JP2018089776A - Ink amount display program, ink amount display unit, ink amount displaying method, and graphical user interface - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink amount display program, an ink amount display unit, an ink amount displaying method, and a graphical user interface that can enhance convenience in maintenance of a user.SOLUTION: A printer control unit comprises: display control means that controls display on a display section; supply ink storage amount acquiring means that acquires a storage amount of a UV ink in an ink tank of a 3D printer; and estimated usage amount acquiring means that acquires a usage amount of the UV ink from the ink tank, the usage amount for printing by the 3D printer being estimated based on specific data. The display control means causes the display section to display a support ink remaining amount display region 113a that displays the storage amount acquired by the supply ink storage amount acquiring means and a support ink estimated usage amount display region 134a that displays the usage amount acquired by the estimated usage amount acquiring means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink amount display program, an ink amount display device, an ink amount display method, and a graphical user interface for displaying the amount of ink in an inkjet printer.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for issuing a warning when the amount of ink stored in a supply ink storage unit of an inkjet printer is equal to or less than a specific amount is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP, 2006-175377, A

  However, in the conventional technique, a warning is issued only when the amount of ink stored in the supply ink storage unit actually falls below a specific amount. Therefore, the inkjet is based on data for printing that consumes a large amount of ink. When printing is performed by the printer, the user is made aware that there is not enough ink stored in the supply ink reservoir to complete this printing until a warning is issued after the start of printing. There is a problem that the convenience of the maintenance of “replenishing ink to the supply ink reservoir” by the user is not good.

  In addition, in the conventional technology, when printing is performed by an ink jet printer based on data for printing that consumes a large amount of ink, a warning is issued when the amount of ink stored in the supply ink storage unit falls below a specific amount. In addition, it is impossible for the user to recognize how much ink is replenished and this printing can be completed without issuing a warning again. There is a problem that the convenience of the maintenance “replenishment of ink” is poor.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an ink amount display program, an ink amount display device, an ink amount display method, and a graphical user interface that can improve the convenience of maintenance by a user.

  The ink amount display program of the present invention obtains an ink storage amount in the supply ink storage unit of an ink jet printer that includes a display control unit that controls display on a display device and a supply ink storage unit that stores ink to be supplied. Supply ink storage amount acquisition means, and predicted use amount acquisition means for acquiring the ink use amount from the supply ink storage section, which is predicted for printing by the ink jet printer based on specific data. The display control unit is configured to display the storage amount acquired by the supply ink storage amount acquisition unit and the usage amount acquired by the predicted usage amount acquisition unit on the display device. To do.

  With this configuration, the computer that executes the ink amount display program according to the present invention enables the supply ink that is predicted for the ink storage amount in the supply ink storage unit of the ink jet printer and the printing by the ink jet printer based on the specific data. Since the amount of ink used from the storage unit is displayed on the display device, the user can determine the amount of ink to be replenished to the supply ink storage unit in order to smoothly execute printing by the ink jet printer based on specific data. Can be specifically recognized. Therefore, the computer that executes the ink amount display program according to the present invention can improve the convenience of maintenance by the user such as “replenishment of ink to the supply ink reservoir”.

  In the ink amount display program of the present invention, the display control unit may simultaneously display the storage amount and the usage amount on the display device.

  With this configuration, the computer that executes the ink amount display program according to the present invention enables the supply ink that is predicted for the ink storage amount in the supply ink storage unit of the ink jet printer and the printing by the ink jet printer based on the specific data. Since the amount of ink used from the storage unit is displayed on the display device at the same time, the amount of ink to be replenished to the supply ink storage unit is used so that printing by an inkjet printer based on specific data can be performed smoothly. Can be easily recognized.

  In the ink amount display program of the present invention, the display control unit may display the storage amount and the usage amount side by side on the display device.

  With this configuration, the computer that executes the ink amount display program according to the present invention enables the supply ink that is predicted for the ink storage amount in the supply ink storage unit of the ink jet printer and the printing by the ink jet printer based on the specific data. Since the amount of ink used from the storage unit is displayed side by side on the display device, the amount of ink that needs to be replenished to the supply ink storage unit is used so that printing by an inkjet printer based on specific data can be performed smoothly. Can be recognized more easily by a person.

  The ink amount display program according to the present invention acquires a storage amount of ink in the waste ink storage portion of an inkjet printer including display control means for controlling display on a display device and a waste ink storage portion for storing ink for disposal. And a waste ink storage amount acquisition unit for acquiring a waste amount of ink to be stored in the waste ink storage unit, which is predicted for printing by the ink jet printer based on specific data. The display control unit is configured to display the storage amount acquired by the waste ink storage amount acquisition unit and the waste amount acquired by the predicted disposal amount acquisition unit on the display device. To do.

  With this configuration, the computer that executes the ink amount display program of the present invention can predict the amount of ink stored in the waste ink storage unit of the ink jet printer and the waste ink predicted for printing by the ink jet printer based on specific data. Since the amount of ink discarded into the storage unit is displayed on the display device, the user can determine the amount of ink to be discarded from the waste ink storage unit in order to smoothly perform printing by the ink jet printer based on specific data. Can be specifically recognized. Therefore, the computer that executes the ink amount display program of the present invention can improve the convenience of maintenance by the user such as “disposal of ink from the waste ink storage unit”.

  The ink amount display device of the present invention obtains an ink storage amount in the supply ink storage portion of an ink jet printer that includes a display control unit that controls display on a display device and a supply ink storage portion that stores ink to be supplied. Supply ink storage amount acquisition means, and predicted use amount acquisition means for acquiring the ink use amount from the supply ink storage section, which is predicted for printing by the inkjet printer based on specific data, The display control unit displays the storage amount acquired by the supply ink storage amount acquisition unit and the usage amount acquired by the predicted usage amount acquisition unit on the display device.

  With this configuration, the ink amount display device of the present invention can predict the amount of ink stored in the supply ink storage unit of the ink jet printer and the printing from the supply ink storage unit predicted for printing by the ink jet printer based on specific data. The amount of ink used is displayed on the display device, so that the user can specify the amount of ink to be replenished to the supply ink reservoir so that printing by the ink jet printer based on specific data can be performed smoothly. Can be recognized. Therefore, the ink amount display device of the present invention can improve the convenience of maintenance of “replenishing ink to the supply ink reservoir” by the user.

  The ink amount display device of the present invention obtains the amount of ink stored in the waste ink storage portion of an ink jet printer including display control means for controlling display on a display device and a waste ink storage portion for storing ink for disposal. Waste ink storage amount acquisition means, and predicted waste amount acquisition means for acquiring the amount of ink discarded into the waste ink storage unit, which is predicted for printing by the ink jet printer based on specific data, The display control unit displays the storage amount acquired by the waste ink storage amount acquisition unit and the waste amount acquired by the predicted disposal amount acquisition unit on the display device.

  With this configuration, the ink amount display device of the present invention can predict the amount of ink stored in the waste ink storage unit of the ink jet printer and the printing by the ink jet printer based on the specific data to the waste ink storage unit. The amount of ink to be discarded is displayed on the display device, so that the user can specify the amount of ink to be discarded from the waste ink storage unit in order to smoothly execute printing by the ink jet printer based on specific data. Can be recognized. Therefore, the ink amount display device of the present invention can improve the convenience of maintenance of “discarding ink from the waste ink storage unit” by the user.

  The ink amount display method of the present invention obtains an ink storage amount in the supply ink storage portion of an ink jet printer including a display control step for controlling display on a display device and a supply ink storage portion for storing ink to be supplied. A supply ink storage amount acquisition step, and a predicted use amount acquisition step of acquiring the ink use amount from the supply ink storage unit, which is predicted for printing by the ink jet printer based on specific data, The display control step is a step of displaying the storage amount acquired in the supply ink storage amount acquisition step and the usage amount acquired in the predicted usage amount acquisition step on the display device. To do.

  With this configuration, the ink amount display method of the present invention enables the ink storage amount of the ink supply unit of the ink jet printer to be predicted for printing by the ink jet printer based on the specific data and the ink storage amount from the ink supply unit The amount of ink used is displayed on the display device, so that the user can specify the amount of ink to be replenished to the supply ink reservoir so that printing by the ink jet printer based on specific data can be performed smoothly. Can be recognized. Therefore, the ink amount display method of the present invention can improve the convenience of maintenance of “replenishing ink to the supply ink reservoir” by the user.

  The ink amount display method of the present invention obtains an ink storage amount in the waste ink storage portion of an ink jet printer including a display control step for controlling display on a display device and a waste ink storage portion for storing ink for disposal. A waste ink storage amount acquisition step, and a predicted waste amount acquisition step of acquiring a waste amount of ink in the waste ink storage unit, which is predicted for printing by the inkjet printer based on specific data, The display control step is a step of displaying, on the display device, the storage amount acquired by the waste ink storage amount acquisition step and the waste amount acquired by the predicted disposal amount acquisition step. To do.

  With this configuration, the ink amount display method of the present invention enables the ink storage amount in the waste ink storage portion of the ink jet printer to be predicted for printing by the ink jet printer based on the specific data and the waste ink storage portion to the waste ink storage portion. The amount of ink to be discarded is displayed on the display device, so that the user can specify the amount of ink to be discarded from the waste ink storage unit in order to smoothly execute printing by the ink jet printer based on specific data. Can be recognized. Therefore, the ink amount display method of the present invention can improve the convenience of maintenance of “discarding ink from the waste ink storage unit” by the user.

  The graphical user interface of the present invention includes a supply ink storage amount display area for displaying a storage amount of ink in the supply ink storage portion of the ink jet printer including a supply ink storage portion for storing ink for supply, and specific data. And a predicted usage amount display area for displaying a usage amount of ink from the supply ink storage unit, which is predicted for printing based on the ink jet printer based thereon.

  With this configuration, the graphical user interface of the present invention enables ink stored in the supply ink storage unit of the ink jet printer and ink from the supply ink storage unit to be predicted for printing by the ink jet printer based on specific data. The amount of ink used should be replenished on the display device, so that the user can specifically recognize the amount of ink to be replenished in the supply ink reservoir so that printing can be performed smoothly by the inkjet printer based on specific data. Can be made. Therefore, the graphical user interface of the present invention can improve the convenience of maintenance of “replenishing ink to the supply ink reservoir” by the user.

  The graphical user interface of the present invention includes a waste ink storage amount display area for displaying an ink storage amount in the waste ink storage portion of the ink jet printer including a waste ink storage portion for storing ink for disposal, and specific data. And a predicted waste amount display area for displaying the amount of ink discarded into the waste ink storage unit, which is predicted for printing based on the inkjet printer.

  With this configuration, the graphical user interface of the present invention enables ink stored in the waste ink storage unit of the ink jet printer to be predicted for printing by the ink jet printer based on specific data, and ink to the waste ink storage unit. Is displayed on the display device, so that the user can specifically recognize the amount of ink that should be discarded from the waste ink reservoir so that printing by an inkjet printer based on specific data can be performed smoothly. Can be made. Therefore, the graphical user interface of the present invention can improve the convenience of maintenance of “discarding ink from the waste ink storage unit” by the user.

  The ink amount display program, the ink amount display device, the ink amount display method, and the graphical user interface of the present invention can improve the convenience of maintenance by the user.

1 is a block diagram of a three-dimensional modeling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the 3D printer shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the 3D printer shown in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram of the printer control apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the graphical user interface displayed on the display part shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the operation of the printer control device shown in FIG. 4 when updating the remaining amount of support ink displayed in the support ink remaining amount display area. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the operation of the printer control device shown in FIG. 4 in the case of updating the amount of UV ink stored in the waste ink tank displayed in the waste ink amount display area. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the operation of the printer control device shown in FIG. 4 in the case where the usage amount of the support ink displayed in the support ink predicted usage amount display area is updated. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the operation of the printer control device shown in FIG. 4 in the case of updating the amount of UV ink discarded to the waste ink tank displayed in the waste ink amount prediction display area. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a graphical user interface displayed on the display unit illustrated in FIG. 4 and a part of an example different from the example illustrated in FIG. 5.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration of the three-dimensional modeling system according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a three-dimensional modeling system 10 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the three-dimensional modeling system 10 includes a 3D printer 20 that is an inkjet printer that models a three-dimensional model by printing with ink, and a printer control device 40 that controls the 3D printer 20. The printer control device 40 is a device that generates modeling data that can be processed by the 3D printer 20 based on 3D model data in a format such as OBJ format, 3MF format, and STL format.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the 3D printer 20.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the 3D printer 20 is ejected by a plurality of inkjet heads 21 that eject ultraviolet curable ink (hereinafter referred to as “UV ink”) 21 a to the lower side in the vertical direction 20 a and the inkjet head 21. A flattening roller 22 as a flattening member for flattening the layer 21b of the UV ink 21a formed by contact and an ultraviolet irradiation device 23 for irradiating the layer 21b of the UV ink 21a with the ultraviolet rays 23a are mounted. The carriage 24 is provided.

  In FIG. 2, only one inkjet head 21 is depicted. However, in practice, the 3D printer 20 includes an inkjet head 21 for each type of UV ink 21a.

  As the UV ink 21a, for example, a modeling ink that becomes a material of a three-dimensional structure, and a support that becomes a material of a support part that supports the three-dimensional structure to form a three-dimensional structure of an arbitrary shape using the modeling ink Ink exists.

  As the modeling ink, for example, the white model ink that is the material of the basic part of the three-dimensional structure and the surface part of the three-dimensional structure are decorated by being arranged outside the model ink in the three-dimensional structure. There is a color ink for use in the present invention and a clear ink for decorating the surface portion of the three-dimensional structure by being arranged outside the model ink or the color ink in the three-dimensional structure. Examples of the color ink include cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink.

  The support ink is ink that can be easily removed by a specific liquid such as water. In the 3D printer 20, the support part is formed on the lower side or the horizontal direction in the vertical direction 20a with respect to the three-dimensional structure. For example, when the three-dimensional structure includes an overhang portion, the support portion is formed below the overhang portion in the vertical direction 20a to support the overhang portion.

  The 3D printer 20 is a table 25 on which a support surface 25a for supporting a three-dimensional structure formed by UV ink 21a ejected by an inkjet head 21 and cured by ultraviolet light 23a by an ultraviolet irradiation device 23 and a support portion is formed. It has. The support surface 25a extends in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction 20a.

  One of the carriage 24 and the base 25 can be moved relative to the other in the horizontal direction.

  For example, the carriage 24 can be moved relative to the base 25 in the main scanning direction 20b by being supported by a mechanism (not shown) that can move in the main scanning direction 20b in the horizontal direction. In the following, an example in which the carriage 24 moves in the main scanning direction 20b relative to the table 25 by moving the carriage 24 in the main scanning direction 20b will be described. However, the carriage 25 moves in the main scanning direction 20b. The carriage 24 and the base 25 may move in the main scanning direction 20b so that one of the carriage 24 and the base 25 moves in the main scanning direction 20b with respect to the other. You may move relative.

  Further, the carriage 24 is supported by a mechanism (not shown) so as to be movable in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction 20b in the horizontal direction, so that it can be moved relative to the table 25 in the sub-scanning direction. is there. In the following, an example will be described in which the carriage 24 moves in the sub-scanning direction by moving the carriage 24 in the sub-scanning direction. However, the carriage 25 moves in the sub-scanning direction. Thus, the carriage 24 and the table 25 may move in the sub-scanning direction, and one of the carriage 24 and the table 25 may move relative to the other in the sub-scanning direction. .

  One of the carriage 24 and the base 25 is movable relative to the other in the vertical direction 20a. For example, the base 25 is supported by a mechanism (not shown) so as to be movable in the vertical direction 20 a, so that it can be moved relative to the carriage 24 in the vertical direction 20 a. In the following, an example will be described in which the base 25 moves relative to the carriage 24 in the vertical direction 20a by moving in the vertical direction 20a. However, the carriage 24 moves relative to the base 25 by moving in the vertical direction 20a. Thus, the carriage 24 and the base 25 may move relative to each other in the vertical direction 20a, and one of the carriage 24 and the base 25 may move relative to the other in the vertical direction 20a. .

  The 3D printer 20 is flattened in order to flatten the ink tank 26 serving as a supply ink reservoir that stores the UV ink 21a supplied to the inkjet head 21 and the layer 21b formed by the modeling ink and the support ink. In order to store the UV ink 21a that is discarded because the modeling (printing) is executed, such as the UV ink 21a scraped off from the layer 21b by the roller 22 or the UV ink 21a discharged by the maintenance of the inkjet head 21 or the like. And a waste ink tank 27 as a waste ink storage section.

  In FIG. 2, only one ink tank 26 is drawn. However, in practice, the 3D printer 20 includes an ink tank 26 for each type of UV ink 21a.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the 3D printer 20.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the 3D printer 20 moves the carriage 24 (see FIG. 2) in the main scanning direction 20b (see FIG. 2) and the carriage 24 in the sub-scanning direction. The sub-scanning direction moving device 29 to be moved, the vertical movement device 30 for moving the table 25 (see FIG. 2) in the vertical direction 20a (see FIG. 2), and the ink tank 26 (see FIG. 2) are stored. In order to detect the amount of UV ink 21a (see FIG. 2), the ink amount sensor 31 installed for each ink tank 26 and the UV ink 21a stored in the waste ink tank 27 (see FIG. 2). A waste ink amount sensor 32 installed in the waste ink tank 27 for detecting the amount of ink, an operation unit 33 which is an input device such as a button for inputting various operations, and various information. Communicate with an external device via a display device 34 such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), or directly via a wired or wireless connection without going through the network. A communication unit 35 that is a communication device, a semiconductor memory that stores various types of information, a storage unit 36 that is a nonvolatile storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and a control unit 37 that controls the entire 3D printer 20. And.

  The control unit 37 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and various data in advance, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is used as a work area of the CPU. ing. The CPU is configured to execute a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 36.

  The control unit 37 is based on the modeling data input from the printer control device 40 (see FIG. 1) via the communication unit 35, and the inkjet head 21, the ultraviolet irradiation device 23, the main scanning direction moving device 28, and the sub scanning direction. The moving device 29 and the vertical direction moving device 30 are controlled. Specifically, the control unit 37 moves the carriage 24 in the main scanning direction 20b by the main scanning direction moving device 28 every time the sub scanning direction moving device 29 changes the position of the carriage 24 in the sub scanning direction with respect to the table 25. Then, the layer 21b extending in the horizontal direction by the modeling ink or the support ink is formed by the inkjet head 21 and the ultraviolet irradiation device 23. The control unit 37 extends in the horizontal direction by the modeling ink and the support ink by repeating the above-described operation every time the vertical movement device 30 changes the position of the base 25 in the vertical direction 20a with respect to the carriage 24. The layer 21 b is stacked in the vertical direction 20 a to form a three-dimensional structure and a support part on the table 25.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the printer control device 40.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the printer control apparatus 40 includes an operation unit 41 that is an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse for inputting various operations, and a display unit 42 that is a display device such as an LCD that displays various information. A communication unit 43 that is a communication device that communicates with an external device directly via a wired or wireless network via a network such as a LAN or the like, a semiconductor memory that stores various information, and an HDD A storage unit 44 that is a non-volatile storage device, and a control unit 45 that controls the entire printer control device 40. The printer control device 40 is configured by a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer).

  The storage unit 44 stores a printer control program 44a for controlling the 3D printer 20 (see FIG. 3). The printer control program 44a may be installed in the printer control device 40 at the manufacturing stage of the printer control device 40, or may be an external device such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a CD (Compact Disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or the like. May be additionally installed in the printer control device 40 from the storage medium, or may be additionally installed in the printer control device 40 from the network.

  The control unit 45 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM that stores programs and various types of data in advance, and a RAM that is used as a work area for the CPU. The CPU executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 44.

  The control unit 45 executes a printer control program 44a to store display control means 45a that controls display on the display unit 42, and storage of UV ink 21a (see FIG. 2) in the ink tank 26 (see FIG. 2). Based on the supplied ink storage amount acquisition means 45b for acquiring the amount, the waste ink storage amount acquisition means 45c for acquiring the storage amount of the UV ink 21a in the waste ink tank 27 (see FIG. 2), and specific 3D model data Predicted usage amount acquisition means 45d for acquiring the usage amount of the UV ink 21a from the ink tank 26 predicted for printing by the 3D printer 20, and for printing by the 3D printer 20 based on specific 3D model data Predicted disposal amount acquisition for acquiring the predicted disposal amount of the UV ink 21a to the waste ink tank 27 To achieve and 45e.

  As will be described later, the display control unit 45a uses the storage amount acquired by the supply ink storage amount acquisition unit 45b, the storage amount acquired by the waste ink storage amount acquisition unit 45c, and the predicted usage amount acquisition unit 45d. The acquired usage amount and the discarded amount acquired by the predicted discarded amount acquiring means 45e are displayed on the display unit 42. Accordingly, the printer control device 40 and the printer control program 44a constitute an ink amount display device and an ink amount display program of the present invention, respectively.

  Next, the operation of the printer control device 40 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a graphical user interface (hereinafter referred to as “GUI”) 100 displayed on the display unit 42.

  When the printer control device 40 is activated, the display control unit 45a displays the GUI 100 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the GUI 100 includes a constant display area 110 in which information of the 3D printer 20 and the printer control device 40 is always displayed, and a display switching area 120 in which display contents are switched by tabs.

  The constant display area 110 includes an application version display area 111a indicating the version of the printer control program 44a, and an IP address display area 111b indicating the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the printer control apparatus 40.

  The constant display area 110 includes a printer name display area 112a indicating the name of the 3D printer 20, a serial number display area 112b indicating the serial number of the 3D printer 20, and an FW version display area 112c indicating the firmware version of the 3D printer 20. The state of the 3D printer 20 includes a state display area 112d that indicates one of the states of “modeling”, “standby”, and “not printable”.

  The constant display area 110 includes a support ink remaining amount display area 113a as a supply ink storage amount display area indicating the amount of support ink stored in the support ink ink tank 26, that is, the remaining amount in a graph and numerical values. Similarly for model ink, clear ink, cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink, the constant display area 110 includes a model ink remaining amount display area 113b, a clear ink remaining amount display area 113c, and a cyan ink remaining amount display area. 113d, a magenta ink remaining amount display region 113e, a yellow ink remaining amount display region 113f, and a black ink remaining amount display region 113g. The constant display area 110 includes a waste ink amount display area 113h as a waste ink storage amount display area indicating the storage amount of the UV ink 21a in the waste ink tank 27.

  The graph of the remaining support ink display area 113a shows the maximum support ink storage amount in the support ink ink tank 26 as a whole rectangle, and the support ink storage amount in the support ink ink tank 26 as a whole rectangle. The left rectangle is included. Model ink remaining amount display region 113b, clear ink remaining amount display region 113c, cyan ink remaining amount display region 113d, magenta ink remaining amount display region 113e, yellow ink remaining amount display region 113f, black ink remaining amount display region 113g, and waste ink The same applies to the quantity display area 113h.

  The support ink remaining amount display area 113a indicates the support ink that is the target UV ink 21a of the support ink remaining amount display area 113a when the remaining amount of the support ink in the support ink ink tank 26 falls below a specific amount. Something is highlighted, such as the “support” character being highlighted. The same applies to the model ink remaining amount display region 113b, the clear ink remaining amount display region 113c, the cyan ink remaining amount display region 113d, the magenta ink remaining amount display region 113e, the yellow ink remaining amount display region 113f, and the black ink remaining amount display region 113g. It is. Further, in the waste ink amount display area 113h, when the storage amount of the UV ink 21a in the waste ink tank 27 exceeds a specific amount, some emphasis display is performed, for example, the character “waste ink” is highlighted.

  The constant display area 110 notifies an error / warning display area 114a indicating an error or a warning that has occurred recently, upgrade information for upgrading the firmware of the printer control program 44a or the 3D printer 20, and the like. And a notification display area 114b. An icon is displayed in the notification display area 114b when there is version upgrade information. When this icon is clicked, the display control unit 45a displays an upgrade screen for upgrading the firmware of the printer control program 44a and the 3D printer 20 on the display unit 42.

  The constant display area 110 includes an HDD remaining amount display area 115a that shows the remaining capacity of the work folder in the storage unit 44 in a graph. In the HDD remaining amount display area 115a, when the remaining capacity of the work folder in the storage unit 44 falls below a specific capacity, some highlighting such as a change in the color of the graph is performed.

  The display switching area 120 is a print job that is currently processed by the 3D printer 20 (hereinafter referred to as “current target job”) and a print job that is waiting for processing by the 3D printer 20 (hereinafter referred to as “standby job”). ) To switch the display contents of the display switching area 120 to the modeling tab 121 for switching the display contents of the display switching area 120 to the job display area 130 for displaying the modeling results and the history display area for displaying the modeling results as a history. A history tab 122, a maintenance tab 123 for switching display contents of the display switching area 120 to a maintenance related information display area for displaying information related to the maintenance of the 3D printer 20, a display language setting of the GUI 100, Settings for various settings such as network settings for the printer control device 40 And a tab 124 for switching the display content of the display switching area 120 to the display region.

  Detailed descriptions of the history display area, the maintenance related information display area, and the setting display area are omitted.

  The job display area 130 includes a current target job display area 131 indicating the current target job and a standby job display area 135 indicating the standby job.

  The current target job display area 131 includes a status display area 132a that indicates one of the statuses of the current target job, “in modeling”, “standby”, and “paused”, and the progress status of the current target job in modeling A progress status display area 132b indicating (%) by a progress bar and a scheduled completion time display area 132c indicating the scheduled completion time of the current target job are included. The display control unit 45a can calculate a time predicted to be necessary for modeling the current target job (hereinafter referred to as “modeling prediction time”) based on the 3D model data of the current target job. The display control unit 45a can calculate the scheduled completion time of the current target job by adding the modeling predicted time of the current target job to the modeling start time of the current target job.

  In the current target job display area 131, a modeling start button 132d for starting modeling of the current target job, a pause button 132e for temporarily stopping modeling of the current target job, and the modeling of the current target job are stopped. The cancel button 132f is included. When the modeling start button 132d is operated, modeling data generated based on the 3D model data of the current target job is transmitted to the 3D printer 20. The modeling start button 132d is grayed out and cannot be operated when there is no current target job or when the status of the current target job is “under modeling”. The pause button 132e is grayed out and cannot be operated unless the state of the current target job is “under modeling”. The cancel button 132f is grayed out and cannot be operated unless the state of the current target job is “Paused”. When the cancel button 132f is operated, the current target job is not the current target job and is included in the history.

  The current target job display area 131 includes a job name display area 133a indicating the name of the current target job, an issuer display area 133b indicating the issuer of the current target job, and an issue time display area 133c indicating the issue time of the current target job. A modeling start time display area 133d indicating the modeling start time of the current target job, a modeling prediction time display area 133e indicating the modeling prediction time of the current target job, and a preview display area 133f indicating a preview of modeling of the current target job. Including.

  The preview indicated by the preview display area 133f is a preview when a three-dimensional structure formed by the 3D printer 20 is observed from the upper side in the vertical direction 20a. The numerical value shown on the lower side of the preview indicated by the preview display area 133f indicates the size of the three-dimensional structure to be formed by the 3D printer 20. Here, X, Y, and Z indicate the sub-scanning direction, the main scanning direction 20b, and the vertical direction 20a, respectively.

  The current target job display area 131 is a predicted use amount of support ink as a predicted use amount display area that indicates the use amount of the support ink predicted for printing by the 3D printer 20 based on specific 3D model data in a graph and numerical values. A display area 134a is included. Similarly for the model ink, clear ink, cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink, the current target job display area 131 includes a model ink predicted usage amount display area 134b, a clear ink predicted usage amount display area 134c, and cyan ink. It includes a predicted usage amount display area 134d, a magenta ink predicted usage amount display area 134e, a yellow ink predicted usage amount display area 134f, and a black ink predicted usage amount display area 134g. In addition, the current target job display area 131 is a predicted discard amount display area that indicates the discard amount of the UV ink 21a to the waste ink tank 27 that is predicted for printing by the 3D printer 20 based on specific 3D model data. The waste ink amount prediction display area 134h is included.

  The graph of the predicted use amount display area 134a of the support ink shows the maximum storage amount of the support ink in the support ink ink tank 26 as a whole rectangle, and is for printing by the 3D printer 20 based on specific 3D model data. The predicted usage amount of the support ink from the ink tank 26 of the support ink is shown by the left rectangle included in the entire rectangle. Model ink predicted usage display area 134b, clear ink predicted usage display area 134c, cyan ink predicted usage display area 134d, magenta ink predicted usage display area 134e, yellow ink predicted usage display area 134f, and black ink predicted usage The same applies to the display area 134g. The graph of the waste ink amount prediction display area 134h shows the maximum storage amount of the UV ink 21a in the waste ink tank 27 as a whole rectangle, and is predicted for printing by the 3D printer 20 based on specific 3D model data. The amount of UV ink 21a discarded into the waste ink tank 27 is indicated by the left rectangle included in the overall rectangle.

  The standby job display area 135 includes a standby job list display area 136a indicating the standby jobs in a list format. When the number of standby jobs exceeds the maximum number that can be displayed in the list for one page, the standby job list display area 136a can display all standby jobs by switching pages. In the standby job list display area 136a, a standby job can be selected by clicking on the line of the displayed standby job. In the standby job list display area 136a, a plurality of standby jobs cannot be selected simultaneously. The standby job displayed in the standby job list display area 136a is associated with 3D model data and modeling data of the standby job among the 3D model data and modeling data stored in the storage unit 44.

  The standby job display area 135 includes a total number display area 136b indicating the total number of standby jobs, a page number display area 136c indicating the number of pages of the list displayed in the standby job list display area 136a, and a standby job list display area. And a page transition button 136d for switching pages of the list displayed in 136a. The page transition button 136d is grayed out and cannot be operated when the number of waiting jobs is equal to or less than the maximum number that can be displayed in the list for one page.

  The standby job display area 135 is selected in the preview display area 137a similar to the preview display area 133f and the standby job list display area 136a, which shows a preview of the shaping of the standby job selected in the standby job list display area 136a. A deletion button 137b for deleting the waiting job from the waiting job list display area 136a, and a print job stored in an external storage medium such as a USB memory as a waiting job for adding to the waiting job list display area 136a. A job import button 137c.

  The standby job display area 135 includes a transfer button 138a for transferring the standby job selected in the standby job list display area 136a to the current target job. The standby job that has been transferred to the current target job by operating the transfer button 138a is deleted from the standby job list display area 136a.

  Next, the operation of the printer control device 40 when the remaining amount of support ink displayed in the support ink remaining amount display area 113a is updated will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the operation of the printer control device 40 when the remaining amount of support ink displayed in the remaining support ink display area 113a is updated.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the supply ink storage amount acquisition unit 45 b acquires the support ink storage amount in the support ink ink tank 26 from the 3D printer 20 (S <b> 201). Here, for example, the 3D printer 20 calculates the storage amount of the support ink in the support ink ink tank 26 based on the detection value by the ink amount sensor 31 installed in the support ink ink tank 26.

  After the process of S201, the display control unit 45a displays the storage amount acquired in S201 on the support ink remaining amount display area 113a (S202), and ends the operation shown in FIG.

  In the above, the support ink remaining amount display region 113a has been described. However, the model ink remaining amount display region 113b, the clear ink remaining amount display region 113c, the cyan ink remaining amount display region 113d, the magenta ink remaining amount display region 113e, The same applies to the yellow ink remaining amount display region 113f and the black ink remaining amount display region 113g.

  Next, the operation of the printer control device 40 when the storage amount of the UV ink 21a in the waste ink tank 27 displayed in the waste ink amount display area 113h is updated will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the operation of the printer control device 40 when the storage amount of the UV ink 21a in the waste ink tank 27 displayed in the waste ink amount display area 113h is updated.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the waste ink storage amount acquisition unit 45c acquires the storage amount of the UV ink 21a in the waste ink tank 27 from the 3D printer 20 (S211). Here, the 3D printer 20 calculates the storage amount of the UV ink 21a in the waste ink tank 27, for example, based on the detection value by the waste ink amount sensor 32.

  After the process of S211, the display control unit 45a displays the storage amount acquired in S211 in the waste ink amount display area 113h (S212), and ends the operation shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation of the printer control device 40 when the support ink usage amount displayed in the support ink predicted usage amount display area 134a is updated will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation of the printer control apparatus 40 when the support ink usage amount displayed in the support ink predicted usage amount display area 134a is updated.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the predicted usage amount acquisition unit 45d calculates the usage amount of the support ink that is predicted for printing by the 3D printer 20 based on the specific 3D model data, and the specific calculation. Based on the formula (S221). Here, when the printing by the 3D printer 20 based on specific 3D model data is started, the predicted usage amount acquiring unit 45d is predicted to support the printing by the 3D printer 20 based on the 3D model data. It is preferable to acquire the usage amount corresponding to the unshaped part as the usage amount of the ink.

  After the process of S221, the display control unit 45a displays the usage amount acquired in S221 in the support ink predicted usage amount display area 134a (S222), and ends the operation shown in FIG.

  Although the support ink predicted usage amount display area 134a has been described above, the model ink predicted usage amount display area 134b, the clear ink predicted usage amount display area 134c, the cyan ink predicted usage amount display area 134d, and the magenta ink predicted usage amount are described. The same applies to the amount display area 134e, the yellow ink predicted usage amount display area 134f, and the black ink predicted usage amount display area 134g.

  Next, the operation of the printer control device 40 when updating the waste amount of the UV ink 21a to the waste ink tank 27 displayed in the waste ink amount prediction display area 134h will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the operation of the printer control device 40 when updating the waste amount of the UV ink 21a to the waste ink tank 27 displayed in the waste ink amount prediction display area 134h.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the predicted waste amount acquisition unit 45e calculates the waste amount of the UV ink 21a to the waste ink tank 27 predicted for printing by the 3D printer 20 based on the specific 3D model data. It acquires based on 3D model data and a specific calculation formula (S231). Here, when printing by the 3D printer 20 based on specific 3D model data is started, the predicted usage amount acquiring unit 45d is predicted for printing by the 3D printer 20 based on the 3D model data. As the amount of UV ink 21a discarded into the waste ink tank 27, it is preferable to acquire the amount of waste corresponding to the unshaped part.

  After the processing of S231, the display control unit 45a displays the waste amount acquired in S231 in the waste ink amount prediction display area 134h (S232), and ends the operation shown in FIG.

  As described above, the printer control device 40 uses the support ink predicted for printing by the 3D printer 20 based on the storage amount of the support ink in the support ink ink tank 26 and the specific 3D model data. Since the amount is displayed on the display unit 42 (S202 and S222), the support ink to be replenished to the ink tank 26 of the support ink in order to smoothly execute the printing by the 3D printer 20 based on the specific 3D model data. The amount can be made to be recognized specifically by the user. Therefore, the printer control device 40 can improve the convenience of maintenance of “replenishing support ink to the ink tank 26 of support ink” by the user.

  Since the printer control device 40 simultaneously displays the support ink remaining amount display area 113a and the support ink predicted usage amount display area 134a on the display unit 42, printing by the 3D printer 20 based on specific 3D model data is smoothly performed. The user can easily recognize the amount of support ink to be replenished in the support ink ink tank 26 to be executed.

  Further, since the printer control device 40 displays the support ink remaining amount display area 113a and the support ink predicted usage amount display area 134a side by side on the display unit 42, printing by the 3D printer 20 based on specific 3D model data is performed. The user can more easily recognize the amount of the support ink to be replenished in the support ink ink tank 26 for smooth execution.

  If the printer control device 40 displays the graph of the support ink remaining amount display area 113a and the graph of the support ink predicted usage amount display area 134a in the GUI 100 as shown in FIG. The user can easily recognize whether or not the ink tank 26 of the support ink should be replenished so that the printing by the 3D printer 20 based on the specific 3D model data is smoothly executed.

  When the printer control device 40 displays the support ink remaining amount display region 113a and the support ink predicted usage amount display region 134a on the display unit 42 at the same time, the printer unit 40 displays the support ink remaining amount display region 113a and the support ink predicted usage amount display. The area 134a may not be displayed side by side.

  In addition, the printer control device 40 may not display the remaining support ink remaining amount display area 113a and the supported ink predicted usage amount display area 134a on the display unit 42 at the same time. For example, the printer control device 40 causes the support ink remaining amount display area 113a and the support ink predicted usage amount display area 134a to be displayed on separate screens, and the support ink is switched by switching the screen displayed on the display unit 42. The remaining amount display area 113a and the support ink predicted usage amount display area 134a may not be displayed on the display unit 42 at the same time.

  The support ink remaining amount display area 113a and the support ink predicted use amount display area 134a both include a graph and a numerical value in the present embodiment. However, at least one of the remaining support ink display area 113a and the predicted supported ink usage display area 134a may include only one of a graph and a numerical value.

  The support ink has been described above, but the same applies to model ink, clear ink, cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink.

  The printer control device 40 discards the UV ink 21a to the waste ink tank 27 that is predicted for the amount of storage of the UV ink 21a in the waste ink tank 27 and the printing by the 3D printer 20 based on the specific 3D model data. Since the amount is displayed on the display unit 42 (S212 and S232), the UV ink 21a to be discarded from the waste ink tank 27 in order to smoothly execute printing by the 3D printer 20 based on the specific 3D model data. The amount can be specifically recognized by the user. Therefore, the printer control device 40 can improve the convenience of the maintenance of “disposal of the UV ink 21a from the waste ink tank 27” by the user.

  Since the printer control device 40 simultaneously displays the waste ink amount display area 113h and the waste ink amount prediction display area 134h on the display unit 42, printing by the 3D printer 20 based on specific 3D model data is smoothly executed. Therefore, the user can easily recognize the amount of the UV ink 21a to be discarded from the waste ink tank 27.

  Further, since the printer control device 40 displays the waste ink amount display area 113h and the waste ink amount prediction display area 134h side by side on the display unit 42, printing by the 3D printer 20 based on specific 3D model data is smoothly performed. This allows the user to more easily recognize the amount of UV ink 21a that should be discarded from the waste ink tank 27 in order to be executed.

  The printer control device 40 displays a specific graph if the graph of the waste ink amount display area 113h and the graph of the waste ink amount prediction display area 134h are displayed on the display unit 42 in the GUI 100 as shown in FIG. The user can easily recognize whether or not the UV ink 21a should be discarded from the waste ink tank 27 in order to smoothly execute the printing by the 3D printer 20 based on the 3D model data.

  When the printer control device 40 simultaneously displays the waste ink amount display area 113h and the waste ink amount prediction display area 134h on the display unit 42, the printer control device 40 displays the waste ink amount display area 113h and the waste ink amount prediction display area 134h. It does not have to be displayed side by side.

  In addition, the printer control device 40 may not display the waste ink amount display area 113h and the waste ink amount prediction display area 134h on the display unit 42 at the same time. For example, the printer control device 40 displays the waste ink amount display region 113h and the waste ink amount prediction display region 134h on different screens, and switches the screen displayed on the display unit 42 to display the waste ink amount display. The configuration may be such that the area 113h and the waste ink amount prediction display area 134h are not simultaneously displayed on the display unit 42.

  The waste ink amount display area 113h and the waste ink amount prediction display area 134h both include a graph and a numerical value in the present embodiment. However, at least one of the waste ink amount display region 113h and the waste ink amount prediction display region 134h may include only one of a graph and a numerical value.

  The three-dimensional modeling system 10 displays the GUI 100 on the display unit 42 of the printer control device 40 in the present embodiment. However, the 3D modeling system 10 may display a GUI similar to the GUI 100 on the display unit 34 of the 3D printer 20. The GUI displayed on the display unit 34 of the 3D printer 20 is operated by the operation unit 33, for example.

  The three-dimensional modeling system 10 includes a 3D printer 20 and a printer control device 40 in the present embodiment. However, the 3D modeling system 10 may not include the printer control device 40 when the 3D printer 20 includes the functions of the printer control device 40 described above.

  In the present embodiment, a three-dimensional modeling system, that is, a three-dimensional printing system is described. However, the present invention is also applicable to a two-dimensional printing system.

20 3D printer (inkjet printer)
21a UV ink (ink)
26 Ink tank (Supply ink reservoir)
27 Waste ink tank (Waste ink reservoir)
40 Printer control device (ink amount display device, computer)
42 Display unit (display device)
44a Printer control program (ink amount display program)
45a Display control means 45b Supply ink storage amount acquisition means 45c Waste ink storage amount acquisition means 45d Predicted usage amount acquisition means 45e Predictive waste amount acquisition means 100 GUI (graphical user interface)
113a Support ink remaining amount display area (Supply ink storage amount display area)
113b Model ink remaining amount display area (Supply ink storage amount display area)
113c Clear ink remaining amount display area (supplied ink storage amount display area)
113d Cyan ink remaining amount display area (supplied ink storage amount display area)
113e Magenta ink remaining amount display area (supply ink storage amount display area)
113f Yellow ink remaining amount display area (supplied ink storage amount display area)
113g Black ink remaining amount display area (Supply ink storage amount display area)
113h Waste ink amount display area (waste ink storage amount display area)
134a Support ink predicted usage display area (predicted usage display area)
134b Model ink predicted usage display area (predicted usage display area)
134c Clear ink predicted usage display area (predicted usage display area)
134d Cyan ink predicted usage display area (predicted usage display area)
134e Magenta ink predicted usage display area (predicted usage display area)
134f Yellow ink predicted usage display area (predicted usage display area)
134g Black ink predicted usage display area (Predicted usage display area)
134h Waste ink amount prediction display area (predicted waste amount display area)

Claims (10)

Display control means for controlling display on the display device;
A supply ink storage amount acquisition means for acquiring a storage amount of ink in the supply ink storage portion of the ink jet printer including a supply ink storage portion for storing ink for supply;
The computer realizes predicted use amount acquisition means for acquiring the amount of ink used from the supply ink reservoir, which is predicted for printing by the ink jet printer based on specific data,
The display control means includes
The storage amount acquired by the supply ink storage amount acquisition means;
An ink amount display program for displaying the usage amount acquired by the predicted usage amount acquisition means on the display device.   The ink amount display program according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit simultaneously displays the storage amount and the usage amount on the display device.   The ink amount display program according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit displays the storage amount and the usage amount side by side on the display device. Display control means for controlling display on the display device;
A waste ink storage amount acquisition means for acquiring a storage amount of ink in the waste ink storage portion of the inkjet printer including a waste ink storage portion for storing ink for disposal;
The computer realizes predicted waste amount acquisition means for acquiring the amount of ink discarded to the waste ink reservoir, which is predicted for printing by the ink jet printer based on specific data,
The display control means includes
The storage amount acquired by the waste ink storage amount acquisition means;
An ink amount display program for displaying on the display device the waste amount acquired by the predicted discard amount acquisition means. Display control means for controlling display on the display device;
A supply ink storage amount acquisition means for acquiring a storage amount of ink in the supply ink storage portion of the ink jet printer including a supply ink storage portion for storing ink for supply;
Predicted usage amount acquisition means for acquiring the usage amount of ink from the supply ink reservoir, which is predicted for printing by the inkjet printer based on specific data, and
The display control means includes
The storage amount acquired by the supply ink storage amount acquisition means;
An ink amount display device that displays the usage amount acquired by the predicted usage amount acquisition unit on the display device. Display control means for controlling display on the display device;
A waste ink storage amount acquisition means for acquiring a storage amount of ink in the waste ink storage portion of the inkjet printer including a waste ink storage portion for storing ink for disposal;
A predicted waste amount acquisition means for acquiring a waste amount of ink in the waste ink reservoir, which is predicted for printing by the ink jet printer based on specific data, and
The display control means includes
The storage amount acquired by the waste ink storage amount acquisition means;
An ink amount display device that displays the waste amount acquired by the predicted waste amount acquisition means on the display device. A display control step for controlling display on the display device;
A supply ink storage amount acquisition step of acquiring a storage amount of ink in the supply ink storage portion of the inkjet printer including a supply ink storage portion that stores ink for supply; and
A predicted usage amount obtaining step of obtaining a usage amount of ink from the supply ink storage unit, which is predicted for printing by the inkjet printer based on specific data, and
The display control step includes:
The storage amount acquired by the supply ink storage amount acquisition step;
An ink amount display method comprising: displaying the used amount acquired in the predicted used amount acquiring step on the display device. A display control step for controlling display on the display device;
A waste ink storage amount acquisition step for acquiring a storage amount of ink in the waste ink storage portion of the ink jet printer including a waste ink storage portion for storing ink for disposal;
A predicted waste amount obtaining step for obtaining a waste amount of ink in the waste ink storage unit, which is predicted for printing by the inkjet printer based on specific data, and
The display control step includes:
The storage amount acquired by the waste ink storage amount acquisition step;
An ink amount display method, comprising: displaying the waste amount acquired in the predicted waste amount acquisition step on the display device. A supply ink storage amount display area for displaying a storage amount of ink in the supply ink storage portion of the ink jet printer including a supply ink storage portion for storing ink for supply;
A graphical user interface, comprising: a predicted usage amount display area that displays a usage amount of ink from the supply ink storage unit that is predicted for printing by the ink jet printer based on specific data. A waste ink storage amount display area for displaying a storage amount of ink in the waste ink storage portion of the inkjet printer including a waste ink storage portion for storing ink for disposal;
A graphical user interface, comprising: a predicted waste amount display area for displaying a waste amount of ink in the waste ink storage unit, which is predicted for printing by the ink jet printer based on specific data.

Images