JP2019155881A - Program, three-dimensional molding apparatus, and three-dimensional molding system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a program, a three-dimensional molding apparatus, and a three-dimensional molding system capable of improving mechanical strength and improving molding accuracy.SOLUTION: The program makes a computer realize: means for reading a three-dimensional shape data; means for generating bit map data of plural layers on the basis of the read three-dimensional shape data; means for switching path data to be used from three or more pieces of path data based on straight lines respectively corresponding to paths to move a control object and extending in directions different from each other; and means for generating three-dimensional path data by laminating the path data switched corresponding to the selected bit map data among the bit map data of the plural layers.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, and a three-dimensional modeling system.

  As a method of three-dimensional modeling, shape data of a plurality of layers is generated from three-dimensional shape data of a modeled object, modeling data indicating a layer-by-layer modeling procedure (work procedure) is generated from the shape data of a plurality of layers, and the modeling data Accordingly, an additive manufacturing method in which a plurality of layers are stacked is used.

  In Patent Document 1, the light beam irradiation conditions for forming a desired three-dimensional object by gradually irradiating the powder layer laminated on the base with a light beam to melt and cure the powder layer are set. It is described that the scanning pattern is a honeycomb. Thereby, according to patent document 1, when modeling a desired three-dimensional shaped object, it is supposed that a shape can be maintained, maintaining mechanical strength.

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, since the light beam irradiation condition is a honeycomb-shaped scanning pattern and the number of times of bending of the path in the scanning of the light beam is large, the scanning position of the light beam is likely to deviate from the target position. Accuracy is likely to deteriorate.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a program, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, and a three-dimensional modeling system that can improve mechanical strength while improving mechanical strength.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a program according to one aspect of the present invention includes means for reading three-dimensional shape data, and bits of a plurality of layers based on the read three-dimensional shape data. Means for generating map data; means for switching path data to be used from three or more path data based on straight lines extending in different directions corresponding to paths to be controlled; and the plurality of layers And means for generating three-dimensional path data by stacking the switched path data corresponding to the selected bitmap data among the bitmap data.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, the mechanical strength can be improved and the modeling accuracy can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a three-dimensional modeling system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a hardware configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus in the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating generation of three-dimensional path data in the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating intersection points in the path data of each layer in the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process for generating three-dimensional path data according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a modified example of the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a three-dimensional modeling system according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this embodiment.

(Embodiment)
The three-dimensional modeling system according to the embodiment is a system for performing three-dimensional modeling by a layered modeling method. In the layered modeling method, shape data of a plurality of layers is generated from the three-dimensional shape data of the modeled object, modeling data indicating a layer-by-layer modeling procedure (work procedure) is generated from the shape data of the plurality of layers, and according to the modeling data A plurality of layers. The additive manufacturing method includes, for example, an electrophotographic process, a fused melt fabrication method, a stereolithography method, a selective laser sintering method, a mask sintering method, and a material. For example, a material jetting method, a binder jetting method, a sheet laminating method, a directed energy deposition method, or the like may be included.

  The modeling data indicating the modeling procedure (work procedure) in units of layers can be path data corresponding to a path to which the control target is to be moved. When the additive manufacturing method is a hot melt lamination method, the path to be moved can be a path to move the nozzle that discharges the resin powder. When the additive manufacturing method is a powder sintering method, the path for moving the control target can be a path for moving the laser light (by adjusting the angle of the galvanometer mirror or the like). In this specification, the case where the layered manufacturing method is a hot melt layered method will be mainly described. However, the idea of the present embodiment can be similarly applied to the case where the layered manufacturing method is another method.

  For example, it is conceivable that the path data is formed in a lattice pattern by rotating a linear tone pattern by 90 degrees for each layer. That is, when the stacking direction is the Z direction and two directions orthogonal to each other in a plane perpendicular to the Z direction are the X direction and the Y direction, the first path data based on a straight line extending in the X direction, and Y It is conceivable that second path data based on a straight line extending in the direction is prepared, and the first path data and the second path data are alternately stacked to generate three-dimensional path data. If a three-dimensional structure is manufactured with this three-dimensional path data, it is expected that the strength of the three-dimensional structure can be improved in the X direction and the Y direction.

  However, in this method, the strength when the three-dimensional structure is pushed from a direction intersecting the X direction and the Y direction (for example, an oblique direction forming 45 degrees or 135 degrees with respect to the X direction in the XY plane) is weak. There is a possibility.

  Further, it is conceivable that the path data is formed in a honeycomb shape (honeycomb shape), and three-dimensional path data is generated by stacking a plurality of the path data. In this case, there are a portion extending in the X direction and a portion extending obliquely with respect to the X direction in each path data. Therefore, if a three-dimensional structure is manufactured using the three-dimensional path data, the X direction and the Y direction are produced. It is expected that the strength of the three-dimensional structure can be improved not only for the direction but also for the direction intersecting the X direction and the Y direction.

  However, in this method, each path data has a honeycomb shape, and the number of times of bending of the path in the movement of the controlled object (for example, nozzle) is large. Therefore, the controlled position of the controlled object tends to deviate from the target position, and the molding accuracy deteriorates. It's easy to do.

  Also, with this method, each path data is in the form of a honeycomb, and the number of times the path is bent in the movement of the controlled object (for example, nozzle) is large. It is difficult to improve.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the three-dimensional modeling system, 3 corresponding to a plurality of layers of a three-dimensional shape while switching path data to be used from three or more path data based on straight lines extending in different directions. By generating the dimensional path data, the improvement of mechanical strength and the improvement of modeling accuracy and modeling speed are achieved.

  Specifically, the three-dimensional modeling system 4 is configured as shown in FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of the three-dimensional modeling system 4. The three-dimensional modeling system 4 includes an information processing device 1, a three-dimensional modeling device 2, and a communication medium 3. The information processing apparatus 1 is a computer, for example. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 is a 3D printer, for example. The communication medium 3 is a communication line, for example. The information processing apparatus 1 and the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 are connected to be communicable via the communication medium 3. The information processing apparatus 1 generates path data for modeling using software installed in the information processing apparatus 1. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 1 reads 3D model data (three-dimensional shape data) to be modeled from the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 via the communication medium 3. The information processing apparatus 1 slices one layer at a time from the 3D model data (three-dimensional shape data), generates data for a plurality of layers, and draws the data of each layer with the three-dimensional modeling apparatus (3D printer) 2 with a single stroke. It is converted into path data (route data) for moving the head as shown in FIG. The present embodiment aims to improve the strength of the modeling model by devising the generation of the path data. The information processing apparatus 1 generates three-dimensional path data by stacking path data of each layer and supplies the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 via the communication medium 3. When the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 reads the three-dimensional path data generated by the information processing apparatus 1 via the communication medium 3, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 performs various settings in modeling and performs modeling of the 3D model according to the three-dimensional path data. Do.

  The information processing apparatus 1 is configured as hardware, for example, as illustrated in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 1.

  The information processing apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 100, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 103, a keyboard 105, a mouse 106, a display 107, and a media drive. 108, a USB interface (I / F) 110, a communication interface (I / F) 111, and a system bus 112. The CPU 100, ROM 101, RAM 102, HDD 103, keyboard 105, mouse 106, display 107, media drive 108, USB interface 110, and communication interface 111 are connected to each other via a system bus 112.

  The CPU 100 executes a program and controls the information processing apparatus 1 as a whole. The ROM 101 stores BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) and the like. The RAM 102 is used as a work area when the CPU 100 executes a program.

  The HDD 103 controls the hard disk 104 to read and write various programs and data. The various programs include an OS (Operating System), an application program for performing modeling data output processing, and the like. The data includes three-dimensional shape data read from the three-dimensional modeling apparatus, data of a plurality of layers sliced from the three-dimensional shape data, path data of each layer generated based on the data of the plurality of layers, and path data of each layer 3D path data and the like generated by layering are included.

  Each of the keyboard 105 and the mouse 106 receives an input operation by the user and notifies the CPU 100 of an operation signal corresponding to the input operation.

  The display 107 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays display information output from the CPU 100.

  The media drive 108 reads and writes programs and data for the recording medium 109 by electrical connection of the recording medium 109.

  The USB I / F 110 is an interface for communicating with a host via USB (Universal Serial Bus). The connection is not limited to USB. Moreover, it is not limited to a wire and may be wireless.

  The communication I / F 111 is an interface (for example, Ethernet (registered trademark) card or the like) for connecting to a communication medium 3 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication I / F 111 is an interface when reading 3D shape data from the 3D modeling apparatus 2 via the communication medium 3 or supplying 3D path data to the 3D modeling apparatus 2 via the communication medium 3. The operation (data transmission / reception operation) is performed.

  The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 is configured in hardware as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a hardware configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2.

  The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 includes a control unit 200, a modeling head 210, a chamber 203, an in-device cooling device 208, and the like inside the main body frame. The control unit 200 controls the entire 3D modeling apparatus 2.

  The modeling head 210 is provided so as to be movable in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction in the horizontal plane by the X-axis drive mechanism 201 and the Y-axis drive mechanism 202, and includes a head heating unit 214 and a nozzle 215. The head heating unit 214 heats the modeling head 210 to melt the filament. The nozzle 215 is for discharging a filament, and has a discharge port for each nozzle 215. The head heating unit 214 and the nozzle 215 are provided inside the chamber 203. The filament supply unit 206 supplies a filament to the modeling head 210. A filament is one form of modeling material, for example, is made from a thermoplastic resin as a raw material. End portions of the filaments are drawn from those wound in the filament supply unit 206, and are guided to the discharge ports of the nozzles 215 of the modeling head 210.

  Inside the chamber 203, a stage 204, a stage heating unit 205, a chamber heater 207, and the like are provided. The stage 204 is provided so as to be moved up and down in the Z-axis direction, which is the stacking direction, by the Z-axis drive mechanism 216. Filaments are pushed out from the nozzle 215 onto a build plate (not shown) arranged on the stage 204 by rotating a pulley (not shown), and stacked on the build plate in layers to form a three-dimensional solid image. The The stage heating unit 205 is for heating the build plate via the stage 204. The chamber heater 207 is for controlling the temperature inside the chamber 203. A nozzle cleaning unit 209 is provided inside the chamber 203 for cleaning the nozzle 215. The in-device cooling device 208 is for cooling the inside of the device.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the control unit 200 includes a CPU 250, a ROM 251, a RAM 252, a communication I / F 253, a USB I / F 254, a media drive 255, and an input / output I / F 256. Each unit is connected to each other via a system bus 257.

  The CPU 250 executes a program to control the modeling apparatus 2 overall. The ROM 251 stores a fixed program. The RAM 252 is used as a work area when the CPU 250 executes a program.

  The input / output I / F 256 performs input / output with each unit of the modeling apparatus 2. Here, the X-axis position detection mechanism 211, the Y-axis position detection mechanism 212, and the Z-axis position detection mechanism 213 shown in FIG. 4 are not shown in FIG.

  The communication I / F 253 is an interface (for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) card) for connecting to the communication medium 3 such as a LAN. When the communication I / F 253 supplies the three-dimensional shape data to the information processing apparatus 1 via the communication medium 3 or reads the three-dimensional path data from the information processing apparatus 1 via the communication medium 3, the interface operation ( Data transmission / reception).

  The USB I / F 254 is an interface for USB communication with the host. The connection is not limited to USB. Moreover, it is not limited to a wire and may be wireless.

  The media drive 255 reads and writes programs and data for the recording medium 109 by electrical connection of the recording medium 109 (see FIG. 2).

  The information processing apparatus 1 is functionally configured as shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 1.

  The CPU 100 and the RAM 102 (see FIG. 2) of the information processing apparatus 1 perform various functions when the CPU 100 reads programs in the ROM 101 and the HDD 103 into the RAM 102, and the CPU 100 executes the programs with the RAM 102. The functional configuration shown in FIG. 5 is realized in the apparatus 1. That is, the information processing apparatus 1 includes a reading unit 11, a bitmap data generation unit 12, a switching unit 13, and a three-dimensional path data generation unit 14. The switching unit 13 includes a counter 131.

  The reading unit 11 receives a path data creation software activation instruction or the like from the keyboard 105 or the mouse 106 and activates the path data creation software. The reading unit 11 reads the three-dimensional shape data received from the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 via the communication medium 3 and the communication I / F 111 according to the control of the path data creation software into the path data creation software. Thereby, the three-dimensional shape data can be stored in the RAM 102 or the like.

  The bitmap data generation unit 12 acquires 3D shape data from the path data creation software according to the control of the path data creation software, and slices the 3D shape data to generate bitmap data of a plurality of layers. Thereby, bitmap data of a plurality of layers can be stored in the RAM 102 or the like.

  The switching unit 13 operates the counter 131 according to the control of the path data creation software, and switches path data to be used from three or more path data according to the count value of the counter 131. Three or more path data may be stored in advance in the ROM 101 and read according to an instruction from the path data creation software, or may be dynamically created on the RAM 102 in accordance with the execution of the path data creation software. The counter 131 may be realized as a circuit or may be realized as a functional module developed on the RAM 102.

  The three-dimensional path data generation unit 14 stacks the switched path data in accordance with the selected bitmap data among the bitmap data of the plurality of layers according to the control of the path data creation software. The three-dimensional path data generation unit 14 generates three-dimensional path data by stacking path data for all layers. The three-dimensional path data generation unit 14 outputs the three-dimensional path data to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 via the communication I / F 111 and the communication medium 2.

  The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 is functionally configured as shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2.

  The CPU 250 and the RAM 252 (see FIG. 4) of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 exhibit the following functions when the CPU 250 reads the program in the ROM 251 into the RAM 252 and the CPU 250 executes the program with the RAM 252.

  The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 includes a modeling unit 20a. The modeling unit 20a reads modeling data (three-dimensional path data) from the communication I / F 253 or the like into the RAM 252 and sequentially executes commands (path data of each layer) included in the modeling data. The modeling unit 20a controls the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 via the input / output I / F 256 based on the executed command.

  Next, three-dimensional path data generation processing will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating generation of three-dimensional path data. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating intersection points in the path data of each layer.

  The three-dimensional path data used for modeling by the three-dimensional modeling apparatus is configured by stacking path data of three or more layers as shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the stacking direction is the Z direction, and the two directions orthogonal to each other in a plane perpendicular to the Z direction are the X direction and the Y direction.

  Each of the path data of three or more layers corresponds to a path to which the control target is to be moved. The path data of three or more layers is based on straight lines extending in different directions. When the path data of three or more layers includes first path data, second path data, and third path data, the first path data is based on a straight line extending in the first direction, and the second The path data is based on a straight line extending in the second direction intersecting the first direction, and the third path data is extending in the third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. Based on a straight line.

  Regarding the path data of three or more layers, different directions can correspond to angles obtained by equally dividing 180 degrees by the number of types of patterns. In the example of FIG. 7, the first layer to the fourth layer at the time of modeling the cube are shown. When 180 degrees is divided into four, for example, the direction corresponding to the angle formed with respect to the X axis in the XY plane can be a 0 degree direction, a 45 degree direction, a 90 degree direction, and a 135 degree direction. .

  The first layer of path data 301 is based on a straight line in the left-right direction (X direction). The horizontal keynote in the horizontal direction indicated by the thick line in FIG. 7 is a main path for moving the control target, and indicates that the layer is filled with a straight line in the horizontal direction (X direction) as much as possible. At this time, by generating path data with increased continuity so that it can be drawn with one stroke as much as possible, it is devised to further improve the modeling speed and strength when moving the control target (for example, the nozzle 215 shown in FIG. 3). May be. The first-layer path data 301 has auxiliary straight lines in the X direction and the Y direction in addition to the basic straight line. An auxiliary straight line indicated by a thin line in FIG. 7 indicates a path for moving the control target in an auxiliary manner.

  The path data 302 of the second layer is based on a straight line in the upper right direction (a direction that forms 45 ° with respect to the X axis) rotated 45 degrees from the first layer. By shifting the direction in which the straight line, which is based on the first layer, in the second-layer path data 302 extends, it is possible to prevent the strength in the same direction from being weakened in a plurality of layers. The second-layer path data 302 includes a basic straight line in a direction of 45 degrees with respect to the X axis indicated by a thick line in FIG. 7, an auxiliary straight line in the X direction indicated by a thin line in FIG. 7, and a thin line in FIG. And an auxiliary straight line in the Y direction indicated by.

  The pass data 303 for the third layer is based on a straight line in the vertical direction (Y direction) rotated 45 degrees from the second layer. By shifting the direction in which the straight line, which is based on the second layer, extends in the path data 303 of the third layer, it is possible to prevent the strength in the same direction from being weakened among a plurality of layers. The third-layer path data 303 includes a Y-direction key line indicated by a thick line in FIG. 7, an X-direction auxiliary line indicated by a thin line in FIG. 7, and an Y-direction auxiliary line indicated by a thin line in FIG. And a straight line.

  The fourth-layer path data 304 is based on a straight line in the upper left direction (a direction that forms 135 ° with respect to the X axis) rotated 45 degrees further from the third layer. By shifting the direction in which the straight line extending from the third layer in the fourth layer of pass data 304 extends, it is possible to prevent the strength in the same direction from being weakened among a plurality of layers. The fourth-layer path data 304 includes a basic straight line in the direction of 135 degrees with respect to the X direction indicated by a thick line in FIG. 7, an auxiliary straight line in the X direction indicated by a thin line in FIG. 7, and a thin line in FIG. And an auxiliary straight line in the Y direction indicated by.

  When the path data is stacked for five or more layers, the path data 301 to 304 may be stacked in the order shown in FIG. That is, it is only necessary to form a linear tone layer in which the extending direction is shifted by 45 degrees with respect to the previous layer. As shown in FIG. 7, the 3D modeling apparatus 2 performs modeling using the 3D path data stacked and formed, thereby forming a three-dimensional model that is resistant to stress from not only up, down, left, and right but also from an oblique direction. obtain.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the path data 301 to 304 of a plurality of layers can be stacked such that the intersections when seen through from the stacking direction (Z direction) overlap each other. In FIG. 8, for simplification of illustration, illustration of auxiliary straight lines in the path data 301 to 304 of each layer is omitted, and basic tone straight lines are selectively shown. For example, paying attention to the lower right area in FIG. 8, the intersection of the basic line of the path data 301, the basic line of the path data 302, the basic line of the path data 303, and the basic line of the path data 304 is at the position 401. They overlap each other or their intersections are within a predetermined range from the position 401 (for example, within a frame indicated by a broken line defined by a midpoint between adjacent intersections in FIG. 8). As a result, when the path data 301 to 304 are stacked by shifting 45 degrees for each layer, the location where the basic straight line intersects is substantially the same when viewed from directly above (Z direction). As the modeling is performed by the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 using the three-dimensional path data stacked and formed as shown in FIG. 8, the intersection axis in the modeling direction is stabilized, and the strength in the modeling direction in the modeled object Can be improved.

  Next, generation processing of three-dimensional path data will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for generating three-dimensional path data.

  The information processing apparatus 1 acquires 3D model data (three-dimensional shape data) to be modeled from the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 via the communication medium 2 and reads it into the path data creation software (S1). The information processing apparatus 1 slices the three-dimensional shape data in the XY axis direction while changing the Z position, and generates bitmap data of a plurality of layers (S2).

  In S3 and subsequent steps, path data is generated from the bitmap data of each layer. In order to manage the type of path data, a number indicating the type is counted using a counter. In the initial state, an initial value “1” can be set in the counter. For example, if the number of types of path data is “4”, “4” is set as the maximum value of the counter, and the counter is configured as a circular counter in which the next count value after the maximum value returns to the initial value. May be.

  The information processing apparatus 1 determines whether or not all layers have been processed for a plurality of layers to be sliced with respect to the three-dimensional shape data (S3). For example, when bitmap data of a plurality of layers are processed in order from the lower layer, the information processing apparatus 1 can determine that all layers are not processed unless the processing target layer is the uppermost layer. If the target layer is the top layer, it can be determined that all layers have been processed.

  When all the layers are not processed (NO in S3), the information processing apparatus 1 selects the bitmap data of the lowest layer among the unprocessed layers in the plurality of layers (S4). If it is the first time, the lowermost bit map data is selected, and if it is the second time or later, the bit map data of the upper layer is selected. The information processing apparatus 1 confirms the value of the counter (S5), generates path data switched corresponding to the bitmap data selected in S4 (S6), and then increments the value of the counter (S7). ).

  Specifically, when the value of the counter = “1” (the value = “1” in S5), the information processing apparatus 1 generates straight-line path data in the horizontal direction (X direction) (S61), Thereafter, the value of the counter is set to “2” (S71), and the process returns to S3.

  When the value of the counter = “2” (value = “2” in S5), the information processing apparatus 1 generates linear-based path data in a diagonal upper right direction (direction of 45 degrees with respect to the X axis) ( After that, the value of the counter is set to “3” (S72), and the process returns to S3.

  If the value of the counter = “3” (value = “3” in S5), the information processing apparatus 1 generates straight-line path data in the vertical direction (Y direction) (S63), and then the value of the counter Is set to “4” (S73), and the process returns to S3.

  When the value of the counter = “4” (the value = “4” in S5), the information processing apparatus 1 generates linear-based path data in a diagonally upper left direction (direction of 135 degrees with respect to the X axis) ( Thereafter, the value of the counter is set to “1” (S74), and the process returns to S3.

  When all the layers have been processed (YES in S3), the information processing apparatus 1 ends the processing.

  Note that FIG. 9 describes generation of basic path data of a 3D model (three-dimensional shape). However, generation of path data for rafts and support materials and various settings in modeling can be performed as necessary. It may be done.

  As described above, in the embodiment, the three-dimensional modeling system supports a plurality of layers of a three-dimensional shape while switching path data to be used from three or more path data based on straight lines extending in different directions. The generated three-dimensional path data is generated. Thereby, in three-dimensional modeling using three-dimensional path data, it is possible to achieve both improvement in mechanical strength and improvement in modeling accuracy and modeling speed.

  Note that, in the embodiment, the case where the information processing apparatus 1 performs the three-dimensional path data generation process is illustrated, but as illustrated in FIG. 10, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2 a performs the three-dimensional path data generation process. It may be configured as follows. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2a according to the modified example of the embodiment.

  That is, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 2a further includes a reading unit 11a, a bitmap data generation unit 12a, a switching unit 13a, and a three-dimensional path data generation unit 14a. The switching unit 13a includes a counter 131a.

  The reading unit 11a receives a path data creation software activation instruction or the like from a predetermined user interface, and activates the path data creation software. The reading unit 11a reads the three-dimensional shape data received from the modeling unit 20a into the path data creation software according to the control of the path data creation software. Thereby, the three-dimensional shape data can be stored in the RAM 252 or the like (see FIG. 4).

  The bitmap data generation unit 12a acquires 3D shape data from the path data creation software according to the control of the path data creation software, and slices the 3D shape data to generate bitmap data of a plurality of layers. Thereby, bitmap data of a plurality of layers can be stored in the RAM 252 or the like.

  The switching unit 13a operates the counter 131a according to the control of the path data creation software, and switches path data to be used from three or more path data according to the count value of the counter 131a. Three or more path data may be stored in advance in the ROM 251 and read according to an instruction from the path data creation software, or may be dynamically created on the RAM 252 as the path data creation software is executed. Further, the counter 131a may be realized as a circuit or may be realized as a functional module developed on the RAM 252.

  The three-dimensional path data generation unit 14a stacks the switched path data in accordance with the selected bitmap data among the bitmap data of the plurality of layers according to the control of the path data creation software. Then, the three-dimensional path data generation unit 14a generates three-dimensional path data by stacking path data for all layers. The three-dimensional path data generation unit 14a outputs the three-dimensional path data to the modeling unit 20a.

  Even with such a configuration, it is possible to generate three-dimensional path data corresponding to a plurality of layers having a three-dimensional shape while switching path data to be used from three or more path data based on straight lines extending in different directions. . Thereby, in three-dimensional modeling using three-dimensional path data, it is possible to achieve both improvement in mechanical strength and improvement in modeling accuracy and modeling speed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing apparatus 2, 2a 3D modeling apparatus 3 Communication medium 4 3D modeling system

Japanese Patent No. 3687475

Claims (6)

Means for reading three-dimensional shape data;
Means for generating bitmap data of a plurality of layers based on the read three-dimensional shape data;
Means for switching path data to be used from three or more path data based on straight lines extending in different directions corresponding to the paths to be moved;
Means for generating three-dimensional path data by stacking the switched path data corresponding to bitmap data selected from the plurality of layers of bitmap data;
A program characterized by causing a computer to realize. The three or more path data are:
First path data based on a straight line extending in the first direction;
Second path data based on a straight line extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
Third path data based on a straight line extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction;
The program according to claim 1, comprising: 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the different directions correspond to angles obtained by equally dividing 180 degrees by the number of types of patterns. 4. The program according to claim 1, wherein the three or more pieces of path data overlap each other when seen through from the stacking direction. 5. Means for reading three-dimensional shape data;
Means for generating bitmap data of a plurality of layers based on the read three-dimensional shape data;
Means for switching path data to be used from three or more path data based on straight lines extending in different directions corresponding to the paths to be moved;
Means for generating three-dimensional path data by stacking the switched path data corresponding to bitmap data selected from the plurality of layers of bitmap data;
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus comprising: A three-dimensional modeling apparatus;
An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the three-dimensional modeling apparatus;
With
The information processing apparatus includes:
Means for reading three-dimensional shape data;
Means for generating bitmap data of a plurality of layers based on the read three-dimensional shape data;
Means for switching path data to be used from three or more path data based on straight lines extending in different directions corresponding to the paths to be moved;
Means for generating three-dimensional path data by stacking the switched path data corresponding to bitmap data selected from the plurality of layers of bitmap data;
A three-dimensional modeling system characterized by comprising:

Images