JP7066883B2 - Servers, server control methods, programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a server that transmits data for displaying information of a modeling device that models a three-dimensional object.

A control 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 technique related to the three-dimensional structure is also called Adaptive Manufacturing (additional modeling). On the other hand, a 2D (2-dimensional) printer indicates a printing device that prints flatly on paper (sheet) or the like.

The 3D printer itself has existed for a long time, but it was only used in some industries and applications because it is a large device, requires special equipment and materials, and is difficult to handle. .. Due to recent technological innovations, various modeling methods such as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) have been devised and put into practical use. Other modeling methods include a stereolithography method (STL: Stereolithography), a powder sintering method (SLS: Selective Laser Sintering), and an inkjet method. Furthermore, it is widely provided from inexpensive 3D printers that can be handled by general consumers to high-performance commercial 3D printers for companies in the manufacturing industry and various industries.

When a user wants to purchase a 3D printer, he / she selects the model of the 3D printer from the product list displayed on the website of the manufacturer or distributor of the 3D printer, and confirms the specifications etc. on the detail screen of the selected model. At this time, in order to make it easier to select a model that suits the user's wishes, a narrowed search is performed from the product list based on the conditions specified by the user. After that, the user makes an inquiry about the purchase of the 3D printer under consideration from the inquiry form on the website, and the user consults with the person in charge of the manufacturer or the agency to purchase the 3D printer.

In addition, as an optional product separate from the 3D printer main body, additional equipment is required to perform post-processing and processing to support the operation of the 3D printer depending on the modeling method. For example, in the case of the stereolithography method, at the time of modeling, the modeled object is partially cured to form a semi-cured state. Then, after the modeling is performed, cleaning is performed to remove excess resin on the surface of the modeled object, and after the cleaning is completed, the modeled object is subjected to a finishing curing treatment. That is, in the stereolithography method, it is indispensable to use additional equipment such as a cleaning device for cleaning the modeled object and a post-cure device for finishing and curing the modeled object. On the other hand, an uninterruptible power supply may be used in case of a power failure that may occur during a long modeling time with a 3D printer, but the use of the uninterruptible power supply is not essential.

Patent Document 1 describes a system that presents an optimum product determined according to the usage history of the printer used by the user. In this system, when calculating the average monthly number of sheets, the number of prints for each paper size obtained can be used to recommend to the user an image forming apparatus and optional products according to the number of prints for each paper size.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-108344

Assuming a system in which a user specifies conditions related to a 3D printer such as a modeling method, a type of modeling material, and a price, and presents information such as a model that meets the conditions. However, in the actual purchase, after a meeting with the person in charge of the manufacturer or the agency, as a result, additional equipment will be purchased together with the 3D printer, and the purchase cost may be higher than originally planned. It can happen. In addition, there may be cases where the requirements for the installation location (area, environment, etc.) are not met. Therefore, the user needs to refer to the product catalog in order to obtain information on the additional equipment required or recommended for the 3D printer, which is troublesome. Patent Document 1 does not consider a 3D printer.

In order to solve the above problems, the server of the present invention is a modeling material that is laminated to form an object as a search condition of a modeling device that forms a three-dimensional object by stacking layers formed based on modeling data. An acquisition means for acquiring designated data relating to the designation of one or more conditions including a condition relating to the thickness per layer of the above, and a search for searching for a modeling device satisfying the one or more conditions pertaining to the designation based on the acquired designated data. It is characterized by having a means and a transmission means for transmitting display data for displaying a search result including the information of the searched modeling device.

According to the present invention, it is possible to transmit data for displaying information of a modeling apparatus that satisfies conditions such as a thickness per layer of modeling materials laminated for modeling an object.

It is a figure which shows the example of the system configuration which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the information processing function hardware configuration. It is a figure which shows the example of the software and hardware composition of this system. It is a figure which shows an example of the 3D printer display screen UI. It is a figure which shows an example of the table for managing the product data 361. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the processing flow by the narrowing-down execution unit 352. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the flow of the narrowing-down process by the area of an installation place. It is a figure which shows an example of the 3D printer detailed screen UI. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which displays the additional equipment 810 essential to the 3D printer detail screen 800 and the recommended additional equipment 820 in Example 1. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which displays the additional equipment 810 essential to the 3D printer detail screen 800 and the recommended additional equipment 820 in Example 2. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the display flow of the display screen 400 of 3D printer information.

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

(Example 1)
FIG. 1 describes an example of a system configuration of a display system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The network 101 is a network such as an intranet or a local area network (LAN). The computer 102 is a client computer in which control software for instructing a 3D printer 104 or the like is installed. The computer 103 includes a Web browser that can connect to an external Web service and operate a Web application.

The 3D printer 104 is an example of a control device that forms a three-dimensional object that is a three-dimensional object based on model data. The additional equipment 105 is an apparatus or equipment that performs necessary processing during or after modeling with the 3D printer 104. Examples of devices that perform necessary processing after modeling include a cleaning device for cleaning a modeled object modeled by the 3D printer 104, a device for cleaning the modeling table of the 3D printer 104, and the like. In addition, as an example of a device that performs necessary processing during modeling, an uninterruptible power supply device for continuing modeling when a power failure occurs during modeling, and an air conditioning facility for preparing the environment of the installation location of a 3D printer. and so on. Further, the computer 106 is a management device on which the 3D printer management application 340 operates.

Computers 102, 103, 106 include types such as personal computers (PCs), tablet computers, and smartphones. The 3D printer 104 and the computers 102, 103, 106 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. Further, the network 101 may be a public network such as the Internet as long as information can be transmitted / received. The control software includes control software that gives instructions to the 3D printer 104 and control software that gives instructions to the additional equipment 105, and each of them may be installed in a different computer.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the information processing function of the computers 102, 103, 106, the 3D printer 104, and the additional equipment 105. In the 3D printer 104 and the additional equipment 105, the configuration of the embedded computer shown in FIG. 3 described later corresponds to the hardware of the information processing function shown in FIG.

The user interface (hereinafter referred to as UI) 201 inputs / 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 embedded program and data are recorded in the ROM 204. RAM 205 is a temporary memory area. The secondary storage device 206 is an HDD, a flash memory, or the like. The CPU 203 executes a program read from the ROM 204, the RAM 205, the secondary storage device 206, and the like. Each of the above units 201 to 206 is connected via the internal bus 207.

The 3D printer 104 further includes a hardware configuration according to the modeling method. The hardware configuration according to the modeling method is specifically the engine unit of the 3D printer 104. In addition to a storage device such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM, the engine unit has hardware according to the modeling method controlled by the CPU. For example, in the case of the Fused Deposition Modeling method, the hardware includes a print head (head, extruder), a motor that drives the stage and print head in the X, Y, and Z axis directions, a heater that heats the nozzle of the print head, and cooling and intake. , Fans for exhaust, etc. Other modeling methods include, for example, a stereolithography method, a powder combustion method, an inkjet method, and the like. Further, the 3D printer 104 is provided with a plurality of sensors (not shown) for detecting the status. Specific examples of the sensor include a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature status of the printer head.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a software configuration and a hardware configuration of the system in Examples 1 and 2.

In this embodiment, a configuration is described in which processing instructions for a 3D printer and additional equipment are created, management of the 3D printer and additional equipment is performed, and access to the Web server unit 351 of the computer 106 is performed by different computers. However, each process may be processed by one computer.

First, the configuration of the computer 102 will be described. The control software 301 is software installed and executed on the computer 102. The control software 301 is software including functions for generating settings related to modeling and control commands executed by a 3D printer. Software that generates control commands for 3D printers includes, for example, software called a slicer.

Further, the control software 301 also includes a function of setting to the additional equipment 105 and a function of generating a control command for executing processing in the additional equipment 105. The function of generating the control command of the 3D printer and the function of generating the control command of the additional equipment may be included in different control software. Further, when the control software 301 does not have the function of generating the control command of the additional equipment, the 3D printer may instruct the additional equipment to perform the process.

The setting information 302 is setting information related to modeling set by the control software 301 or the like. The setting items related to modeling include, for example, the model name of the 3D printer used for modeling, the temperature of components such as printheads, the type and name of the material used, and the filling pattern.

The 3D model data 303 is model data representing an object that the user wants to model in a three-dimensional shape. The 3D model data 303 is data represented by, for example, STL (Stareo Stereolithography), which is a file format for storing data expressing a three-dimensional shape.

The control command 304 is a control command generated by the control software 301 based on the 3D model data 303 or the like. The control instruction 304 includes a control instruction for modeling an object with the 3D printer 104 and a control instruction for executing post-processing or the like with additional equipment. As a control command for the 3D printer 104, for example, a G-code, which is an extension of a machine tool command for a 3D printer, is used. The control software 301 converts the 3D model data 303 into a control instruction (3D printer) 304 that can be executed by the 3D printer 104 based on the setting information 302.

The control command of the 3D printer generated by the control software 301 includes not only the object which is the modeling part represented by the 3D model data but also the information regarding the modeling of the support (support tables) necessary for modeling.

Next, the configuration of the computer 103 will be described. The Web browser 310 transmits a request message to the Web server unit 351 that provides the Web service. After that, the Web browser 310 receives the response message transmitted from the Web server unit 351 and displays the screen based on the received data. As a result, the user can browse the product data of the 3D printer and the additional equipment that match the input conditions.

Next, the configuration of the 3D printer 104 will be described. The embedded computer 320 is a computer embedded in the 3D printer 104. Compared to a general-purpose computer, the embedded computer 320 is manufactured at a low cost by specializing in necessary functions and removing unnecessary functions, performance, and parts. The embedded computer 320 may be a general-purpose computer depending on the functions and performance required of the 3D printer.

The control application 321 is an application executed on the embedded computer 320. The control application 321 includes a UI 325, an API (Application Programming Interface) 326, and a hardware control unit 327.

The UI325 includes a combination of a display that displays only a few lines of characters and a hardware operation button in the low-priced one, and a display with a touch panel in the expensive one. The state of the 3D printer is confirmed by the display contents of the UI325, and the desired processing is instructed to the 3D printer by operating the UI325.

The API 326 accepts instructions and data transmission / reception from an external computer 102 or 106. An instruction is transmitted from the external computer 102 or 106 to the 3D printer control application 321 via the API 326 to control the 3D printer 104.

The hardware control unit 327 operates each unit constituting the hardware (not shown) according to the command received via the UI 325 and the API 326 and the command issued by the 3D printer control application 321 to execute output of a modeled object or the like. .. The hardware that constitutes a 3D printer differs depending on the modeling method.

The control command 304 of the 3D printer generated by the control software 301 described above is sent to the control application 321 via the network 101 and API 326. At this time, the control command 304 may be sent via the computer 106. Further, when the 3D printer 104 does not have a network interface, the control command 304 may be sent to the control application 321 via a storage device such as a USB memory.

The control application 321 interprets the control command 304 by the output command from the UI 325 or the API 326, and the hardware control unit 327 executes the modeling by operating each hardware part.

The error information 323 is an error in which output management such as the content and notification method is performed according to the definition of the 3D printer 104 when a specific state or failure is detected in the 3D printer 104 according to the definition peculiar to the 3D printer 104. Information indicating. The 3D printer 104 does not output an error, but the error of the 3D printer 104 may be detected by a management application running on the computer 106 based on the status information included in the device information 324 described later.

The device information 324 is device information of the 3D printer 104 including identification information and status information of the 3D printer 104. The device information 324 includes information for determining the operating status and operating rate of the 3D printer. The information for determining the operating state is the status of the 3D printer (operating, preparing, waiting, sleeping, error, etc.), status log information, and the like. The information for determining the operating rate includes a status log, history information including the time when the power is turned on, the operating time, and the time during which an error (failure) occurs.

As the device information 324, information that can be acquired by a common protocol among various 3D printers defined by IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) will be described as an example. IPP is a protocol for transmitting and receiving print (modeling) data operating on a general-purpose communication protocol, monitoring a modeling device, and the like. Also, other protocols with equivalent information acquisition definitions can be substituted. Further, in the present invention, device information defined by other protocols can be used in combination with IPP, and the device information 324 may include information defined by those protocols. As a result, for example, information defined by the IPP that is not supported by the model and status information that is not defined by the IPP can be analyzed by the 3D printer management application 340.

In this embodiment, the device information 324 is acquired from the 3D printer 104 by the management application 340. However, the device information 324 does not necessarily have to be acquired from the 3D printer 104, for example, the device information 324 may be acquired from the computer 102.

Next, the configuration of the additional equipment 105 will be described. The embedded computer 330 is a computer incorporated in the additional equipment 105. Compared to a general-purpose computer, the embedded computer 330 is manufactured at a low cost by specializing in necessary functions and removing unnecessary functions, performance, and parts. The embedded computer 330 may be a general-purpose computer depending on the functions and performance required for the additional equipment.

The control application 331 is an application executed on the embedded computer 330. The control application 331 includes a UI 335, an API (Application Programming Interface) 336, and a hardware control unit 337. The additional equipment 105 may not have the UI 335 or the API 336. In the case of inexpensive additional equipment, the user switches the power supply to activate the additional equipment. Of course, like the 3D printer 104, the hardware control unit 327 may operate each part of the hardware to perform processing by interpreting the control instruction 304 by the processing instruction from the UI 325 or the API 326.

The device information 332 is device information including identification information, operation information, and the like of the additional equipment 105. The device information may be any protocol as long as it can be acquired. The device information 332 includes information that can specify the operating state and operating rate of the additional equipment. For example, the information that can identify the operating state includes, for example, the status of additional equipment (operating, preparing, waiting, sleeping, error, etc.) and status log information. The information that can specify the operating rate is the time when the power is turned on, the time during operation, the time during failure, the number of times of use, and the like.

In this embodiment, the device information 332 is acquired from the additional equipment 105 by the management application 340. However, the device information 332 does not necessarily have to be acquired from the additional equipment 105, for example, the device information 332 may be acquired from the computer 102.

Next, the configuration of the computer 106 will be described. The computer 106 includes a management application 340, a display application 350, and a database 360. In this embodiment, the management application 340, the display application 350, and the database 360 will be described as a configuration provided in one computer, but the present invention can be applied even if they are arranged in different computers. ..

The management application 340 is an application that acquires device information, error information, and the like from the 3D printer 104 and the additional equipment 105 and manages them, and is executed on the computer 106.
The management application 340 includes a data acquisition unit 341, a data management unit 343, and a data transmission unit 345.

The data acquisition unit 341 includes an interface for acquiring device information, error information, and the like from the 3D printer 104 and the additional equipment 105. The data acquisition unit 341 acquires various information from the 3D printer 104 and the additional equipment 105 on a regular basis or according to a predetermined schedule. The management application 340 may acquire information input from the screen UI of the computer by the user as device information of the 3D printer 104 or the additional equipment 105.

The data management unit 343 manages the information of the 3D printer to be managed, the error information 323 of the management target device acquired by the data acquisition unit 341, and the device information 324. The data management unit 343 stores information on the additional equipment to be managed and device information 332 of the additional equipment to be managed acquired by the data acquisition unit 341. Further, the data management unit 343 manages the identification information of the user registered in advance, the information of the 3D printer owned by the user, and the information of the additional equipment.

The data transmission unit 345 transmits the information of the 3D printer in response to the request. For example, the data transmission unit 345 returns the information of the specified 3D printer when it receives the information of the specific 3D printer, and returns the list of the 3D printers to be managed otherwise. Further, the data transmission unit 345 transmits information on the additional equipment upon request. For example, when the data transmission unit 345 receives the information of the specific additional equipment, it returns the information of the designated additional equipment, and if not, returns the list of the additional equipment to be managed.

The display application 350 is an application that displays the information of the 3D printer on the UI screen in response to a request from the Web browser 310 or the like, and is executed on the computer 106. The display application 350 includes a Web server unit 351, a narrowing down execution unit 352, a product data API 353, and a managed device API 355.

The Web server unit 351 operates as a Web server and provides a Web page such as a display screen 400 for 3D printer information shown in FIG. 4, which will be described later. On the 3D printer information display screen 400 shown in FIG. 4, information on the 3D printer is displayed. The Web server unit 351 has a function as an HTTP service that receives a request message from a Web browser 310 that is a client and executes processing according to the request message. Specifically, the Web server unit 351 receives the URL as a request message, analyzes the URL, and calls the corresponding Web application together with the request according to the request. Here, the request message is specifically an HTTP request message, and can include the value of the parameter from the Web browser associated with the URL.

The narrowing down execution unit 352 performs the narrowing down processing of the 3D printer according to the conditions set by the narrowing down condition setting unit 420 or the narrowing down conditions dynamically created by the program, and transfers the information of the 3D printer satisfying the conditions to the Web browser 310. return.

The product data API 353 acquires information on a 3D printer and additional equipment from the product data 361 in the database 360.

The managed device API 355 has an interface for calling the data transmission unit 345 of the management application 340 and acquiring information on the 3D printer and additional equipment managed by the data management unit 343 of the management application 340.

The database 360 manages the product data 361 of the 3D printer 104 and the additional equipment 105. In addition, each product data may be updated by the administrator from the screen UI provided by the Web browser (not shown in this embodiment). Product data 361 is detailed information on the 3D printer and additional equipment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen UI for 3D printer information provided by the computer 106. The display screen 400 can be viewed by accessing the Web server unit 351 included in the computer 106 from the Web browser 310 of the computer 103.

The display screen 400 includes a list display unit 410 that displays a list of data held by the computer 106, and a narrowing condition setting unit 420 for narrowing down a necessary 3D printer from the 3D printers displayed in the list.

The list display unit 410 displays a list of 3D printers registered in the database 360. When the filtering condition is input to the filtering condition setting unit 420, the 3D printer matching the set filtering condition is displayed on the list display unit 410. The display method of the list display unit 410 may be to always display all 3D printers and gray out 3D printers that do not meet the narrowing conditions.

The narrowing-down condition setting unit 420 is a field for allowing the user to specify a narrowing-down condition for narrowing down the 3D printer displayed on the list display unit 410. The following items exist in the narrowing conditions, and the user specifies one or more of them. As the input method of the narrowing condition, a text box may be prepared so that the user can freely input, or a check box or a dropdown may be prepared so that the user can select it.

Manufacturer: The manufacturer name of the 3D printer.
Usage: Classification of objects created by 3D printers according to usage. For example, "design confirmation", "design / function evaluation", "jig / mold / production equipment" and the like can be mentioned.
Material: Classification by material of modeling material that can be used for modeling with a 3D printer. For example, there are types such as "resin", "rubber", "gypsum", and "metal".
Material properties: Classification by the properties of the materials available to 3D printers. For example, "heat resistance", "durability", "impact resistance", "transparency" and the like can be mentioned.
Stacking pitch: Stacking pitch that can be selected by a 3D printer.
Modeling method: Classification of modeling methods for 3D printers. For example, "Fused Deposition Modeling Method", "Stereolithography Method", "Powder Burning Method", "Inkjet Method" and the like can be mentioned.
Modeling size: The size of an object that can be modeled with a 3D printer.
Modeling speed: Information on the speed at which a 3D printer creates a modeled object. For example, information on head speed can be mentioned.
Noise level: Information on the loudness (dB) of the sound emitted by the 3D printer during modeling.
Support material: Information on the necessity of support material when creating a modeled object. Or, information on the availability of water-soluble support materials.
Whether or not to make a hollow structure: Information on whether or not to make a hollow structure model.
Number of heads: The number of printer heads for 3D printers.
Color: Single color, two colors, color information. Or, information on whether a model of the specified color can be modeled by selecting a color (transparent, white, blue, red, etc.).
Price: Purchase price of 3D printer.
Installation location environment: Information about the installation location environment required when installing a 3D printer. Based on the conditions specified here, as additional equipment for adjusting the environment of the installation site, for example, there are air conditioning equipment, equipment for removing or reducing vibration, and the like.
Installation area: Information about the area of the area required to install and use the 3D printer.

In this embodiment, FIG. 4 illustrates the narrowing conditions in which the conditions of "manufacturer", "use", "material", "lamination pitch", "modeling size", "price", and "installation area" can be input. The area of the installation location may be information on the space required for using the 3D printer and additional equipment. In that case, not only the area but also the height information will be included.

The 3D printer may be narrowed down by designating the conditions for the additional equipment. The conditions for the additional equipment include, for example, the type of processing performed by the additional equipment such as cleaning and curing, and the model of the additional equipment. In addition, the item of the narrowing condition may be selectable by the user himself, or a plurality of patterns may be prepared according to the characteristics of the narrowing by using the tab. For example, narrowing items may be prepared according to the characteristics of each manufacturer and modeling method.

FIG. 5 is an example of a table for managing product data 361 of the 3D printer and additional equipment in this embodiment. FIG. 5 shows information necessary for narrowing down on the 3D printer display screen shown in FIG. Items not shown in FIG. 5 may be added to the product data 361 depending on the narrowing conditions that can be set. Using the information in the table shown in FIG. 5, the display screen UI of FIG. 4, which will be described later, is provided.

First, a table for managing the product data 361 of the 3D printer will be described with reference to FIG. 5A.

Name501 is a 3D printer name. The 3D printer can be uniquely identified by the 3D printer name. If the 3D printer name is not unique, a separate ID column may be prepared. Maker502 is a manufacturer name of a 3D printer. The modeling method 503 is information indicating the type of the modeling method of the 3D printer. The usage 504 is information indicating the usage of the object modeled by the 3D printer. The stacking pitch 505 is information on the stacking pitch that can be printed by the 3D printer. The maximum modeling size 506 is information on the maximum size that can be modeled by a 3D printer. Price 507 is the price of a 3D printer. The main body size 508 is the size of a 3D printer. The essential additional equipment 509 is information on Type 522 of the additional equipment required when introducing a 3D printer. The recommended additional equipment 510 is information on Type 522 of the additional equipment that is recommended to be purchased together with the introduction of the 3D printer. The recommended installation area 511 is information on the area of the recommended place when introducing a 3D printer. This is information considering the area required for opening and closing a 3D printer that needs to open and close a cover or the like for maintenance or the like. Further, the recommended installation area 511 is information indicating an area in which the installation of additional equipment is also taken into consideration.

Next, a table for managing the product data 361 of the additional equipment will be described with reference to FIG. 5 (b).

Name521 is an additional equipment name. The additional equipment can be uniquely identified by the additional equipment name. If the incidental device name is not unique, an ID column may be prepared separately. Type 522 is information indicating the type of additional equipment. For example, there are "cleaning device", "ultrasonic cleaning device", "curing device", "uninterruptible power supply" and the like. Price 523 is the price of additional equipment. The processable size 524 is a size that can be processed by additional equipment. A value of a processable size of 524 is set in the additional equipment that performs post-processing of the modeled object modeled by the 3D printer. The main body size 525 is the size of additional equipment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the narrowing down execution unit 352. In this embodiment, the computer 106 performs the narrowing process based on the request from the web browser 310, but the web server unit 351 sends the information necessary for the narrowing process to the web browser 310 and dynamically on the browser side. You may narrow down.

In S601, the product data API353 is called, and a list of product data of the 3D printer as a display candidate is acquired.

In S602, the narrowing condition for narrowing down the product data of the 3D printer acquired in S601 is acquired. The narrowing-down condition is a condition set by the narrowing-down condition setting unit 420.

In S603, the management target device API355 is called, and the information of the 3D printer managed by the management application 340 is acquired.

In S604 to S606, a process for narrowing down products that meet the conditions from the product list is performed for each narrowing item that corresponds to the specified conditions. In S605, the 3D printer filtering process is executed using the product data of the 3D printer acquired in S601, the filtering conditions acquired in S602, and the information of the managed 3D printer acquired in S603. The narrowing down process is performed for each narrowing down item with respect to the product data of the 3D printer acquired in S601. When the processing for all the designated items is completed, the processing proceeds to S607.

In this embodiment, the process of narrowing down the installation area will be described in detail by taking as an example in the flowchart of FIG. 7 described later. In this embodiment, the product data of the 3D printer acquired in S601 is narrowed down for each narrowing down item, but the configuration is such that SQL that satisfies the narrowing down condition is created and information is directly obtained from the database 360. You may.

In S607, the Web server unit 351 generates screen information including the information of the 3D printer as a result of narrowing down, and outputs it to the Web browser.

In FIG. 7, the narrowing down process of S605 will be described by giving a specific example of the narrowing down process of the installation area. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the process of narrowing down the installation area. In S701 to S708, processing is executed for all 3D printers in the 3D printer list acquired in S601.

In S702, if the information of the recommended installation area 511 is registered in the acquired 3D printer information, the process proceeds to S706, and if the information of the recommended installation area 511 is not registered, the value of the recommended installation area is calculated. Proceed to S703.

If the information of the additional equipment 509 that is essential is registered in the acquired 3D printer information in S703, the process proceeds to S704 and the information of the additional equipment is acquired from the product data API 353. If the information of the required additional equipment 509 is not registered, the process proceeds to S704.

In S704, a list of product data of additional equipment is acquired.

In S705, when the product data of the additional equipment is acquired in the main body size 508 and S704 of the 3D printer, the recommended installation area is calculated based on the information of the main body size 525 of the additional equipment. Specifically, the area of the place required for the use of the 3D printer and additional equipment is totaled. Further, the recommended installation area calculated here is information in consideration of the space required for opening and closing for a 3D printer that needs to open and close a cover or the like for maintenance or the like. Specifically, it is calculated by adding a predetermined area as much as possible to open and close the cover or the like.

In S706, the recommended installation area calculated in 511 or S705 of the information of the 3D printer is compared with the installation area set in the narrowing condition. As a result of the comparison, if the recommended installation area exceeds the set value under the narrowing-down condition, the process proceeds to S707 and the 3D printer is deleted from the display candidates of the 3D printer. If the recommended installation area does not exceed the set value under the narrowing down conditions, proceed to the next process.

It should be noted that the calculation of the recommended installation area may be set to be executed regardless of the presence or absence of the information of the recommended installation area 511 of the product data of the 3D printer by using the setting screen (not shown) in this embodiment. Further, in this embodiment, the 3D printer 104 and the essential additional equipment 509 are set as the calculation target, but it is possible to select only the 3D printer 104 or also include the recommended additional equipment 510 as the calculation target. You may.

Further, although FIG. 7 shows the flow of the narrowing down process based on the installation area, in addition to this, the narrowing down process based on the purchase price may be performed. It is determined whether or not the sum of the purchase price of the 3D printer and the purchase price of the additional equipment satisfies the condition of the purchase price specified by the user.

FIG. 8 is an example of a 3D printer detail screen 800 displayed when a specific 3D printer displayed on the list display unit 410 of the 3D printer information display screen 400 is selected. It is characterized in that the information of the additional equipment 105 related to the selected 3D printer 104 is displayed. Here, the additional equipment that must be used and the recommended additional equipment are displayed separately.

In this embodiment, when the 3D printer displayed on the list display unit 410 of the 3D printer information display screen 400 is selected, the screen transitions to the 3D printer details screen 800, but the information may be displayed by another method. .. For example, information on additional equipment may be displayed on a tooltip when the cursor is placed on the 3D printer of the list display unit 410.

The essential additional equipment 810 is a space for displaying the additional equipment that is essential when introducing the selected 3D printer. In this embodiment, the spec information 811 and the image 812 of the corresponding additional equipment are displayed. If there is no required additional equipment, the required additional equipment 810 may not exist.

The recommended additional equipment 820 is a space for displaying additional equipment that can be installed when installing the selected 3D printer. In this embodiment, the spec information 821 and the image 822 of the corresponding additional equipment are displayed. If there is no recommended additional equipment, the recommended additional equipment 820 may not exist.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for displaying the essential additional equipment 810 and the recommended additional equipment 820 of the 3D printer detail screen 800. This is a flow in which the Web server unit 351 receives a request from the Web browser 310 and returns a response.

In S901, the product data API353 is called to acquire the product data list of the additional equipment.

In S902, a list of additional equipment is created. The list of additional equipment is a list for storing the information of the additional equipment to be displayed and is held in the RAM 205 of the computer 106.

In S903, the required additional equipment 509 is acquired from the information of the selected 3D printer, and if a value exists, the process proceeds to S904. If the value does not exist, the process proceeds to S905.

In S904, the additional equipment that matches the conditions is searched from the product data of the additional equipment acquired in S901, and is added to the list prepared in S902. The search adds to the list additional equipment that matches the required additional equipment 509 of the 3D printer and Type 522, and that the maximum build size 506 of the 3D printer is smaller than the processable size 524 of the additional equipment.

In S905, the recommended additional equipment 509 is obtained from the information of the selected 3D printer, and if a value exists, the process proceeds to S906. If the value does not exist, the process proceeds to S907.

In S906, the additional equipment that matches the conditions is searched from the product data of the additional equipment acquired in S901, and is added to the list prepared in S902. Here, additional equipment that matches the recommended additional equipment 509 of the 3D printer and Type 522 and that the maximum modeling size 506 of the 3D printer is smaller than the processable size 524 of the additional equipment is added to the list.

In S907, the Web server unit 351 generates screen information based on the list of additional equipment and sends it to the Web browser.

In this embodiment, based on the conditions specified by the user, a 3D printer that meets the conditions is presented, including additional equipment that performs necessary processing during or after the modeling of the 3D printer. In particular, we presented information on the area of the place required to install and use a 3D printer, etc., and additional equipment that must be used. Thereby, the information of the control device satisfying the condition specified by the user can be presented in consideration of the additional equipment.

(Example 2)
In the first embodiment, the narrowing down based on the additional equipment and the display of the 3D printer detail screen 800 were performed. However, in an environment where a 3D printer has already been introduced, there are cases where the 3D printer and additional equipment are replaced or additionally purchased. In such a case, the user has to compare the product specifications of the already introduced product and select the product by himself / herself in consideration of the usage situation so far, which takes a lot of time and effort.

In the second embodiment, the 3D printer information display screen 400 and the 3D printer detail screen 800 are displayed in consideration of the 3D printer owned by the user and additional equipment. In the second embodiment, the user can easily select the 3D printer and additional equipment required by the user. In Example 2, the points different from those in Example 1 will be mainly described.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for displaying the essential additional equipment 810 and the recommended additional equipment 820 of the 3D printer detail screen 800 illustrated in FIG. In this embodiment, the information to be displayed in the essential additional equipment 810 and the recommended additional equipment 820 is dynamically determined in consideration of the information of the additional equipment already owned by the user. Here, only the part different from FIG. 9 will be described.

In S1001 to S1005, the process is repeated for the number of additional equipment added to the list prepared in S902.

In S1002, the management target device API355 is called, and the name 521 is keyed to acquire the device information 332 of the additional equipment to be managed. At this time, the information of the additional equipment that matches the identification information of the user who specified the condition is acquired through the information display screen 400 of the 3D printer.

In S1003, it is determined whether or not the user owns the additional equipment with respect to the information of the additional equipment acquired in S1002. If the user owns the additional equipment, the process proceeds to S1004. On the other hand, if the user does not own the additional equipment, the process proceeds to S1005.

In S1004, the additional equipment is removed from the list.

In addition, instead of the process of S1003, or in addition to the process of S1003, a process different from that of S1003 for determining whether or not the additional equipment is subject to replacement may be executed. For example, when the operating rate of the additional equipment is equal to or higher than a certain level by using the operation information included in the device information 332, the additional equipment may be deleted from the list.

When the processing for all the additional equipments on the list is completed, the processing of S1001 to S1005 is completed, and the processing proceeds to S907.

In this embodiment, when the user does not own the additional equipment to be managed, the information of the additional equipment is presented. This makes it easier for users to choose additional equipment to purchase.

(Example 3)
In the second embodiment, the information on the additional equipment owned by the user is not presented. In this embodiment, when the operating rate of the 3D printer or additional equipment owned by the user is above a certain level, the information is presented.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of displaying the 3D printer information display screen 400. This is a flow in which the Web server unit 351 receives a request from the Web browser 310 and returns a response in response to the request.

In S1101, the product data API353 is called and a list of product data of the 3D printer is acquired.

In S1102, the management target device API355 is called, and the device information 324 of the 3D printer managed by the management application 340 is acquired.

In S1103, if the information of the 3D printer to be managed can be acquired in S1102, the process proceeds to S1104. If the 3D printer to be managed does not exist, the process proceeds to S1112.

In S1104, an empty list for storing the information of the 3D printer which is a replacement candidate of the 3D printer is created. This list is held in RAM 205 of computer 106.

In S1105, with respect to the information of the 3D printer to be managed acquired in S1102, it is determined whether the operating rate of these 3D printers exceeds the threshold value or whether the 3D printer exists. For a 3D printer whose operating rate exceeds the threshold value, the information of the 3D printer is added to the list created in S1104 in S1106. If there is no 3D printer whose operating rate exceeds the threshold value, the process proceeds to S1107.

In this embodiment, the operating rate is calculated using the status included in the device information 324 of the 3D printer acquired from the 3D printer. For example, the utilization rate can be calculated by dividing the time during which the status is active by the total time. Here, the total time may be 24 hours or the time when the 3D printer is running. The method of calculating the operating time may be a unified monitoring system or may be set for each user.

In S1107, if there is a managed 3D printer acquired in S1102 in which an error occurs a certain number of times or more within a certain period, the process proceeds to S1108 and the information of the 3D printer is added to the list. If there is no printer in which the error occurs a specific number of times within a certain period, the process proceeds to S1109.

The values such as the threshold value, the period, and the number of times used in S1105 and S1107 may be predetermined by a program, or may be set by the user by preparing a setting screen (not shown).

In S1109, if the list contains 3D printer information, the process proceeds to S1110, and if the list is empty, the process proceeds to S1112.

In S1110, the information of each narrowing item is acquired from the device information added to the list, and the narrowing condition is created.

In S1111, the narrowing down execution unit 352 executes the narrowing down process for the list of 3D printers acquired in S1101 based on the narrowing down condition created in S1110.

In S1112, the list display unit 410 of the 3D printer information display screen 400 generates screen information for displaying a list of 3D printers and outputs the screen information to a Web browser. Here, the list of 3D printers is a list of 3D printers acquired by S1101 and narrowed down according to the status of the managed 3D printers.

In this embodiment, the operating rate of the 3D printer is used when determining whether or not to display the information of the 3D printer as the target of replacement. For additional equipment, the operating rate may be used to determine the narrowing down. As a result, the user can grasp the 3D printer to be replaced and can easily select the 3D printer to be purchased.

(Other Examples)
The present invention also includes an apparatus or system configured by appropriately combining Examples 1, 2 and 3 described above, 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 embodiment. Further, 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.

103, 106 Computer 350 Display application 351 Web server section 352 Filtering execution section

Claims (11)

As a search condition for a modeling device that creates a three-dimensional object by stacking layers formed based on modeling data, one or more conditions including a condition regarding the thickness per layer of the modeling material to be stacked for modeling the object. The acquisition method to acquire the specified data related to the specification, and
A search means for searching for a modeling device satisfying the above-mentioned one or more conditions related to the designation based on the acquired designated data, and a search means.
A server comprising: a transmission means for transmitting display data for displaying search results including information on the searched modeling device. In the display data, as the search result, the information of the modeling device satisfying the one or more conditions according to the designation is displayed so as to be distinguishable from the information of the modeling device not satisfying the one or more conditions related to the designation. The server according to claim 1, wherein the data is the data of the above. As the search condition, the designated data further includes at least one of a condition relating to a modeling material used for modeling, a condition relating to a size of an object that can be modeled, a condition relating to a price of a modeling device, and a condition relating to a modeling method. The server according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is data relating to. The display data is a request for further displaying information on additional equipment used for modeling in the modeling device as information on the modeling device satisfying the above-mentioned one or more conditions according to the designation. The server according to any one of items 1 to 3. One or more including the condition related to the thickness per layer of the modeling material to be stacked to model the object, which is specified as the search condition of the modeling device that models the three-dimensional object by stacking the layers formed based on the modeling data. It is characterized by having a transmission means for transmitting data for performing a first process of searching for a modeling device satisfying the above conditions and a second process of displaying a search result including the information of the searched modeling device. server. In the second process, as the search result, the information of the modeling device satisfying the one or more conditions according to the designation is displayed so as to be distinguishable from the information of the modeling device not satisfying the one or more conditions related to the designation. The server according to claim 5, which is a process. The first process further satisfies at least one of the conditions regarding the modeling material used for modeling, the conditions regarding the size of the object that can be modeled, the conditions regarding the price of the modeling device, and the conditions regarding the modeling method, which are specified as the search conditions. The server according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the process is for searching for a modeling device satisfying the conditions including the above. As a search condition for a modeling device that creates a three-dimensional object by stacking layers formed based on modeling data, one or more conditions including a condition regarding the thickness per layer of the modeling material to be stacked for modeling the object. The acquisition process to acquire the specified data related to the designation, and
Based on the acquired designated data, a search process for searching for a modeling device satisfying the above-mentioned one or more conditions related to the designation, and a search process.
A server control method comprising: a transmission step of transmitting display data for displaying search results including information on the searched modeling apparatus. One or more including the condition related to the thickness per layer of the modeling material to be stacked to model the object, which is specified as the search condition of the modeling device that models the three-dimensional object by stacking the layers formed based on the modeling data. It is characterized by having a transmission step of transmitting data for performing a first process of searching for a modeling device satisfying the above conditions and a second process of displaying a search result including the information of the searched modeling device. How to control the server. A program for operating a computer as the means according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A program for operating a computer as the means according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

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