JP6606937B2 - Information processing apparatus, 3D printer system, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a 3D printer system, an information processing method, and a program.

  Conventionally, a three-dimensional modeling method is known from slice data generated on the basis of data such as three-dimensional CAD (Computer Aided Design).

  A method for correcting phase information of a polygon mesh in three-dimensional modeling is known. Specifically, the phase information of the polygon mesh is first changed so that a contour polygon line is obtained when the polygon mesh is cut into circles. Next, a method is known in which a contour polygon line is acquired from the changed polygon line, and the contour polygon line is corrected so that the inside of the acquired contour polygon line can be normally filled (for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, in the conventional method, if there is a non-manifold or interference in the generation of slice data, the slice data may not be generated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus capable of generating slice data even when there is a non-manifold or interference in the generation of slice data.

In one aspect, an information processing apparatus that generates slice data based on three-dimensional data includes a projection unit that projects the three-dimensional data in two dimensions, an input unit that inputs the three-dimensional data, and a slice of the slice data A color when the projection unit projects the first polygon data based on a distance between the slice plane and the first polygon data included in the three-dimensional data in a first direction perpendicular to the surface. A first determining unit that determines, for each component constituting the three-dimensional data, whether the first color is the same as the background color or a second color different from the first color, A second deciding unit that sets the portion as the second color when the second color is decided in the decision , wherein the first polygon data is located behind the slice plane in the first direction. Distance Once calculated to be in, the first determining unit, the first polygon data based on whether the back or a table, and determines the color.

  According to each embodiment of the present invention, slice data can be generated even when there are non-manifolds or interference in the generation of slice data.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the three-dimensional data which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the slice surface which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the setting of the slice surface which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of calculation of the distance of the slice surface and 1st polygon data which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example which divides | segments the 1st polygon data based on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the slice data concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the whole process which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting of the slice plane and line-of-sight direction which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the three-dimensional model comprised by the some components which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example in the case of becoming interference in the structure by the some components which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the slice data of the three-dimensional model comprised by the some components which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the slice data of the 1st component which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the slice data of the 2nd component which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the slice data of the three-dimensional model comprised with the some components which concern on a comparative example. It is the schematic which shows an example of the 3D printer system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows an example of the 3D printer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the information processing apparatus in the 3D printer system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

<Example of information processing device>
First, an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the information processing apparatus is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer). Hereinafter, an example in which the information processing apparatus is a PC will be described.

  Specifically, the PC 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10H1, an input device 10H2, a memory 10H3, a display device 10H4, and an external storage device 10H5. As described above, the PC performs an input of an operation by a user related to CAD and an output for displaying a model designed by CAD.

  The CPU 10H1 is an arithmetic device and a control device that execute a program.

  The input device 10H2 is, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, or a combination thereof. Further, the input device 10H2 inputs an operation by a user related to CAD.

  The memory 10H3 is an example of a main storage device. The memory 10H3 stores programs, data, and the like used by the CPU 10H1.

  The display device 10H4 is, for example, a display. The display device 10H4 displays a screen related to CAD.

  The external storage device 10H5 is an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk. The external storage device 10H5 stores programs, data, and the like.

  Note that the hardware configuration is not limited to the illustrated configuration. For example, the PC 10 may have an interface and input / output data and the like by connecting to an external device via a network and a cable.

  The PC 10 may further include hardware other than the illustrated hardware. Further, the PC 10 may have a hardware configuration including an input / output device such as a touch panel in which the input device 10H2 and the display device 10H4 are integrated.

<Functional configuration example>
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the PC 10 includes an input unit 10F1, a calculation unit 10F2, a first determination unit 10F3, a second determination unit 10F4, and a projection unit 10F5.

<Example of input unit>
The input unit 10F1 inputs three-dimensional data for generating slice data. Specifically, the input unit 10F1 is realized by the input device 10H2 (FIG. 1) or the like. For example, when an operation for designing three-dimensional data is input, the three-dimensional data is generated.

<Example of calculation unit>
In the direction perpendicular to the slice plane of the slice data (hereinafter referred to as “first direction”), the calculation unit 10F2 includes polygon data (hereinafter “ The distance to the “first polygon data” is calculated. Specifically, the calculation unit 10F2 is realized by the CPU 10H1 (FIG. 1) or the like, and calculates the distance between the set slice surface and each first polygon data.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of three-dimensional data according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, an example in which three-dimensional data indicating a model MDL as illustrated is input will be described. Further, it is assumed that the model MDL is composed of a collection of triangles as an example of the first polygon data.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a slice plane according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, when the three-dimensional data shown in FIG. 3 is input and slice data is generated, the slice plane SLP is set. The slice plane SLP is set as shown in FIG. 4 for the model MDL, for example.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting a slice plane according to an embodiment of the present invention. In order to generate slice data, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the model MDL is placed on the three dimensions indicated by the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis, and the slice plane SLP is set at a predetermined slice interval. Is done. In this example, as shown in FIG. 5B, it is assumed that slice planes SLP are set at slice intervals in the X-axis direction. In this setting, slice data is generated for each slice interval.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, the direction shown in the figure that is perpendicular to the slice plane SLP is the first direction. Hereinafter, an example of the first direction is a line-of-sight direction DS. That is, hereinafter, an example in which the viewing direction DS is the X-axis direction will be described.

  The line-of-sight direction DS is not limited to the illustrated direction. For example, the line-of-sight direction DS may be set in a direction different from the illustrated direction depending on the setting or the like.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a calculation example of the distance between the slice plane and the first polygon data according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 illustrates an example in which the slice plane SLP and the line-of-sight direction DS as illustrated in FIG. 5 are set for the model MDL illustrated in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the model MDL may include a first triangle PD1A that is an example of first polygon data located on the back side of the slice plane SLP in the line-of-sight direction DS. Further, the model MDL may have a second triangle PD1B, which is an example of first polygon data that interferes with the slice plane SLP, in the line-of-sight direction DS, as illustrated in FIG. Further, the model MDL may have a third triangle PD1C, which is an example of first polygon data located on the near side of the slice plane SLP in the line-of-sight direction DS, as illustrated in FIG.

  For example, the calculation unit 10F2 (FIG. 2) calculates each distance from the origin PO to each triangle and a distance from the origin PO to the slice plane. In this way, when each distance is calculated, the PC can compare the distance from the origin PO to the slice surface and the respective distance from the origin PO to each triangle. Therefore, based on the calculation result for calculating the distance, the first polygon data is at a distance behind the slice plane SLP, at a distance that interferes with the slice plane SLP, or at a distance before the slice plane SLP. Can be calculated.

  Further, when it is calculated that the first polygon data is at a distance that interferes with the slice plane SLP based on the calculation result by the calculation unit 10F2, the PC divides the first polygon data. Specifically, the PC has one or more polygon data (hereinafter referred to as “second polygon data”) positioned behind the slice plane SLP and the one or more polygon data positioned before the slice plane SLP. The data is divided into polygon data (hereinafter referred to as “third polygon data”).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of dividing the first polygon data according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, an example in which the model MDL includes the second triangle PD1B illustrated in FIG. 6 will be described.

  When there is interfering first polygon data like the second triangle PD1B, the PC divides the second triangle PD1B as shown in FIG. 7B, for example. Specifically, the second triangle PD1B shown in FIG. 7A is divided into second polygon data PD2 shown in FIG. 7B and third polygon data PD3 shown in FIG. 7B. As shown in the figure, the second polygon data PD2 is a triangle located behind the slice plane SLP in the second triangle PD1B. On the other hand, the third polygon data PD3 is a triangle located in front of the slice plane SLP in the second triangle PD1B.

  As described above, since the PC can divide the interfering first polygon data into the second polygon data PD2 and the third polygon data PD3, the PC can reduce the interfering first polygon data.

  It should be noted that the division may not be performed for each of the second polygon data PD2 and the third polygon data PD3. That is, the second polygon data PD2, the third polygon data PD3, or both of them may be divided into two or more triangles. For example, as shown in FIG. 7C, the second polygon data may be two triangles.

  Further, in the subsequent processing, the second polygon data PD2 generated by the division is processed in the same manner as the first polygon data located on the far side from the slice plane SLP in the line-of-sight direction DS. Further, in the subsequent processing, the third polygon data PD3 generated by the division is processed in the same manner as the first polygon data located in front of the slice plane SLP in the line-of-sight direction DS.

<Example of first determination unit>
Returning to FIG. 2, the first determination unit 10F3 determines a color when the projection unit 10F5 projects the first polygon data based on the calculation result by the calculation unit 10F2. The first determination unit 10F3 is realized by the CPU 10H1 (FIG. 1) or the like. Specifically, based on the calculation result by the calculation unit 10F2, when it is calculated that the first polygon data is at a distance behind the slice plane, the first determination unit 10F3 has the first polygon data as a table. Based on whether it is the back or the back, the projection unit 10F5 determines the color when the first polygon data is projected. The first polygon data has data for determining whether the data is polygon data indicating a table or polygon data indicating a reverse side.

  Specifically, if the first polygon data is a table, the first determination unit 10F3 determines the color to be the same as the background color (hereinafter referred to as “first color”). On the other hand, if the first polygon data is the reverse side, the first determination unit 10F3 determines a color different from the first color (hereinafter referred to as “second color”). That is, the second color is a color different from the background color.

  The first color and the second color are preferably colors from which shades indicating light and shade are excluded. For example, when the influence of a light source is excluded in projection or the like, a shade indicating shading can be excluded.

  Also, based on the calculation result by the calculation unit 10F2, when it is calculated that the first polygon data is at a distance in front of the slice plane, the first determination unit 10F3 does not project the projection based on the first polygon data. Restrict such as to.

<Example of second determination unit>
When the second determination unit 10F4 determines that the second color is determined by the first determination unit 10F3 as one of the determinations for the same part in the case where the three-dimensional data includes a plurality of components, Even if the first color is determined, the color when the projection unit 10F5 projects the first polygon data is the second color. The second determination unit 10F4 is realized by the CPU 10H1 (FIG. 1) or the like. Specifically, of the determinations by the first determination unit 10F3 for each part, if it is determined that the second color is even once, the second determination unit 10F4 sets the color at the time of projection as the second color. To do.

  That is, the second determination unit 10F4 finally determines a color when the projection unit 10F5 projects the first polygon data based on a plurality of determination results determined by the first determination unit 10F3. For example, the second determination unit 10F4 determines whether the color is the first color or the second color, as described below (Table 1).

As shown in the above (Table 1), the second determining unit 10F4 determines the second color when the first determining unit 10F3 determines that the same portion is the second color even once. On the other hand, when the first determination unit 10F3 determines all the parts as the first color for the same part, the second determination unit 10F4 determines the first color. Note that the determined portion is determined, for example, in pixel units when projecting in two dimensions.

  Further, as shown in the above (Table 1), the second determination unit 10F4 may be realized by calculating a logical sum (OR) of the determination results having the second color. Specifically, for example, in any one of the plurality of parts, the PC determines “1” when the first determination unit 10F3 determines that the second color is determined. On the other hand, the PC sets “0” when the second color is determined by the determination by the first determination unit 10F3. In this case, the second determination unit 10F4 calculates the logical sum of the respective determinations for the same part by the first determination unit 10F3 in each component. In this way, as shown in the above (Table 1), when the second color, that is, “1” is determined in any of the components, the second determination unit 10F4 sets the color at the time of projection to the first color. Can be two colors.

<Example of projection unit>
Returning to FIG. 2, the projecting unit 10F5 generates slice data by projecting the three-dimensional data in two dimensions with the color determined by the second determining unit 10F4. Specifically, the projection unit 10F5 is realized by the CPU 10H1 (FIG. 1) or the like, and generates polygon data by projecting polygon data in two dimensions.

  The slice data is, for example, two-dimensional data such as a BMP (Bitmap) format in which the slice plane is expressed in binary. That is, the slice data is, for example, slice data in which the first color is indicated by “0” and the second color is indicated by “1”. Note that the slice data is not limited to BMP or the like, and may be data in a format that matches the specifications of the printer that is the output destination. In addition, data is input to the slice data based on the color determined by the second determination unit 10F4.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of slice data according to an embodiment of the present invention. The slice data shown in the figure is an example in which the background portion and the polygon data that is behind the slice plane and that indicates the table are each indicated by the first color. In the figure, the first color is black. On the other hand, the slice data shown in the figure is an example in which polygon data that is behind the slice plane and indicates the reverse side is indicated by the second color. In the figure, the second color is white.

  When slice data as illustrated is output to a 3D printer or the like, the 3D printer or the like serving as an output destination can form a three-dimensional object based on the plurality of slice data.

<Example of overall processing flow>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of overall processing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In step S01, the PC inputs 3D data.

  In step S02, the PC sets a background color. That is, the first color is set in step S02. In step S02, a color different from the first color is set as the second color. Note that the first color and the second color may be set as initial values, respectively.

  In step S03, the PC calculates the distance between the slice plane and the first polygon data.

  In step S04, the PC determines whether the first polygon data is behind the slice plane, near the slice plane, or interferes with the slice plane based on the calculation result obtained in step S03. To do.

  Next, when it is determined that the first polygon data is behind the slice plane (“back” in step S04), the PC proceeds to step S06. If it is determined that the first polygon data interferes with the slice plane (“interference” in step S04), the PC proceeds to step S05. Furthermore, if it is determined that the first polygon data is in front of the slice plane (“near” in step S04), the PC proceeds to step S09.

  As shown in the figure, when it is determined that the first polygon data is in front of the slice plane, the PC restricts not to determine the color of the target first polygon data as in steps S07 and S08. Do.

  In step S05, the PC divides the first polygon data determined to interfere with the second polygon data and the third polygon data. Next, the PC proceeds to step S06 for the second polygon data generated by the division.

  In step S06, the PC determines whether the first polygon data indicates a table or the reverse based on data or the like included in the first polygon data. Next, when it is determined that the first polygon data indicates a table (“table” in step S06), the PC proceeds to step S08. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first polygon data indicates the back side (“back” in step S06), the PC proceeds to step S07.

  In step S07, the PC determines the back portion as the second color.

  In step S08, the PC determines the front portion as the first color.

  In step S09, the PC determines whether all polygon data have been completed. Next, if it is determined that all polygon data has been completed (YES in step S09), the PC proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, if it is determined that not all polygon data has been completed (NO in step S09), the PC proceeds to step S10. That is, the PC repeatedly performs the processing so that Steps S03 to S08 are performed on all the first polygon data included in the three-dimensional data.

  In step S10, the PC selects the next first polygon data.

  In step S11, the PC determines whether or not the same color is determined as the second color. First, as shown in the figure, the color is determined for each component in step S07 or step S08. On the other hand, in step S11, the PC determines whether or not the second color has been determined among any of the determinations made for the same portion. Next, even if the first color may be determined, if the second color is determined at least once for any part of the same part (YES in step S11), the PC Advances to step S12. On the other hand, if the second color is not determined in any determination for the same portion (NO in step S11), the PC proceeds to step S13.

  In step S12, the PC determines the portion determined as the first color as the second color.

  Further, the second color is not determined for the same part, that is, if the first color is determined for all the parts for the same part (NO in step S11), The PC maintains the decision to be the first color.

In step S13, the PC determines whether all parts have been completed. next,
Since data is input to the PC for each part, whether or not the parts are the same can be determined by whether or not each polygon data is in the same data.

  In step S14, the PC projects the three-dimensional data into two dimensions to generate slice data.

  Note that the slice plane and the line-of-sight direction are determined by user settings or initial values.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting the slice plane and the line-of-sight direction according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, assume that three-dimensional data of a model as shown in FIG. In this example, first, the line-of-sight direction DS is set by a user setting or the like. In addition, a slice interval or the like is set as a setting related to the slice plane. When the setting related to the slice plane and the line-of-sight direction is performed, the position and angle etc. at which the slice plane is generated are determined. For example, the cross section shown in FIG. 10B of the model shown in FIG. The slice plane that can be seen can be set.

  When the processing shown in FIG. 9 is performed, the PC can generate slice data as shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the method of generating slice data, for example, a method of obtaining a cross-sectional line between the three-dimensional model and the slice plane by geometric calculation, there are non-manifolds or self-interference in the three-dimensional model. In some cases, the section line may not be obtained. For this reason, slice data may not be generated.

  On the other hand, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the PC calculates the distance between the slice plane and the first polygon data in the viewing direction. Based on the calculation result, the color used when the projection unit 10F5 (FIG. 2) projects the first polygon data is determined. Next, the PC generates slice data by projecting the three-dimensional data onto the two-dimensional data based on the determined color. In this way, the PC can generate slice data even when there is a non-manifold or interference in the generation of slice data.

  That is, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the PC can generate slice data even if there is a mismatch in which the triangles included in the three-dimensional model are indented or separated from each other in the three-dimensional model. In the embodiment according to the present invention, the processing speed related to the calculation may be increased.

  In particular, in the three-dimensional data, non-manifolds, interferences, and the like are often present at fine locations. For this reason, in the method of obtaining the cross-sectional line between the three-dimensional model and the slice plane by geometric calculation, there is no problem in appearance or modeling with a 3D printer, but if there is a non-manifold or interference, the slice Data may not be generated. On the other hand, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the PC can generate slice data based on three-dimensional data even if there are non-manifolds or interference in the generation of slice data. Modeling can be performed.

  A three-dimensional model may be composed of a plurality of parts.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a three-dimensional model including a plurality of parts according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the illustrated three-dimensional model will be described as an example. FIG. 11A shows a side view of the three-dimensional model, while FIG. 11B shows a front view of the same three-dimensional model as FIG. 11A.

  Further, when the three-dimensional model of FIGS. 11A and 11B is shown in a three-dimensional view, the three-dimensional model can be shown as in FIG. 11C. Further, when FIG. 11C is shown in a cross-sectional view, the three-dimensional model can be shown as in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, it is assumed that the three-dimensional model 3DML is composed of a first part PT1 and a second part PT2. In this example, there is an assembly part ASM that is assembled so that the second part PT2 passes through the through hole of the first part PT1. The assembly part ASM is an example in which the diameter of the second part PT2 is designed to be larger than the hole diameter of the first part PT1, for example, for fitting.

  In such an example, in the 3D model 3DML, since the second part PT2 is larger than the hole diameter of the first part PT1, the second part PT2 bites into the first part PT1. Therefore, in the three-dimensional model 3DML, it is often determined that so-called interference occurs.

  Further, the case where it is determined that interference is occurring is not limited to the case shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example in the case of interference in the configuration of a plurality of components according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, when the third part PT3 and the fourth part PT4 having curved surfaces are assembled so as to contact each other, it is determined that interference occurs in the assembly part ASM2. There is a case.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 12B, when the fifth part PT5 and the sixth part PT6 are assembled so as to contact each other, it is determined that interference occurs in the assembly part ASM3. There is.

  In this way, when the three-dimensional model is composed of a plurality of parts, it may be determined that interference has occurred. On the other hand, for example, when the entire process shown in FIG. 9 is performed, slice data can be generated.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of slice data of a three-dimensional model including a plurality of parts according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an example of slice data centered on the assembly part ASM shown in FIG. That is, since it is composed of a plurality of parts, the PC can generate slice data as shown in FIG. 13 even if there is an assembly part ASM that is often judged to cause interference.

  Hereinafter, in the diagram showing the slice data, the portion determined as the second color C2 is shown in gray. On the other hand, the portion determined as the first color C1 is shown in black.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of slice data of the first part according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the three-dimensional model 3DML, if the first part PT1 shown in FIG. 11 is a single part, that is, if there is no second part PT2, slice data as shown in FIG. 14 is generated for the assembly part ASM. The

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of slice data of the second part according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the 3D model 3DML, if the second part PT2 shown in FIG. 11 is a single part, that is, if there is no first part PT1, slice data as shown in FIG. 15 is generated for the assembly part ASM. The

  Therefore, when the process shown in FIG. 9 is performed, the PC can generate slice data obtained by combining the slice data shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 as shown in FIG. In this way, even when there is a non-manifold or interference in the generation of slice data, the PC can generate slice data with few cavities and the like by combining the respective determination results for each component.

  Note that the PC may perform the processing shown in FIG. 9 on a three-dimensional model composed of three or more parts. Specifically, in a three-dimensional model composed of three or more parts, steps S02 to S10 are repeatedly performed for each part. Next, step S11 and step S12 are performed based on the determination result for each component.

  Further, step S11 and step S12 may be performed at a timing such as performed after steps S02 to S10 are completed for all components.

<Comparative example>
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of slice data of a three-dimensional model including a plurality of parts according to a comparative example. That is, FIG. 16 is an example of slice data of the three-dimensional model 3DML shown in FIG. 11 generated by a method other than that shown in FIG. If there is a non-manifold or interference, a part to be determined as the second color may be determined as the first color, as in the assembly part ASM illustrated in FIG. When modeling is performed by a 3D printer using such slice data, the assembly part ASM often becomes a cavity.

<Example of 3D printer system>
FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a 3D printer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the 3D printer system 1 includes a PC 10 and a 3D printer 20.

  The 3D printer 20 has a head that ejects droplets. Further, the 3D printer 20 receives data transmitted from the PC 10 and forms a three-dimensional object by laminating layers formed by discharging a molding material with a head based on the data. On the other hand, the PC 10 is the information processing apparatus shown in FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the 3D printer 20 has the same configuration as, for example, a general droplet discharge type 3D printer. Specifically, the 3D printer 20 supports a base 201 on which molding materials are stacked, a head 202 that discharges the molding material, and the head 202 to form a three-dimensional object. And an arm 203 for moving the head 202.

  The 3D printer 20 discharges a molding material from the head 202 in accordance with slice data transmitted from the PC 10 shown in FIG. In this way, the 3D printer 20 performs three-dimensional modeling by stacking layers.

  The 3D printer 20 includes the same information processing function as the PC 10 shown in FIG. The 3D printer 20 receives control from the PC 10 by the information processing function of the 3D printer 20. Further, the 3D printer 20 controls the movement of the arm 203 and the discharge of the molding material from the head 202 by a control unit realized by an information processing function.

  FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus in the 3D printer system according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the PC 10 includes a controller 100 and a network I / F 101 in addition to the LCD 60 and the operation unit 70 realized by the input device 10H2 and the display device 10H4 shown in FIG. The network I / F 101 is an example of an interface for the PC 10 to communicate with other devices via the network, and an Ethernet (registered trademark) or USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface or the like is used.

  The controller 100 is configured by a combination of software and hardware and functions as a control unit that controls the entire PC 10. As illustrated, the controller 100 includes a processing unit 110 and a 3D printer driver 120 that provides a function for the PC 10 to control the 3D printer 20.

  The processing unit 110 performs the processing shown in FIG. 9 for generating slice data of input 3D data. First, in step S01 shown in FIG. 9, for example, 3D data that is an example of three-dimensional data is input to the PC 10 via a network or the like. When 3D data is input in this way, the processing unit 110 can acquire 3D data. Note that when the user performs an operation on the operation unit 70, the processing unit 110 may acquire data of the file path specified by the operation.

  The processing unit 110 generates slice data from the input 3D data by the process shown in FIG. Next, the processing unit 110 analyzes the space around the three-dimensional object formed by the input 3D data. As a result of this analysis, in the modeling of a three-dimensional object, since the vertically lower part is not in contact with the base but is a space, a support part for supporting a part that needs to be supported may be required. Therefore, the processing unit 110 generates support unit data and adds the data to the original 3D data. A software program for realizing such a processing unit 110 is used.

  The 3D printer driver 120 is a software module for operating the 3D printer 20 from the PC 10 and has the same function as driver software for a general 3D printer. For example, the 3D printer driver 120 conforms to the function of a printer driver in a general paper printer, generates slice data for operating the 3D printer 20 based on input 3D data, and the like. Are transmitted to the 3D printer 20 together with the data.

<Summary>
As is clear from the above description, in the information processing apparatus and 3D printer system according to this embodiment,
The calculation unit is configured to calculate a distance between the slice plane and the first polygon data included in the three-dimensional data input by the input unit in a first direction perpendicular to the slice plane of the slice data.
-A 1st determination part is the structure which determines the color at the time of a projection part projecting 1st polygon data for every component based on the calculation result by a calculation part.
-A 2nd determination part is the structure by which the part determined as the 1st color is made into a 2nd color, when it determines with the 2nd color by any determination by the 1st determination part for every component.
The projection unit is configured to generate slice data by projecting three-dimensional data to two dimensions with the color determined by the second determination unit.

  As described above, in the embodiment according to the present invention, in the first direction such as the line-of-sight direction, the calculation unit calculates the distance between the slice plane and the first polygon data included in the three-dimensional data input by the input unit. To do. Based on the calculation result, first, the first determination unit determines the color. Subsequently, with respect to the same part, when the first determination unit determines the second color by any one of the colors determined for each part, the second determination unit has the projection unit as the first color. The color used when projecting polygon data is the second color. Next, the projection unit generates slice data by projecting the three-dimensional data in two dimensions with the color determined by the second determination unit.

  If it does in this way, even if the 1st determination part will determine as the 1st color in any part by non-manifold or interference etc., it will at least once to the same part in other parts. As described above, if the second color is determined, the second determination unit can determine the second color.

  In the slice data, the portion to be the first color is often hollow because it is not shaped by a 3D printer or the like. On the other hand, the second color portion is a portion where modeling is performed by a 3D printer or the like. Therefore, when a portion that should be the second color is set to the first color due to non-manifold or interference, a cavity or the like that is not intended in the design may be generated.

  On the other hand, in the embodiment according to the present invention, if any of the components is determined to be the second color by the second determining unit, the second determining unit can determine the second color. For this reason, in the generation of slice data, slice data can be generated even if there are non-manifolds or interference.

  Note that all or part of each processing according to the present invention is stored in a computer described in a low-level language such as an assembler, a high-level language such as C, C ++, C #, Java (registered trademark), or an object-oriented language. You may implement | achieve by the program for performing. That is, the program is a computer program for causing a computer such as an information processing apparatus or an information processing system including one or more information processing apparatuses to execute each process.

  The program can be stored and distributed in a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium is an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), a flash memory, an optical disk such as a flexible disk, a Blu-ray disk, an SD (registered trademark) card, or an MO. Furthermore, the program can be distributed through a telecommunication line.

  Furthermore, the information processing system has two or more information processing apparatuses connected to each other via a network or the like, and a plurality of information processing apparatuses perform processing in a distributed, parallel, or redundant manner for all or part of various processes. You may go.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. Or it can be changed.

1 3D printer system 10 PC
20 3D printer MDL model SLP Slice surface PD1A First triangle PD1B Second triangle PD1C Third triangle DS Line-of-sight direction PD2 Second polygon data PD3 Third polygon data C1 First color C2 Second color

JP 2015-24631 A

Claims (12)

An information processing apparatus that generates slice data based on three-dimensional data,
A projection unit that projects the three-dimensional data into two dimensions;
An input unit for inputting the three-dimensional data;
In the first direction perpendicular to the slice plane of the slice data, the projection unit calculates the first polygon data based on the distance between the slice plane and the first polygon data included in the three-dimensional data. A first determining unit that determines, for each component constituting the three-dimensional data, whether a color at the time of projection is the same first color as a background color or a second color different from the first color;
When the second color is determined in any one of the determinations for the same part, a second determination unit that sets the part as the second color;
Bei to give a,
In the first direction, when it is calculated that the first polygon data is at a distance behind the slice plane, the first determination unit determines whether the first polygon data is front or back. And determining the color based on the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein when the first polygon data is a table, the first determination unit determines the color as the first color. Wherein the first polygon data is behind, the first determining unit, the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 for determining the color to the second color. When it is calculated that the first polygon data is at a distance that interferes with the slice plane in the first direction, the first polygon data is converted into one or more second polygon data located at the back of the slice plane; The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the information processing apparatus divides the data into one or more third polygon data positioned in front of the slice plane. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the color is a color from which shades indicating light and shade are excluded. The first polygon data, the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is a data showing a triangle. In the first direction, when the first polygon data is calculated to be in the distance to be closer than the slice plane, any one of claims 1 to 6 for limiting the projection based on the first polygon data The information processing apparatus according to item. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the second determination unit calculates a logical sum of the determination by the first determination unit as the second color. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the slice data is generated when the projection unit projects the three-dimensional data into two dimensions. A 3D printer system having one or more information processing apparatuses that generate slice data based on three-dimensional data, and a 3D printer connected to the information processing apparatus,
A projection unit that projects the three-dimensional data into two dimensions;
An input unit for inputting the three-dimensional data;
In the first direction perpendicular to the slice plane of the slice data, the projection unit calculates the first polygon data based on the distance between the slice plane and the first polygon data included in the three-dimensional data. A first determining unit that determines, for each component constituting the three-dimensional data, whether a color at the time of projection is the same first color as a background color or a second color different from the first color;
When the second color is determined in any one of the determinations for the same part, a second determination unit that sets the part as the second color;
Bei to give a,
In the first direction, when it is calculated that the first polygon data is at a distance behind the slice plane, the first determination unit determines whether the first polygon data is front or back. The color is determined based on the 3D printer system. An information processing method performed by an information processing apparatus that generates slice data based on three-dimensional data,
A projection procedure in which the information processing apparatus projects the three-dimensional data in two dimensions;
An input procedure in which the information processing apparatus inputs the three-dimensional data;
The information processing apparatus performs the projection procedure based on a distance between the slice plane and the first polygon data included in the three-dimensional data in a first direction perpendicular to the slice plane of the slice data. A first for determining, for each component constituting the three-dimensional data, whether the color for projecting the first polygon data is the same first color as a background color or a second color different from the first color Decision procedure;
When the information processing apparatus is determined to be the second color in any of the determinations for the same part, a second determination procedure that sets the part as the second color;
Only including,
In the first direction, if the first polygon data is calculated to be at a distance behind the slice plane, in the first determination procedure, is the first polygon data front or back? The information processing method which determines the said color based on . A program for causing a computer to generate slice data based on three-dimensional data,
A projection procedure in which the computer projects the three-dimensional data into two dimensions;
An input procedure in which the computer inputs the three-dimensional data;
In the projection procedure, the computer performs the projection procedure based on a distance between the slice plane and the first polygon data included in the three-dimensional data in a first direction perpendicular to the slice plane of the slice data. A first determination procedure for determining, for each component constituting the three-dimensional data, whether a color for projecting one polygon data is the same first color as a background color or a second color different from the first color When,
When the computer determines the second color in any of the determinations for the same part, a second determination procedure that sets the part as the second color;
Was executed,
In the first direction, when the first polygon data is calculated to be at a distance behind the slice plane, in the first determination procedure, is the first polygon data front or back? A program for determining the color based on: