JP6906975B2 - Information processing equipment, systems, control methods, and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, a system, a control method, and a program related to the modeling of a three-dimensional object.

A modeling device that creates a three-dimensional object that is a three-dimensional object based on model data is generally called a 3D (3-dimensional) printer, and in recent years, 3D printers have rapidly become widespread. The technology related to the three-dimensional structure is also called Adaptive Manufacturing (additional manufacturing). On the other hand, a 2D (2-dimensional) printer indicates a printing device such as a multifunction device that prints flatly on paper (sheet) or the like.

Examples of the modeling method of the 3D printer include a Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) method and a stereolithography (STL) method. Further, as another modeling method, there are a powder combustion method (SLS: Selective Laser Sintering), an inkjet method and the like. Consumables of materials corresponding to these modeling methods are used for modeling objects. For example, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers are now available that are inexpensive and easy to operate even for general consumers. Also, in companies, 3D printers are used for various purposes such as producing prototypes and products using 3D printers.

Here, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for ordering a component that is not a 3D printer but is ordered by the multifunction device when the component that is the cause of the failure is identified.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-26789

According to the description of Patent Document 1 described above, the procedure for ordering parts that cause a failure of the multifunction device can be automatically performed. However, it takes time to transport the ordered parts from the supplier, and as a result, it may take a long time for the parts to arrive.

It is also conceivable to procure parts of the device in advance and manage it as inventory at hand in case of failure of the electronic device including the multifunction device and the 3D printer. However, managing all types of parts as inventory in case of sudden failure may waste space and cost for storage.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for modeling a part specified as a modeling target with a modeling device based on information acquired from an electronic device.

In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of the present invention is modeled by the modeling device based on at least one of counter information and status information acquired from a modeling device capable of modeling a three-dimensional object. A specific means for specifying a part of the modeling device to be targeted, an acquisition means for acquiring model data representing the shape of the part specified by the specific means in order to model the part with the modeling device, and the above. It is characterized in that it has an instruction means for instructing the modeling apparatus for modeling the part specified by the specific means by using the model data acquired by the acquisition means.

In order to solve the above problems, the system of the present invention includes an electronic device, a modeling device capable of modeling a three-dimensional object, and a management device for managing the electronic device and information about the modeling device. The management device is a specific means for identifying a part of the electronic device to be modeled by the modeling device based on at least one of the counter information and the status information acquired from the electronic device. In order to model the part with the modeling device, an acquisition means for acquiring model data representing the shape of the part specified by the specific means and model data acquired by the acquisition means are used for the modeling device. The specific means has an instruction means for giving an instruction for modeling the part specified by the specific means, and the modeling device has an execution means for executing the modeling of the part instructed by the instruction means. It is a feature.

According to the present invention, a part specified as a modeling target can be modeled by a modeling device based on information acquired from an electronic device.

It is a figure which shows an example of a system configuration. It is a figure which shows an example of the module structure of the information processing function of a 3D printer 102, a print client 103, and a management server 104. It is a figure which shows an example of the software configuration and a partial hardware configuration of a 3D printer 102. It is a figure which shows an example of a part information 321. It is a figure which shows an example of error information 320. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a part modeling process when an error occurs in 3D printer 102. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen of UI314 when an error occurs. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on UI314 in S609. It is a figure which shows an example of the error information transmitted from 3D printer 102 to management server 104. It is a figure which shows an example of the 3D printer management screen displayed on the user interface 201 of management server 104. It is a figure which shows an example of the software configuration and a partial hardware configuration of a 3D printer 102. It is a figure which shows an example of the software configuration of the management server 104. It is a figure which shows an example of the part information 1208. It is a figure which shows an example of error information 1207. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the component modeling process in management server 104 when an error occurs in 3D printer 102. It is a figure which shows an example of the 3D printer detail screen displayed on the user interface 201 of the management server 104. It is a figure which shows an example of the authentication information input screen in S1506. It is a figure which shows an example of a system configuration. It is a figure which shows an example of the software structure of the component management service 1802. It is a figure which shows an example of a part information 1904. It is a flowchart which showed an example of the process flow which the component management service 1802 responds to the component data acquisition request. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which is displayed when the component data is downloaded from the component management service 1802.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Example 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system according to the present invention.

The network 101 is an intranet, a local area network (LAN), or the like. The 3D printer 102 is an example of a modeling device that models a three-dimensional object that is a three-dimensional object based on model data. The print client 103 includes types such as a personal computer, a tablet computer, and a smartphone. The management server 104 is a computer that functions as a management device that manages information on the 3D printer by receiving information on the 3D printer 102 and transmitting control commands to the 3D printer 102.

The 3D printer 102, the print client 103, and the management server 104 can send and receive information to and from each other via the network 101. The network 101 may be a wireless network such as a wireless LAN. In addition, a public network such as the Internet may be used as long as information can be transmitted and received.

FIG. 2 shows a module configuration diagram of an information processing function of the 3D printer 102, the print client 103, and the management server 104. The user interface 201 inputs and outputs information and signals by means of a display, keyboard, mouse, touch panel, buttons, and the like. Computers that do not have these hardware can also be connected and operated from other computers using Remote Desktop or Remote Shell. The network interface 202 connects to a network such as a LAN and communicates with other computers and network devices. The CPU 203 executes a program read from the ROM 204, the RAM 205, the secondary storage device 206, and the like. ROM 204 records embedded programs and data. RAM 205 is a temporary memory area. The secondary storage device 206 is a storage device typified by an HDD or a flash memory. Each part is connected via the internal bus 207.

The 3D printer 102 further includes a hardware configuration (not shown) according to the modeling method. Specifically, the hardware configuration according to the modeling method is the engine unit of the 3D printer 102. In addition to storage devices such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM, the engine unit has hardware according to the modeling method controlled by the CPU. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (STL) are available. Other modeling methods include, for example, a powder combustion method (SLS: Selective Laser Sintering), an inkjet method, and the like.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a software configuration and a partial hardware configuration of the 3D printer 102.

The hardware 311 is a hardware unit related to modeling with the 3D printer 102. The hardware that constitutes a 3D printer differs depending on the modeling method. For example, in the case of FDM, the hardware includes a printhead (head, extruder), a motor that drives the stage or printhead in the X, Y, Z axis directions, a heater that heats the nozzles of the printhead, cooling, air supply, and exhaust. Is a fan for. Further, the 3D printer 102 has an external memory interface for using an external memory such as a USB memory.

The embedded computer 312 is an embedded computer incorporated in the 3D printer 102. Compared to general-purpose computers, embedded computers specialize in necessary functions, remove unnecessary functions, performance, and parts, and are manufactured at low cost. The embedded computer 312 may be a general-purpose computer, depending on the functions and performance required of the 3D printer. The 3D printer control application 313 is a 3D printer control application executed on the embedded computer 312. The 3D printer control application 313 includes a user interface (UI) 314, a data transmission / reception unit 315, and a hardware control unit 316.

The UI 314 includes an inexpensive LCD that displays only a few lines of characters and a combination of hardware operation buttons, and an LCD with a touch panel. Further, the user may have a UI to be displayed on the Web browser by accessing the 3D printer 102 with a Web browser operating on a terminal such as the print client 103. The state of the 3D printer is confirmed by the display contents of the UI 314, and the desired process is instructed to the 3D printer by operating the UI 314.

The data transmission / reception unit 315 receives commands and data transmission / reception from the external print client 103 and the management server 104. The hardware control unit 316 operates each part of the hardware 311 according to the instructions received via the UI 314 and the data transmission / reception unit 315 and the instructions issued by the 3D printer control application 313 itself, and before the output or output of the modeled object. Execute processing / post-processing.

The modeling unit in this embodiment includes a print head that outputs consumables, hardware 311 such as a heater that heats a nozzle of the print head, and a hardware control unit 316 that controls those hardware. ..

The parts management unit 317 manages information on parts that can be used by the 3D printer 102, the usage status of parts that are actually used, and the like. The error information management unit 318 manages the error information of the 3D printer 102. The parts information management unit 319 manages information on parts of the 3D printer 102. The error information 320 is information regarding an error managed by the error information management unit 318. The part information 321 is information about a part managed by the part information management unit 319. The component data acquisition unit 322 acquires model data of the component based on the contents of the error information 320 and the component information 321.

Here, the model data refers to 3D model data representing the shape of the part. As an example of the file format of the model data, for example, the STL (Standard Triangled Language) format can be mentioned. STL is a file format for storing data expressing a three-dimensional shape, and is often used as a file format for 3D model data. The file format of the object data may be other than STL as long as it is a file format that expresses a three-dimensional shape.

The component modeling control unit 323 controls whether or not to execute the modeling of the component based on the contents of the error information 320 and the component information 321. The error information 320 and the component information 321 may be a file on the file system or a database, and the format thereof does not matter.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of component information 321. The "part ID" is identification information for uniquely identifying various parts constituting the 3D printer 102. "Part name" is the name of various parts. "Model data" indicates the location of the 3D model data for modeling the part. In the example of FIG. 4, each model data has a file name, which means that the actual model data is stored in the secondary storage device 206 of the 3D printer 102, but can be referred to from the 3D printer 102. The location of the model data can be anywhere. For example, the model data may be arranged in a storage service on a network such as the Internet, in which case the URL of the model data is stored in the "model data" of FIG.

"Recommended material" is a type of material recommended when modeling the relevant part. For example, in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), consumables such as ABS resin and PLA resin are used. In addition, a water-soluble consumable material may be used for the support that is formed as a support as needed during modeling. Further, when modeling is performed using a material such as gypsum, which is a special powder, and an adhesive, the adhesive used for modeling is also included in the consumable material.

"Modeling time" is the time required to model the relevant part. The modeling time may include time for pretreatment and posttreatment. "Consumable material usage" is the amount of material required to model the relevant part. The amount of consumable material used may include not only the consumable material used for the object but also the consumable material used for the support and the like. The "replacement procedure" describes the procedure for replacing the relevant part, and may be a text or the URL of the website on which the explanation is described. The "modeling date and time" is the date and time when the corresponding part was modeled by the 3D printer 102, and is blank if the corresponding part has not been modeled.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of error information 320. The "error code" is an identifier for uniquely identifying an error that may occur in the 3D printer 102. The "part ID" represents a part that can cause the error. In other words, it represents a part that is recommended to be replaced in order to eliminate the error. “Moldable” indicates information on whether or not the part can be modeled, which is indicated by the “part ID” in the 3D printer 102 in which the error occurred when the error occurred.

In this embodiment, a part that needs to be replaced in order to eliminate an error that has occurred in the 3D printer is modeled by the 3D printer in which the error has occurred. In particular, when there is no other 3D printer near the 3D printer in which the error occurred, or when it is difficult to determine whether or not the relevant part can be modeled even if there is another 3D printer nearby, this book The examples are effective.

The component information of FIG. 4 and the error information of FIG. 5 may be stored in the secondary storage device 206 at the time of shipment of the 3D printer 102, or may be acquired from the management server 104 or the Internet via the network 101. You may update it.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of component modeling processing in the 3D printer when an error occurs in the 3D printer 102. The process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is executed by the parts management unit 317. That is, the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 6 is realized by the CPU 203 of the 3D printer 102 reading and executing the program recorded in the secondary storage device 206.

In S601, the component modeling control unit 323 acquires the error code of the error occurring in the 3D printer 102 from the 3D printer control application 313.

In S602, the component modeling control unit 323 acquires the detailed information of the error code acquired in S601 from the error information 320 via the error information management unit 318, and identifies the component corresponding to the error. Here, the component corresponding to the error refers to a component of the 3D printer that needs to be replaced in order to eliminate the error.

In S603, the component modeling control unit 323 determines whether or not the component specified in S602 can be modeled based on the error information 320 and the component information 321. Specifically, when the value of "modelable" of the corresponding error in FIG. 5 is "TRUE" and the consumable material prepared for use in modeling with the 3D printer 102 satisfies the condition. Judge that modeling is possible. Here, in order to satisfy the condition of the consumable material, the type of the material mounted on the 3D printer 102 corresponds to the "recommended material" of the part corresponding to the corresponding error in FIG. 4, and the remaining amount is sufficient. It is necessary to be. The remaining amount of consumable material may include the amount of replaceable consumable material prepared at hand. If the part can be modeled, the process proceeds to S604, and if the part cannot be modeled, the process proceeds to S610.

In S604, the component modeling control unit 323 inquires the user whether or not to execute modeling of the component via the UI 314 (FIG. 7 (a) described later).

In S605, the component modeling control unit 323 determines whether or not the user has instructed the modeling of the component. If the modeling of the part is instructed, the process proceeds to S606, and if the modeling of the part is not instructed, the process proceeds to S610.

In S606, the component data acquisition unit 322 acquires model data of the component specified in S602 from the secondary storage device 206 or the storage service on the network based on the component information 321. At this time, the component data acquisition unit 322 may acquire model data using only the component ID.

In S607, the component modeling control unit 323 requests the 3D printer control application 313 to execute modeling using the model data acquired in S606.

In S608, the part information management unit 319 records in the part information 321 that the modeling of the corresponding part has been executed. In the example of FIG. 4, the date and time when the modeling is executed in S607 is recorded in the "modeling date and time".

In S609, the component modeling control unit 323 presents the user with a procedure for replacing the modeled component via the UI 314 (FIG. 8 described later).

In S610, the component modeling control unit 323 displays a display (FIG. 7 (c) described later) prompting the user to contact the call center and resolve the error via the UI 314.

The above-mentioned processing of S606 may be before the processing of S603. That is, after the component data acquisition unit 322 acquires the model data of the component, the component modeling control unit 323 may determine whether or not the component can be modeled.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a screen example of UI 314 when an error occurs.

FIG. 7A is an example of a screen displayed in S604. An error with error code = E000-0003 has occurred, and the user is asked whether to model the exhaust fan as a component corresponding to the error. The guideline for the molding time and the guideline for the amount of material used are the values recorded in the part information 321 of FIG.

FIG. 7B is an example of a screen displayed in S604. The error code is the same as that in FIG. 7A, but the user is notified that the modeling cannot be executed because the remaining amount of the material attached to the 3D printer 102 is insufficient. When the OK button is pressed after the material has been replaced and the remaining amount is sufficient, the transition to FIG. 7 (a) occurs.

FIG. 7C is an example of a screen displayed in S610. An error code = E000-0002 has occurred, and the front cover A and the front cover B are listed as parts corresponding to the error. However, since these parts cannot be modeled according to the error information shown in FIG. 5, the user is urged to contact the call center.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the UI 314 in S609. The user is shown the procedure for replacing the part being modeled. As shown in FIG. 8, the URL of the acquisition destination of the manual of the exchange procedure may be shown.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of error information transmitted from the 3D printer 102 to the management server 104. The error information of FIG. 9 is recorded in the secondary storage device 206 by the embedded computer 312, and is transmitted to the management server 104 via the data transmission / reception unit 315 at a predetermined timing.

In the example of FIG. 9, it is shown that the modeling is executed after the error occurs, and then the error is resolved. The example of FIG. 9 is a general log format in which a message is recorded with the date and time, but the format of the information and the transmission means do not matter as long as the management server 104 can acquire the information of the 3D printer 102. For example, the information of the 3D printer 102 may be transmitted by using a protocol such as SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) or IPP (Internet Printing Protocol).

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a 3D printer management screen displayed on the user interface 201 of the management server 104.

FIG. 10A is a screen of the printer list. In the example of FIG. 10A, it is shown that three 3D printers whose "printer name" is "printer 1" to "printer 3" are managed, and an error has occurred in the printer 3. .. When the UI 314 of the "printer 3" is displayed in this state, the screens shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b) are displayed. When the detail button 1001 is pressed, the screen switches to the screen for displaying the detailed information of the corresponding printer such as the installation location and the e-mail address of the printer administrator.

10 (b) and 10 (c) are diagrams showing an example of a printer detail screen displayed when the detail button 1001 is pressed. In the examples of FIGS. 10 (b) and 10 (c), printer information and status information indicating the operating state of the printer are displayed roughly. As the printer information, basic attribute information of the corresponding printer such as the printer name, model, and installation location is displayed. The user can correct some information such as the printer name and the installation location by pressing the edit button 1002. In the status, information indicating the current status of the corresponding printer, such as the type of the mounted material, its remaining amount, and the error occurrence status, is displayed.

In FIG. 10B, the error status 1003 is displayed as the status. Further, in FIG. 10C, part information 1004 is displayed as a status. Various information shown in FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (c) is acquired from each 3D printer by the management server 104 at a predetermined timing using a communication means such as SNMP. Alternatively, the 3D printer 102 may notify the management server 104 at a predetermined timing using the same communication means.

Further, when the management server 104 detects the execution of modeling of the 3D printer 102, the information including the estimated time of completion of modeling may be transferred to the call center. As a result, for example, in the case of a part that can be modeled with a 3D printer but is difficult for the user to replace, the component can be efficiently replaced by performing the modeling of the part while calling a serviceman.

Note that the part information 1004 indicates a part replaced by the user's own modeling. Since the quality control of the parts modeled by the user is generally insufficient as compared with the parts manufactured by the vendor, the behavior of the printer management function may be changed depending on the presence or absence of the parts modeled by the user. For example, the condition range of room temperature as the operating environment of the 3D printer 102 may be narrowed, or the setting of the useful life based on the frequency of use of parts may be shortened.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, by identifying the parts that need to be replaced according to the error generated in the 3D printer and encouraging the user to model and replace the parts, the user can quickly make an error by himself / herself. It can be resolved.

(Application example 1)
In the first embodiment, the parts management unit 317 acquires an error code indicating an error generated in the 3D printer, and instructs the parts to be modeled when the component corresponding to the error code can be modeled by the 3D printer. On the other hand, in this application example, the information acquired by the parts management unit 317 from the 3D printer is not limited to the error code. Specifically, the parts management unit 317 acquires information indicating the operating status of the 3D printer (for example, counter information, status information, etc.) and information on the event detected by the 3D printer (alert information, alarm information). The parts management unit 317 identifies the parts to be modeled based on the acquired information. It should be noted that the identification of the parts here includes specifying the identification information of the parts. Model data of the part may be acquired by using the identification information of the specified part.

As described above, in this application example, the component management unit 317 can instruct the modeling of the component based on the counter information of the component, considering the timing when the component should be replaced. For example, as the counter information of the print head, the number of times of stacking, the time used for modeling, and the like can be considered. In consideration of the service life and the service life, the modeling instruction of the part is given before the end of the life of the part. Further, the component management unit 317 may predict the failure of the component and instruct the modeling after considering not only the counter information of the component but also the status information of the component. For example, even if the printhead has been used for modeling for a short period of time, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the printhead status information and model a replacement printhead before an error actually occurs. become.

In this application example, in the table shown in FIG. 5, instead of the "error code", the event code output by the 3D printer is managed in association with the component information. The event code here is, for example, a code indicating that the life of the part is about to reach the end of the life of the part based on the counter information of the part. Further, instead of the 3D printer outputting the event code, the parts management unit 317 may identify a part that is likely to fail soon based on the status of the 3D printer and the counter information. Whether or not a part can be modeled is determined based on the size of the part, the type of consumable material used for modeling the part, and the like.

In this application example, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the component modeling control unit 323 specifies the component to be modeled in S602 based on the information acquired from the 3D printer in S601. Further, in S610, the component modeling control unit 323 may display the component order screen via the UI 314.

Further, the component management unit 317 may exist in the print client 103 instead of in the 3D printer 102.

As described above, according to the present application example, the parts management unit 317 can instruct the modeling of the parts in consideration of the timing when the specified parts should be replaced based on the information acquired from the 3D printer. Therefore, the parts of the 3D printer can be modeled by the 3D printer, which reduces the time required for transporting the parts and the cost and space for inventory control.

(Example 2)
In the second embodiment of the present invention, a 3D printer is used to model a component that needs to be replaced in order to eliminate an error that has occurred in an electronic device. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the parts management unit is configured on the management server 104 instead of the 3D printer 102 (FIGS. 11 and 12). Further, the difference is that the component information and the error information are composed of the information of a plurality of models (FIGS. 13 and 14). In this embodiment, the management server 104 manages information on various electronic devices including the 3D printer 102.

In the second embodiment, the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 to 2 and 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. .. Only the points different from the first embodiment will be described below.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a software configuration and a partial hardware configuration of the 3D printer 102. Compared with FIG. 3, the difference is that there is no parts management unit 317. In the second embodiment, the parts management unit is configured on the management server 104 (FIG. 12).

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a software configuration of the management server 104.

The data transmission / reception unit 1201 receives various information from the 3D printer 102 and transmits various control commands to the 3D printer. In addition, the printer management screen is provided to the Web browser operating on the terminal such as the print client 103, and the printer management request is accepted. The system management unit 1202 manages the operating status and settings of the management system. The printer management unit 1203 manages the operating status and settings of each printer managed by the management system.

The parts management unit 1204 manages information on parts that can be used by various printers managed by the management server 104, usage status of actually mounted parts, and the like. Each component from the component management unit 1204 to the component modeling control unit 1210 has substantially the same function as each component from the component management unit 317 to the component modeling control unit 323 in FIG. However, the error information 1207 and the component information 1208 are different in that the information of a plurality of models is stored.

The component information 1208 and the error information 1207 may be recorded in the secondary storage device 206 by the installer when the management system is installed. Further, the component information 1208 and the error information 1207 may be downloaded from the website of the printer vendor or the like via the Internet via the network 101.

In this embodiment, in the component information 1208, information related to electronic devices other than the 3D printer can be managed in the same manner as the 3D printer. In that case, model information for identifying the electronic device is registered in the "model" column. Electronic devices include peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, and copiers that output two-dimensional printed matter, network cameras, and home appliances.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of component information 1208 in the present embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of error information 1207 in the present embodiment. "Model" information is added as compared with FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively. Further, in FIG. 14, there are two types of items of "modelable to indicate information on whether or not the part can be modeled" indicated by "part ID" in the 3D printer 102 when the corresponding error occurs. One indicates whether or not modeling is possible with the 3D printer in which the error occurs, and the other indicates whether or not modeling is possible with another 3D printer different from the 3D printer in which the error occurs. Regarding the latter, it shall be shown whether or not it can be modeled by another 3D printer that operates normally.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of component modeling processing in the management server 104 when an error occurs in the 3D printer 102. The process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15 is executed by the parts management unit 1204. That is, the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 15 is realized by the CPU 203 of the management server 104 reading and executing the program recorded in the secondary storage device 206.

In S1501, the component modeling control unit 1210 acquires an error code of an error occurring in the target electronic device from the printer management unit 1203. The electronic device to be modeled is designated by the user of the management system via the user interface 201 (FIGS. 10 and 16). In the subsequent processing, a 3D printer (also simply referred to as a “printer”) as an example of the electronic device in which the error has occurred will be specifically described.

In S1502, the component modeling control unit 1210 identifies the model of the device in which the error occurs and the component corresponding to the error. The component modeling control unit 1210 acquires detailed information of the error corresponding to the error code acquired in S1501 from the error information 1207 via the error information management unit 1205, and identifies the component corresponding to the error.

In S1503, the component modeling control unit 1210 determines whether or not the component specified in S1502 can be modeled based on the error information 1207 and the component information 1208. Specifically, in FIG. 14, the value of "Moldable" of the part corresponding to the corresponding error in the corresponding model is "TRUE", and the consumption is prepared so that it can be used for modeling with the 3D printer 102. If the material meets the conditions, it is determined that modeling is possible. Here, in order to satisfy the condition of the consumable material, the type of the material mounted on the 3D printer 102 corresponds to the "recommended material" of the part corresponding to the corresponding error in FIG. 4, and the remaining amount is sufficient. It is necessary to be. The remaining amount of consumable material may include the amount of replaceable consumable material prepared at hand. If the part can be modeled, the process proceeds to S1504, and if the part cannot be modeled, the process proceeds to S1512.

In S1504, the component modeling control unit 1210 inquires the user whether or not to execute modeling of the component via the user interface 201 (FIG. 16 described later).

Here, when the user instructs the execution of modeling in S1504, it is determined as a modeling device that models the target part. When it is determined in S1503 that modeling is possible, it may be determined as a modeling device for modeling a part. Further, the component modeling control unit 1210 may consider the operating status of the modeling device when determining the modeling device for modeling the component. The status indicating the operating status is, for example, information indicating a status such as during modeling or preparation, an error occurrence status, a type of attached material, and the remaining amount thereof. The management device targets one or more modeling devices, and the number of modeling devices that can be candidates for modeling parts of electronic devices may be one or a plurality.

In S1505, the component modeling control unit 1210 determines whether or not the user has instructed the modeling of the component. If the modeling of the part is instructed, the process proceeds to S1506, and if the modeling of the part is not instructed, the process proceeds to S1512.

In S1506, the component modeling control unit 1210 requests the input of user authentication information via the user interface 201 (FIG. 17). The authentication information used here is customer information that the user of the 3D printer has registered in advance with the vendor of the 3D printer by any means such as mail or online.

In S1507, the component modeling control unit 1210 inquires of the authentication service (not shown) of the 3D printer vendor on the Internet via the network 101 to check whether the authentication information input in S1506 is valid. judge. If the authentication is successful, the process proceeds to S1508, and if the authentication fails, the process proceeds to S1512.

In S1508, the part data acquisition unit 1209 accesses the download URL of the corresponding part recorded in the part information 1208 and acquires the model data.

In S1509, the component modeling control unit 1210 transmits the model data acquired in S1508 to the 3D printer selected in S1505 via the data transmission / reception unit 1201 and instructs the execution of modeling.

In S1510, the part information management unit 1206 records in the part information 1208 that the modeling of the corresponding part has been executed. In the example of FIG. 13, the date and time when the modeling is instructed and executed in S1509 is recorded in the “modeling date and time”.

In S1511, the component modeling control unit 1210 presents the user with a procedure for replacing the modeled component via the user interface 201.

In S1512, the component modeling control unit 1210 urges the user to contact the call center via the user interface 201 to resolve the error.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a 3D printer detail screen displayed on the user interface 201 of the management server 104. The screen of FIG. 16 is displayed when the detail button 1001 in FIG. 10 is pressed.

In the example of FIG. 16, an error with an error code = E000-0003 has occurred in the printer 3, and a message 1601 prompting the modeling of a component is displayed in order to eliminate the error. In addition, printers capable of modeling the relevant part are displayed in the drop-down list 1602. The drop-down list 1602 is displayed when it is determined in S1503 that there is a 3D printer capable of modeling the corresponding part. In the example of FIG. 16, the printer 1 can be selected as a printer capable of modeling the exhaust fan (part ID = 00000003) of the printer 3 (model = "Model X"). If there are multiple 3D printers that can model the relevant parts, all of them can be selected from the drop-down list, and the display content of the modeling cost (modeling time and material usage) of 1603 according to the selected 3D printer. Is switched. Since the exhaust fan is modeled here, the printer 3 in which the error has occurred may also be included in the drop-down list as a 3D printer capable of performing modeling.

The modeling cost guideline 1603 depends on the performance of the 3D printer selected in the drop-down list 1602. Therefore, it may be calculated by multiplying the value of the modeling cost for each part shown in FIG. 13 by a correction value (not shown) determined in advance for each model of the 3D printer.

When the modeling execution button 1604 is pressed, the processes after S1506 are executed, and in the example of FIG. 16, the exhaust fan of the printer 3 is modeled by the printer 1.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the authentication information input screen in S1506. By pressing the modeling execution button 1604, the authentication information input form shown in FIG. 17 is displayed.

In the second embodiment, the management server 104 acquires the model data from the Internet in S1508, but each 3D printer may hold the model data of its own model in a state in which it can be acquired. That is, as another example of realizing the above-mentioned designation in FIG. 16, the management server 104 may acquire the model data of the exhaust fan of the printer 3 from the printer 3 and cause the printer 1 to execute the modeling.

Further, the 3D printer may download the model data from the Internet by transmitting the location of the model data when instructing the modeling in S1509.

According to the second embodiment, the management server 104 determines a 3D printer capable of forming a part, and the user can select the 3D printer, so that the modeling of the part can be instructed more appropriately. In addition, by authenticating the user when downloading the model data, the risk of the model data being used for other purposes can be reduced. The second embodiment can be implemented in combination with the first embodiment.

(Application example 2)
In the second embodiment, the parts management unit 1204 acquires an error code indicating an error generated in the electronic device, and instructs the 3D printer to model the parts corresponding to the error code. On the other hand, in this application example, the information acquired by the parts management unit 1204 from the electronic device is not limited to the error code. For example, information indicating the operating status of an electronic device (for example, counter information, status information, etc.) and information on an event detected by the electronic device (alert information, alarm information) are acquired. The parts management unit 1204 identifies the parts to be modeled based on the acquired information. Therefore, in this application example, the component management unit 1204 can instruct the modeling of the component based on the counter information of the component, considering the timing when the component should be replaced. Further, the parts management unit 1204 may predict the failure of the parts and instruct the modeling after considering not only the counter information of the parts but also the status information of the parts.

(Example 3)
The third embodiment of the present invention is different from the first and second embodiments in that the parts management unit is configured on the parts management service 1802 instead of the 3D printer 102 or the management server 104. (Fig. 19). Further, error information is not required, and the difference is that the component information includes vendor information (FIG. 20). The parts information may be registered by the vendor of the 3D printer 102 or the management server 104, or the parts information related to any product may be registered by other product vendors.

The configurations shown in FIGS. 1 to 17 are the same as those of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and the same reference numerals are used for the same parts, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system according to the present invention. 1801 is the Internet. 1802 is a system that provides a parts management service built on the Internet. The parts management service (also referred to as a parts management system) 1802 is constructed with the module configuration shown in FIG. 2 like the print client 103 and the management server 104.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a software configuration of the parts management service 1802.

The data transmission / reception unit 1901 receives a request for component data from the 3D printer 102, the print client 103, the management server 104, and the like, and transmits component data as a response. The service management unit 1902 manages the operating status and settings of the parts management service 1802. The parts information management unit 1903 manages information on various parts provided by the parts management service 1802 as part information 1904. The component data acquisition unit 1905 acquires model data of the corresponding component from the component information 1904 or an external website in response to the component data request received by the data transmission / reception unit 1901.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of component information 1904. The same columns as those in FIGS. 4 and 13 will not be described.

The "product code" is an identifier for uniquely identifying a product. The "product name" is the name of the product. "Product Vendor" The name of the manufacturer or seller of the product.

The part information 1904 can manage parts of products (electronic devices) other than 3D printers as long as the combination of product code and part ID is not duplicated, and can manage products of a plurality of product vendors. Information on various parts registered in the parts information 1904 can be freely registered by each product vendor using a management screen (not shown) displayed by accessing the parts management service 1802 with a Web browser.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in which the parts management service 1802 responds to the parts data acquisition request. The process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 21 is realized by the CPU 203 constituting the component management service 1802 reading and executing the program recorded in the secondary storage device 206.

In S2101, the data transmission / reception unit 1901 receives a component data acquisition request including a product code and a component ID from a requester (various terminals such as a 3D printer 102, a print client 103, and a management server 104).

In S2102, the data transmission / reception unit 1901 requests the requester to input the authentication information. The authentication information input screen is equivalent to the dialog shown in FIG.

In S2103, the data transmission / reception unit 1901 determines whether or not the authentication information input in S2102 is valid. The authentication process may be executed by the parts management service 1802, or may be the website of the product vendor of the corresponding product recorded in the parts information 1904. When authenticating on the product vendor's website, the authentication information input in S2102 is transferred from the parts management service 1802 to the product vendor's website. Alternatively, the requester may directly send the authentication information to the website of the product vendor using URL redirect. If the authentication is successful, the process proceeds to S2104, and if the authentication fails, the process proceeds to S2107.

In S2104, the part information management unit 1903 determines whether the information corresponding to the product code and the part ID received in S2101 exists in the part information 1904. If it exists, the process proceeds to S2105, and if it does not exist, the process proceeds to S2107.

In S2105, the component data acquisition unit 1905 acquires model data of the component based on the component information specified in S2104.

In S2106, the component data acquisition unit 1905 transmits the model data acquired in S2105 to the requester via the data transmission / reception unit 1901.

In S2107, the data transmission / reception unit 1901 transmits an error message to the requester to the effect that the component information could not be acquired.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when downloading component data using the component management service 1802. The screen example of FIG. 22 is displayed on the user interface 201 of the requester (various terminals such as the 3D printer 102, the print client 103, and the management server 104).

By inputting the product code and the part ID and pressing the OK button, the information is transmitted to the parts management service 1802, the flowchart of FIG. 21 is executed, and the model data can be downloaded. The product code and part ID are known to the user by any method, may be described in the product catalog or instruction manual and widely disclosed to the public, or limited to a specific user by a contract with the product vendor. May be conveyed to the target. If the requester is a 3D printer, the model data downloaded can be used to execute modeling as it is. When the requester is a terminal other than the 3D printer, the modeling can be executed by instructing the 3D printer to model using the downloaded model data.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, by acquiring the part data using the product code and the part ID, the parts of various products can be modeled as needed by using a handy 3D printer. It will be easier to repair and customize.

In addition, Example 3 can be carried out in combination with Example 1, Example 2, Application Example 1 or Application Example 2. Specifically, immediately before executing the processes of S606 of FIG. 6 and S1508 of FIG. 15, the process of FIG. 21 in the parts management service 1802 is executed according to the instruction via the screen shown in FIG. 22, and the occurrence error is dealt with. It becomes possible to download model data of parts.

(Other Examples)
The present invention shall also include an apparatus or system configured by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments and a method thereof.

Here, the present invention is a device or system that is a main body that executes one or more software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. In addition, a method for realizing the above-described embodiment executed by the device or system is also one of the present inventions. Further, the program is supplied to the system or device via a network or various storage media, and the program is read and executed by one or more computers (CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device. That is, as one of the present inventions, the program itself or various storage media that can be read by the computer that stores the program are also included. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment.

102 3D Printer 104 Management Server 317 Parts Management Department 318 Error Information Management Department 319 Parts Information Management Department 322 Parts Data Acquisition Department 323 Parts Modeling Control Department

Claims (15)

A specific means for identifying a part of the modeling device to be modeled by the modeling device based on at least one of counter information and status information acquired from a modeling device capable of modeling a three-dimensional object.
An acquisition means for acquiring model data representing the shape of the part specified by the specific means in order to model the part with the modeling apparatus.
An information processing device comprising, using the model data acquired by the acquisition means, an instruction means for instructing the modeling device for modeling the part specified by the specific means. The information processing device manages the association between the alert information or alarm information that can be acquired from the modeling device and the parts of the modeling device.
The specifying means, when the alert information or alarm information is obtained from the modeling apparatus, claims, characterized in that the shaped parts of the device associated with the said alert information or the alarm information is specified as shaped target Item 1. The information processing apparatus according to item 1. The information processing device manages whether or not the parts associated with the alert information or alarm information acquired from the modeling device are parts that can be modeled by the modeling device.
The instruction means
If the part associated with the alert information or the alarm information acquired from the modeling device is not a part that can be modeled by the modeling device, the modeling device is not instructed to model the part.
When the part associated with the alert information or the alarm information acquired from the modeling device is a part that can be modeled by the modeling device, the modeling device is instructed to model the part. The information processing device according to claim 2. The information processing device manages information on consumable materials required for modeling the parts.
The indicating means is such that the part specified by the specific means is a part that can be modeled by the modeling device, and the consumable material that is prepared to be usable for modeling by the modeling device is the component. The information according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein when the condition based on the information of the consumable material required for the modeling of the above is satisfied, the modeling apparatus is instructed to model the part. Processing equipment. The consumable material prepared for use in the modeling apparatus is a material recommended to be used for modeling the part, and at least includes the amount of consumable material required for modeling the part. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the consumable material prepared for use in the modeling apparatus satisfies a condition based on the information of the consumable material required for modeling the component. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the information processing device is included in the modeling device. A system including an electronic device, a modeling device capable of modeling a three-dimensional object, and a management device for managing the electronic device and information about the modeling device.
The management device is
A specific means for identifying a part of an electronic device to be modeled by the modeling device based on at least one of counter information and status information acquired from the electronic device.
An acquisition means for acquiring model data representing the shape of the part specified by the specific means in order to model the part with the modeling apparatus.
It has an instruction means for instructing the modeling apparatus for modeling the part specified by the specific means by using the model data acquired by the acquisition means.
The modeling device is
A system comprising an execution means for executing the modeling of the part instructed by the instruction means. The management device manages the association between the alert information or alarm information that can be acquired from the electronic device and the parts of the electronic device.
The specifying means, when said alert information or alarm information is acquired from the electronic device, wherein the components of the electronic apparatus which corresponds to the alert information or the alarm information, and identifies as a shaped object Item 7. The system according to item 7. The management device manages information about a plurality of modeling devices capable of modeling a three-dimensional object.
Among the plurality of modeling devices, a determination means for determining a modeling device for modeling the part is provided.
7. Or 8 according to claim 7, wherein the acquisition means acquires model data representing the shape of the part specified by the specific means in order to model the part with the modeling apparatus determined by the determination means. The system described in. The management device manages the operating status of the plurality of modeling devices.
The determination means determines a modeling device for modeling the part based on the operating status of the plurality of modeling devices.
The system according to claim 9 , wherein the modeling of the part is executed by the modeling apparatus determined by the determination means. The management device manages information on consumable materials required for modeling the parts.
The determination means is characterized in that a modeling device in which a consumable material prepared for use satisfies a condition based on information of a consumable material required for modeling the part is determined as a modeling device for modeling the part. The system according to claim 9 or 10 . The management device is connected to a parts management system that manages model data of parts of a plurality of electronic devices via the Internet.
The system according to any one of claims 7 to 11 , wherein the acquisition means acquires model data of the parts specified by the specific means from the parts management system. A specific step of identifying a part of the modeling device to be modeled by the modeling device based on at least one of counter information and status information acquired from a modeling device capable of modeling a three-dimensional object.
In order to model the part with the modeling apparatus, an acquisition step of acquiring model data representing the shape of the part specified in the specific step, and an acquisition step of acquiring model data representing the shape of the part.
An information processing apparatus comprising: an instruction step for instructing the modeling apparatus for modeling of the part specified in the specific step using the model data acquired in the acquisition step. Control method. A control method for a system including an electronic device, a modeling device capable of modeling a three-dimensional object, and a management device for managing the electronic device and information about the modeling device.
The management device is
A specific step of identifying a part of an electronic device to be modeled by the modeling device based on at least one of counter information and status information acquired from the electronic device.
In order to model the part with the modeling apparatus, an acquisition step of acquiring model data representing the shape of the part specified in the specific step, and an acquisition step of acquiring model data representing the shape of the part.
It has an instruction step of instructing the modeling apparatus for modeling the part specified in the specific step by using the model data acquired in the acquisition step.
The modeling device is
A control method comprising an execution step of executing the modeling of the part instructed in the instruction step. A program for operating a computer as the means according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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