the color reproducibility of the solid object is improved.
In addition, when a part of the voxel of the modeling layer LY is vacant, CL dots are arranged in the vacant part. Therefore, the dent of the modeling layer due to the voxel not being filled with dots is suppressed.

(7) Other variations:
Various modifications can be considered for the present invention.
For example, the present technology can also be applied to a three-dimensional object formation apparatus that uses liquids other than C ink, M ink, Y ink, W ink, and CL ink. For example, K (black) ink, gray ink, metallic ink (ink whose gloss is metallic), and the like can be used. Of course, the present technology can also be applied to a three-dimensional object forming apparatus that does not use a part of C ink, M ink, Y ink, K ink, W ink, gray ink, metallic ink, and CL ink. The plurality of types of dots formed by the dot forming unit may include one or more types of dots of C, M, Y, K, W, gray, and metallic.
The third dots that are not the first color and the second color may be W dots or the like in addition to the CL dots. For example, when the third dot is a dot having the same W as the shielding dot, the CL ink and the nozzle for the CL ink are not necessary, and it is not necessary to form the shielding area AR2.
The liquid discharged from the head unit may be a thermoplastic liquid such as a thermoplastic resin. In this case, the head unit may heat the liquid and discharge it in a molten state. Further, the curing unit may be a portion where the dots from the liquid from the head unit are cooled and solidified in the three-dimensional object forming apparatus. In the present technology, “curing” includes “solidification”. Further, liquids having different types of curing / solidification processes may be used for the modeling ink and the supporting ink (for example, an ultraviolet curable resin is used for the modeling ink and a thermoplastic resin is used for the supporting ink. etc.).

The curing unit may be mounted on the carriage.
The modeling processing apparatus may form a three-dimensional object by forming a modeling layer by solidifying the powder spread in layers with a curable liquid and laminating the formed modeling layers.
In addition, the three-dimensional object modeling apparatus is not limited to an inkjet type apparatus that forms dots by discharging liquid, but an optical modeling system that forms cured dots by irradiating a tank filled with an ultraviolet curable liquid resin with an ultraviolet laser. Or a powder-sintering lamination-type apparatus that forms a sintered dot by applying a high-power laser beam to a powder material.

  The modeling data generation unit including the halftone processing unit may not be in the host device but may be in the modeling processing device. A model data generation unit that generates model data may also be provided in the modeling processing apparatus without the host apparatus. The display operation unit may not be provided in the host device but may be provided in the modeling processing device.

In addition to the three types of large, medium, and small, the dot size may be two types, or four or more types.
In the second specific example described above, one unit shaped body is formed with one large dot, one medium dot and one small dot, or three small dots, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one unit model may be formed by one large dot, two medium dots, one medium dot and two small dots, or four small dots.

(8) Conclusion:
As described above, according to the present invention, a technique or the like that can improve the appearance of a three-dimensional object to be shaped can be provided according to various aspects. Needless to say, the above-described basic actions and effects can be obtained even with a technique that does not have the constituent requirements according to the dependent claims but includes only the constituent requirements according to the independent claims.
In addition, the configurations disclosed in the above-described examples are mutually replaced or the combination is changed, the known technology and the configurations disclosed in the above-described examples are mutually replaced or the combinations are changed. The configuration described above can also be implemented. The present invention includes these configurations and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Modeling processing apparatus, 3 ... Head unit (example of dot formation part), 6 ... Processing control part, 7 ... Position change mechanism, 9 ... Host apparatus, 30 ... Recording head, 31 ... Drive signal generation part, 32 ... Nozzle Row, 33 ... Nozzle surface, 45 ... Modeling table, 48 ... Ink cartridge (an example of liquid cartridge), 60 ... Storage unit, 61 ... Curing unit, 93 ... Modeling data generation unit, 94 ... Storage unit, 95 ... Halftone processing Part, 100 ... solid object shaping apparatus, AD ... arrangement data, B0 ... unit shaped body, B1 ... first adjacent unit shaped body, B2 ... second adjacent unit shaped body, D1 ... stacking direction, D2 ... plane direction, DT ... Dot, DT1 ... first dot, DT2 ... second dot, DT3 ... third dot, DTL ... large dot, DTM ... medium dot, DTS ... small dot, Dat ... model data, FD ... modeling layer data, LY ... modeling layer NZ ... Nozzle, Obj ... Solid object, OD ... Modeling layer source data (example of input data), PR0, PR1, PR2 ... Control program, U1 ... Control unit, V1 (x, y) ... Input value, V2 (x, y) ... Voxel value, V3 (x, y) ... Output value, Vx ... Voxel.

Claims (10)

A dot forming portion for forming a plurality of types of dots including a first dot of a first color and a second dot of a second color different from the first color;
A control unit that controls modeling of a three-dimensional object in which unit shaped objects formed by one or more dots are formed; and
A three-dimensional object shaping apparatus comprising:
The control unit performs halftone processing on input data representing a dot formation rate in the unit modeling body to generate arrangement data representing the arrangement of the plurality of types of dots with respect to the set of unit modeling bodies. A three-dimensional object shaping apparatus that performs control to change the arrangement so that dots fit in the unit shaped body when the dots do not fit in the unit shaped body. The plurality of types of dots include a third dot that is not the first color and the second color,
The said control part performs control which forms the said 3rd dot in the part which is not satisfy | filled when the said unit modeling body is not satisfy | filled with the dot except the said 3rd dot among the said multiple types of dots. 3D object modeling device.   The three-dimensional object modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control to move a dot that does not fit in the unit modeling body to a unit modeling body at a position that fits in the arrangement represented by the arrangement data.   The control unit performs control to move a dot that does not fit in the unit modeling body to the first adjacent unit modeling body adjacent to the unit modeling body in the arrangement represented by the arrangement data, and the first adjacent unit modeling body The control of moving the dots that do not fit to the second adjacent unit shaped body adjacent to the first adjacent unit shaped body when the original dots do not fit in the first adjacent unit shaped body is performed. The three-dimensional object modeling apparatus according to 2.   The three-dimensional object modeling according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of types of dots include a plurality of dots including a first size and a second size smaller than the first size. apparatus.   The control unit performs control to move a part of the dots that do not fit into the unit shaped body at a position that fits a part of the dots when the part of the dots does not fit in the unit shaped body in the arrangement represented by the arrangement data. 5. A three-dimensional object shaping apparatus according to 5.   The three-dimensional object modeling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the third dot is a dot having fewer color material components than the first dot and the second dot.   8. The plurality of types of dots according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of types of dots include one or more types of dots of cyan, magenta, yellow, black, white, gray, and metallic. 9. Three-dimensional object modeling device. One or more dots formed using a dot forming portion for forming a plurality of types of dots including a first dot of a first color and a second dot of a second color different from the first color It is a three-dimensional object modeling method for modeling a three-dimensional object in which unit modeling objects by dots are assembled,
The input data representing the dot formation rate in the unit modeling body is subjected to halftone processing to generate arrangement data representing the arrangement of the plurality of types of dots with respect to the set of unit modeling bodies, and the dots in the arrangement are the unit modeling A three-dimensional object modeling method for modeling a three-dimensional object by changing to an arrangement in which dots fit in the unit modeling object when it does not fit in the body. A dot forming portion for forming a plurality of types of dots including a first dot of a first color and a second dot of a second color different from the first color, and one or more formed It is a control program for a three-dimensional object modeling apparatus that controls the modeling of a three-dimensional object in which unit modeling objects by dots are assembled,
The input data representing the dot formation rate in the unit modeling body is subjected to halftone processing to generate arrangement data representing the arrangement of the plurality of types of dots with respect to the set of unit modeling bodies, and the dots in the arrangement are the unit modeling A control program for a three-dimensional object modeling apparatus, which causes a computer to realize a function of performing control to change the arrangement so that dots fit in the unit modeling object when it does not fit in the body.

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