JP7379401B2 - Modeling device, method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the structure of a management system for managing modeling apparatuses using network communication.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been a system that collects operating information of an image forming apparatus such as a printing apparatus or a copying machine that forms an image on paper via a network, and performs maintenance or the like. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for receiving a notification regarding the remaining amount of consumables such as toner from an image forming apparatus and managing the inventory of the consumables. In Patent Document 1, in order to improve the accuracy of inventory management, the value of a total counter, which is the number of printed sheets accumulated since the start of operation of the image forming apparatus, is used, which is included in the notification regarding the remaining amount. In Patent Document 1, the operating amount of the image forming apparatus in a specific period can be appropriately grasped by the management system by referring to the change in the value of the total counter.

In recent years, modeling devices for forming three-dimensional objects, so-called 3D printers, have become widely used. In the future, in the above-mentioned management system, it may be considered that modeling devices on the network are subject to maintenance.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-159854

Here, since there are various printing methods for 3D printers, and the objects that are printed vary, it is difficult to properly grasp the operating status of printing equipment with a management system located in a remote location via a network. It can be said that there is. Currently, for 3D printers, no matter what kind of modeling process is performed within a certain period, it is accumulated to uniformly reflect the operating status, which corresponds to the number of prints of conventional technology. Unable to collect total counter value.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism for collecting new operating information from printing apparatuses that can be managed by a management system so that the operating status can be appropriately grasped via a network.

The present invention provides a modeling apparatus that forms a three-dimensional object by a forming process including a process of repeatedly layering consumable materials in a forming section, and in which a total count value that can grasp the operating status of the printing apparatus is used to form a three-dimensional object. a recording means for recording, in a storage section of the modeling apparatus, a value of the total number of layers indicating the number of times of lamination since the start of use of the apparatus ; a transmitting means for transmitting the value of the total number of layers to the information processing apparatus; , and data including identification information for identifying the modeling device and a value of the total number of layers, transmitted from the information processing device to a management system that manages the modeling device via a network. is transmitted.

According to the present invention, the management system measures the operating status of a modeling device that creates a three-dimensional object using the number of times of stacking that is accumulated each time a modeling process is executed and recorded in the storage section of the modeling device. You will be able to understand it properly.

A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a network system including a printing device and a management system. A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of each device configuring the system according to the present invention. A diagram showing an example of the module configuration of software of each device configuring the system according to the present invention. A diagram showing an example of a modeling method according to the present invention Flowchart for explaining the periodic transmission process of the operation information of the printing device Flowchart to explain the process of receiving operational information in the management system 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process for calculating the average lifespan of each type of consumable item. Flowchart for explaining the process of transmitting information indicating the content of the modeling process by the monitoring device

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated using drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a network system including a modeling apparatus and a management system according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, 101 indicates a local area network (LAN). 102 is a modeling device that models a three-dimensional object. 103 represents a Proxy Server, and 104 represents a Firewall installed to enhance intranet security. Reference numeral 105 indicates personal computers (PCs) used by general users for work, etc., and these are interconnected via the LAN 101. The PC 105 can transmit printing data for printing a object to be printed to the printing apparatus 102 . Reference numeral 107 indicates the installation environment of the modeling apparatus 102, which in this figure constitutes an intranet including a Proxy Server 103, a Firewall 104, and the like. Note that a plurality of modeling devices may be installed on the intranet.

The management system 106 is a system for managing one or more modeling devices that communicates with each device in the installation environment 107 via the Internet 108. Management system 106 is comprised of one or more server computers. It mainly collects operating information of the modeling device 102 and implements management services such as arranging maintenance of the modeling device 102 and reporting based on the information.

The modeling apparatus 102 has a built-in monitoring device that has a function of transmitting device information such as individual identification information and model information of the own apparatus, and operation information including failure information and status information to the management system 106.

Note that a monitoring device having a function of transmitting device information, operation information, etc. of the modeling apparatus 102 may be installed on the LAN 101 separately from the modeling apparatus 102. In that case, the monitoring device acquires device information, operating information, etc. from one or more modeling devices on the LAN 101 and transmits the acquired information to the management system 106.

In this embodiment, the communication protocol between the monitoring device and the management system 106 is assumed to be HTTP, HTTPS, etc., but is not particularly limited. Various communication protocols such as web sockets and SMTP can be used.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of each device constituting the system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2(A) shows an example of the hardware configuration of the modeling apparatus 102. The CPU 201 executes programs stored in the ROM 203 and the storage device 204 and generally controls each device via the internal bus 206. The RAM 202 functions as a memory and work area for the CPU 201. Built-in programs and data are recorded in the ROM 203. The ROM 203 also stores individual identification information, model information, destination information indicating the region to which the modeling apparatus 102 is shipped, and the like. The language displayed on the input/output device 210 is determined according to this destination information. The network I/F 205 is used to exchange data one-way or two-way with an external network device or the PC 105 via the LAN 101.

The storage device 204 functions as an external storage device, and in addition to storing printing data and the like, it can also store operating information detected and recorded inside the printing device 102 and information regarding consumable materials in place of the RAM 202. be. Furthermore, programs for realizing the functions of the monitoring device are also stored. The operation information includes failure information, status information, log information, and the like. The operating information and the like stored in the storage device 204 are acquired by the monitoring device and transmitted to the management system 106 via a network such as the Internet.

The operation unit 208 shows a configuration responsible for input and output in the modeling apparatus 102. Specifically, input from the user (button input, etc.) is accepted, and a signal corresponding to the input is transmitted to each of the processing units described above through the operation unit I/F 207. In addition, the operation unit 208 also includes a display device (such as a touch panel) for providing necessary information to the user and accepting user operations.

The modeling section 209 includes a modeling stage for laminating modeling materials for modeling a three-dimensional object, effects and finishing of the object, a configuration for modeling a support section, and the like. Here, the modeling process by the modeling unit 209 is called additive manufacturing, and is a printing command for cross-sectional shape data (i.e. slice data) in units of laminated surfaces generated from model data etc. with a 3D printing application installed on the PC 105 etc. It is executed using Note that the internal configuration of the modeling unit 209 includes a hardware configuration that depends on the modeling method supported by the modeling device. Examples of modeling methods to which the present invention is applicable will be described later using FIG. 4 and the like.

The consumable supply unit 212 supplies consumables including the modeling material 213 necessary for modeling the object to the modeling unit 209. In a modeling apparatus that employs a modeling method in which a support part is modeled when modeling a modeled object, the support member held by the consumable material supply section 212 as a consumable material is also supplied to the modeling section 209. The modeling material 213 includes various materials such as photocurable resin, thermoplastic resin, metal powder, and plaster material. Photocurable resins include, for example, resins that are cured by irradiation with liquid ultraviolet rays.

The consumable supply unit 212 can manage the amount of the modeling material 213, support material, etc. supplied to the modeling unit 209. This supply amount can be recorded in the storage device 204 as a log. In the log recorded here, the amount of supply per one modeled object (one job) is recorded for one record. Note that, in addition to recording the log for each shaped object, a recording method such as recording the supply amount for a predetermined period is also possible. Furthermore, if the modeling device 102 is capable of colored modeling in multiple colors, the consumable supply unit 212 can supply each of the modeling materials 213 of multiple colors to the modeling unit 209, and manage the supply amount individually. can do. Then, the supply amount thereof can be recorded in the storage device 204 as a log.

Note that the consumables may be replenished to the consumables supply section 212 by attaching a bottle containing the modeling material 213 such as liquid or powder to the consumables supply section 212 . Alternatively, consumable materials may be manually supplied to the modeling material supply section 212 from a dedicated bottle or the like.

A plurality of sensors 215 are arranged within the modeling apparatus 102, and each sensor 215 has a purpose. Main examples of sensors arranged in the modeling apparatus 102 will be described below.

A certain sensor detects the amount of consumables managed by the consumable supply unit 212 supplied to the modeling unit 209, or detects the remaining amount of consumables held in the consumable supply unit 212. Further, a sensor that detects attachment of a bottle containing the modeling material 213 and detects identification information of the bottle may be disposed within the modeling apparatus 102. Additionally, a sensor for detecting temperature abnormalities, failures, etc. within the modeling section 209 is also arranged. If the modeling unit 209 includes a modeling head or a stage for modeling processing, a sensor for counting the number of times these are driven (movement distance) is also arranged in the modeling unit 209.

In addition, a sensor that counts the number of laminated surfaces on which modeling materials 213 are actually laminated in the modeling section 209 is also arranged. Assuming that the printing device 102 and the printing unit 209 are operating normally, the number of stacked surfaces is approximately equal to the number of slice data corresponding to the printing data used in the printing process executed in the printing unit 209. Become. In reality, the total number of laminated surfaces counted by the sensor during the same period and It may not match the total number of slice data.

Note that although the above-mentioned sensor is an example prepared as hardware, some or all of them may be replaced with a software sensor having an equivalent detection function.

The modeling apparatus 102 also includes optional equipment such as incidental equipment required depending on the modeling method and peripheral equipment (not shown) that expands the functions and mechanisms of the 3D printer, such as a camera and an IC card reader. Examples of ancillary equipment include equipment required as a countermeasure against powder in the case of an inkjet method, and cleaning equipment required in the case of stereolithography (SLA).

FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device. The information processing apparatus includes the PC 105 and one or more server computers forming the management system 106 in the present invention. Furthermore, in the case where the monitoring device is installed outside the modeling device, the monitoring device will also have the same configuration as the illustrated information processing device. Note that a program for realizing the functions of the monitoring device will be executed within the information processing device.

The CPU 251 executes programs stored in the ROM 253 and the storage device 254, and controls the entire information processing device via the internal bus 256. Furthermore, the ROM 253 and storage device 254 store various data in addition to programs. For example, the storage device 254 can store device information, operating information, etc. of the modeling apparatus 102. The RAM 252 functions as a memory and work area for the CPU 201. The input/output I/F 257 is, for example, PS2, Universal Serial Bus (USB), analog or digital display I/F, or the like. The input/output device 258 is a keyboard, mouse, CRT, or liquid crystal display, and can be connected to the information processing device via the input/output I/F 257. The information processing apparatus communicates via the LAN 101 and the Internet 108 using the network I/F 255.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the module configuration of the software of each device constituting the system according to the present invention. These configurations represent virtual modules that are the main body of processing realized by executing the program according to the present invention. The illustrated configuration is merely an example, and a different module configuration may be used as long as the processing described below can be realized.

FIG. 3(A) is a diagram illustrating the software module configuration of the modeling apparatus 102.

The communication unit 301 communicates with external devices such as the management system 106 via the network I/F 205. The storage unit 302 mainly records operating information detected by a sensor using hardware or software in the storage device 204. Further, device information related to the modeling apparatus 102 is also recorded in the storage device 204. The device information includes individual identification information and model information of the device, vendor information indicating the manufacturer, and communication information such as an IP address and a MAC address.

The modeling management section 303 performs modeling control according to a modeling command to the modeling section 209 and control for supplying consumables to the consumables supply section 212 . The operation unit 304 accepts operations on the modeling apparatus 102 including modeling instructions from the user.

305 to 308 are module configurations corresponding to the functions of the monitoring device.

The device information management unit 305 manages device information of the modeling apparatus 102 to be monitored, using the storage device 204 or the like. The monitoring unit 306 monitors the state of the modeling apparatus 102 and the like. Specifically, it implements a monitoring function such as referring to the operation information recorded in the storage device 204 of the modeling apparatus 102 and determining whether there is information that should be notified of an event (occurrence of a failure, recovery from a failure), etc. . It also determines whether notification regarding consumables is necessary. Further, the monitoring unit 306 receives monitoring settings such as data transmission schedules and monitoring target events received from the management system 106 via the communication unit 301, and reflects them. The generation unit 307 generates a message such as an alarm or a service call that includes the notification content determined by the monitoring unit 306 to be notified. It also generates messages containing operating information that should be periodically transmitted from the monitoring device to the management system 106. The communication control unit 308 causes the communication unit 301 to transmit the message generated by the generation unit 307 using a predetermined communication protocol.

Note that if the monitoring device exists outside the printing device 102, a predetermined protocol is used between the storage device 204 in the printing device 102 and the modules 305 and 306 corresponding to the functions of the monitoring device. Data is exchanged using (for example, SNMP, IPP, etc.). The communication control unit 308 also uses the network I/F of the monitoring device to transmit messages.

FIG. 3(B) is a diagram showing the software module configuration of the management system 106.

The communication unit 351 has a function for communicating with external devices such as the modeling apparatus 102 and a monitoring device using a network I/F. Specifically, a message including device information, operating information, etc. of the modeling apparatus 102 is received via the monitoring device. It also controls the transmission of messages including monitoring settings for the monitoring device.

The display control unit 353 provides screen information for displaying device information and operation information stored in the storage device 254 or a storage service on a network (not shown) on a web browser. A WWW server program is running within the management system 106, which allows a sales company's maintenance personnel and the like to view device information and the like on any PC.

The command analysis unit 354 analyzes the data received from the external device and determines the content of the message included in the data. The message generation unit 355 generates messages including notifications and monitoring settings generated by the device management unit 356, and responses to requests from the modeling apparatus 102 and the monitoring apparatus.

The device management unit 356 is a configuration that is realized by executing a dedicated program for managing the modeling apparatus 102 to be managed.

The notification management unit 357 specifies a notification destination (monitoring device, sales company, etc.) and generates necessary notification information. Here, the generated notifications include a maintenance request notification to the person in charge of maintenance of the modeling apparatus 102 and a replenishment request notification for consumables.

The sales company information management unit 358 manages information on sales companies that perform maintenance of the modeling apparatus 102 to be managed, management of consumables, delivery arrangements, and the like. The sales company information is stored in the storage device 254 or a storage service on a network (not shown).

The device information management unit 359 manages device information of the modeling apparatus 102 and monitoring apparatus to be managed using the storage device 254 or a storage service on a network (not shown). The device information to be managed includes individual identification information of the modeling device, information indicating the model/manufacturer, and communication information such as an IP address. The device information management unit 359 also manages the operating status (status) of the modeling device, including errors, alarms, etc., based on the content of notifications from the monitoring device. Information for viewing the status of the modeling apparatus managed by the device information management section 359 is provided on the network in real time via the WWW server program. This is viewed by the sales company's dispatcher, maintenance personnel, and the like. Additionally, the failure information is managed in statuses such as "not handled," "currently handled," and "completed," depending on the sales company's response status.

The customer information management unit 360 manages information on customers who own the modeling apparatus 102 to be managed. This information also includes information regarding maintenance contracts with sales companies. The maintenance contract includes maintenance content agreed upon for each customer, such as regular delivery of consumables to the installation environment of the printing equipment, periodic maintenance work, and work to respond to failures.

The consumables inventory management unit 361 manages the quantity of consumables held by customers, including consumables for the printing apparatus 102 and replaceable parts that constitute the printing apparatus 102. Consumables that are subject to inventory management can be identified by the ID of the consumables. When the quantity of inventory satisfies predetermined conditions, a request for delivery to a maintenance person is automatically made using e-mail or the like.

Here, the inventory quantity is specifically managed based on a message sent from a monitoring device indicating the remaining amount of consumables in the modeling device 102, a message including information indicating the degree of wear of parts, etc. be exposed. Note that the content of the transmitted message varies depending on the model of the modeling device, and some devices may transmit a message indicating the amount of consumables used. In addition, a message may be sent that includes information indicating the time to replace the consumable and the identification information of the consumable date before and after the replacement.

The master information management unit 362 manages master information necessary for displaying model information, fault information, consumables information, etc. via the WWW server program, and for determination processing to be described later. The master information is, for example, registered information related to specifications such as a product name corresponding to a certain model, information on usable consumables, and performance information. In other words, the performance of the printing apparatus (the printing method and the types of consumable materials and parts used) can be determined from information such as the model of the printing apparatus included in the message from the monitoring device. In addition, information such as the installation location of the modeling device 102 is also managed in the master information.

The consumables life management unit 363 manages the history of the lifespan of consumables actually used, based on the replacement information of consumables in the modeling apparatus 10 that is transmitted via the monitoring device. Based on this history, it is possible to calculate the average lifespan of consumables in actual operation.

The instruction management unit 364 generates and manages instructions to the monitoring device. The generated instruction is transmitted to the monitoring device by the communication unit 351. The contents of the instruction include changing the transmission schedule to the management system 106, changing the type of event to be notified, updating firmware, rebooting, etc. The device instruction management unit 364 also manages execution results for instructions as statuses such as "success," "failure," and "unknown."

The firmware information management unit 365 manages firmware version information of the modeling apparatus 102. It also performs firmware distribution settings in cooperation with a firmware management system (not shown). The firmware management system distributes firmware according to the distribution settings.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a manufacturing method that performs layered manufacturing to which the present invention can be applied. A printing apparatus that supports the following printing method can be managed by the management system 106.

FIG. 4(A) is a first example, which is a diagram showing a method for forming a modeled object using a material sheet lamination method.

In this method, layered manufacturing is performed in the modeling unit 209 by repeating the stacking of material sheets 402 on a stage 406 and the irradiation of energy 407 (light, heat, ultraviolet rays, etc.) from the energy supply source 401.

The material sheet 402 is made up of a modeling material 404 and a support material 403, which will actually become a modeled object. The modeling material 404 receives energy 407 (light, heat, ultraviolet rays, etc.) and is welded to the layered object 405. Note that the support material 403 is not welded to the modeled object 405 and supports the modeled object so that it does not collapse. For example, the support 403 is water-soluble and can be removed by spraying water on the support material 403 when removing the shaped object 405.

The modeling management unit 303 records the number of times the material sheets 402 are stacked (the number of stacked sheets) accumulated since the start of use of the modeling apparatus, and stores it in the storage device 204. As will be described in detail later, in the present invention, the number of laminations accumulated since the start of use is used as an index for grasping the overall operating status of the modeling apparatus. Therefore, the number of laminations recorded here is transmitted to the management system 106 via the monitoring device as the value of the total counter of the modeling device.

Further, the modeling management unit 303 can also record the number of times of stacking for each modeled object or job, in addition to the number of stacks accumulated since the start of use, and store it in the storage device 204. Information similar to the operation information described here includes the amount of modeling material 404 supplied to the modeling unit 209 until the completion of the additively manufactured product, and the volume of the additively manufactured product calculated from the modeling data (model data). There is information such as. Such information is also transmitted via the monitoring device to the management system 106 for purposes such as reporting services.

As an example of the second layered modeling method, there is also a stereolithography method (not shown).

In this method, in the modeling unit 209, the following three steps are performed: laminating a modeling material (such as an ultraviolet curing resin) on a horizontal surface on the stage, emitting energy (such as ultraviolet rays) from a laser to the part where the modeling material is to be cured, and lowering the stage. By repeating these steps, the object is gradually produced by additive manufacturing. Here, the portions not exposed to the ultraviolet rays remain on the stage without being cured. Therefore, the uncured modeling material directly serves as a support portion that prevents the laminate-molded object from collapsing. Upon completion of the printing process, only the additively manufactured object can be taken out by removing its support portion.

The modeling management unit 303 records the number of times modeling materials have been stacked on the stage since the start of use of the modeling apparatus, and stores it in the storage device 204. Regarding this modeling method as well, the number of stacking operations accumulated since the start of use shall be treated as an index for grasping the overall operating status of the modeling device. Therefore, the number of laminations recorded here is transmitted to the management system 106 via the monitoring device as the value of the total counter of the modeling device.

Note that the modeling management unit 303 records operating information that allows the user to grasp the amount of modeling material used for each object, such as the volume of the layered object calculated from the modeling data, and stores it in the storage device 204 . The information stored here will also be sent to the management system 106 via the monitoring device.

FIG. 4(B) is a third example, and is a diagram showing a method for forming a shaped object using an inkjet method.

In the modeling section 209, the inkjet head 409 performs modeling on the stage 417. The inkjet head 409 includes a modeling material nozzle 410, a support material nozzle 411, an energy source 412 that irradiates energy to harden the modeling material, and a roller cutter 413 that adjusts the thickness of the object being layered.

This method gradually builds up the modeled object by repeating three steps: ejecting minute particles from the modeling material nozzle 410 and the support material nozzle 411, emitting energy from the energy source 412, and lowering the stage 417. Additive manufacturing. The positions at which particles are ejected from the modeling material nozzle 410 and the support material nozzle 411 are determined by the coordinates specified in each slice data based on the modeling command. A support portion 415 formed by hardening of particles sprayed from the support material nozzle 411 in order to prevent the modeled object 414 from collapsing can be removed after modeling. Further, after the fine particles are ejected from the modeling material nozzle 410 and the support material nozzle 411, a step of scraping the surface with a roller cutter 413 is performed in order to adjust the thickness of the surface formed by the ejected particles.

In this method, the stage 417 descends by the number of stacking surfaces, so the number of times the stage 417 descends can be treated as the number of stacking times. The modeling management unit 303 records the number of stacking operations since the start of use of the modeling apparatus, and stores it in the storage device 204. The number of laminations recorded here is transmitted to the management system 106 via the monitoring device as the value of the total counter of the modeling apparatus that employs the inkjet method.

In addition, since the modeling management unit 303 can treat the number of injections of the modeling material nozzle 410 and the support material nozzle 411 as operating information for grasping the degree of wear of each, such information is also stored in the storage device 204. Store. The stored information will then be transmitted to the management system 106 via the monitoring device. Furthermore, operation information that allows grasping the amount of modeling materials used for each object, such as the volume of the layered object calculated from the modeling data (model data), is also stored in the storage device 204, and then the monitoring device The information will be sent to the management system 106 via the .

A fourth example is a modeling method (not shown) called fused deposition modeling (FDM).
The modeling section 209 includes a stage and a modeling head that extrudes a semi-liquid thermoplastic modeling material. The modeling head stacks modeling materials on the stage 211 according to a plurality of slice data.

First, the printing head is moved back and forth in the X-axis direction (hereinafter referred to as the main scanning direction) to stack one line. By sequentially moving and repeating this in the Y-axis direction (hereinafter referred to as the sub-scanning direction), one increment of cross-sectional shapes is laminated. Note that the modeling head is controlled and moved only within the range where the cross-sectional shape data of the object on the modeling stage exists, and the modeling material is pushed out. When extrusion molding according to one slice data is completed, the molding head is moved vertically upward (Z-axis direction) to the horizontal plane of the molding stage, and extrusion molding according to the next slice data is executed.

In this method, the printing head moves up in the Z-axis direction by the number of stacking surfaces, so the number of times the printing head moves up in the Z-axis direction can be treated as the number of stacking operations. The modeling management unit 303 records the number of times of stacking since the start of use of the modeling apparatus, and stores it in the storage device 204. The number of laminations recorded here is transmitted to the management system 106 via the monitoring device as the value of the total counter of the modeling apparatus that employs the FDM method.

Further, since the amount of modeling material pushed out from the printing head can be treated as operating information for understanding the degree of wear of the printing head, the printing management unit 303 also stores this information in the storage device 204. The stored information will then be transmitted to the management system 106 via the monitoring device. Furthermore, the storage device 204 also stores operational information that allows you to grasp the amount of modeling material used for each object, such as the volume of the layered object calculated from the modeling data (model data) and the extrusion amount of the object. , which will then be transmitted to the management system 106 via the monitoring device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the process of transmitting operation information of the modeling device, etc., executed by the monitoring device. This process is performed by the CPU in the modeling apparatus 102 or information processing apparatus on which the monitoring apparatus operates, executing a program for realizing the monitoring apparatus.

Furthermore, in order to start management, the monitoring device performs a communication test to confirm whether communication with the management system 106 is possible. The communication test is carried out by a maintenance person at the sales company giving an instruction from the operation unit 208. If this communication test is successful, the management system 106 sends information such as the type of operating information to be collected and a regular transmission schedule.

FIG. 5(A) is a flowchart for explaining the periodic transmission process of the operation information of the modeling device executed by the monitoring device.

In S<b>501 , the monitoring unit 306 detects that it is time to transmit any of the operating information collected by the management system 106 .

In S502, the monitoring unit 306 acquires target operation information from the storage device 204 of the modeling apparatus 102. Then, the generation unit 307 generates a message including the operating information acquired by the monitoring unit 306 and the device information of the modeling apparatus 102.

In S503, the communication control unit 308 controls to transmit a message including the generated operation information to the management system 106 via the network.

The operation information to be collected by the management system 106 includes the number of times of stacking in the modeling unit 209, which is recorded as a total counter value. Regarding the periodic transmission of the number of stacking times as a total counter value, in S502, in addition to information indicating the acquired date and time and the recorded number of stacking times, device information such as individual identification information, model information, and communication information is included. A message is generated. It is assumed that this periodic transmission is performed once a day at a fixed time, for example.

FIG. 5(B) is a flowchart for explaining a process of transmitting operation information indicating a failure event or the like occurring in the modeling apparatus 102, which is executed by the monitoring device. It is assumed that, among the operation information to be collected specified by the management system 106, the operation information to be sent as an event has been designated as a monitoring target in the monitoring device in advance.

In S551, the monitoring unit 306 detects the occurrence of an event indicating operation information to be monitored specified by the management system 106. Specifically, the monitoring unit 306 monitors the operation information recorded in the storage device 204 of the modeling apparatus 102, and detects the occurrence of an event when it detects that the operation information to be monitored has been recorded. . Note that a sensor of the modeling apparatus 102 may be configured to notify the monitoring unit 306 of the occurrence of an event.

Here, the operation information to be monitored includes errors and alarms indicating failures and abnormalities, calls indicating maintenance requests from users, and the like. It also includes information indicating the occurrence of replacement of consumables. Each piece of information is assigned a code to identify it. The code may include information such as a subcode that indicates the location where a failure or the like within the modeling apparatus 102 has occurred.

In S552, the generation unit 307 generates a message that includes a code indicating the event that occurred, information indicating the date and time of the occurrence, the number of stacking as a total counter value at the time of occurrence, and device information such as individual identification information, model information, and communication information. generate.

In S553, the communication control unit 308 controls the generated message to be transmitted to the management system 106 via the network.

If the event is to send information regarding the replacement of consumables, in addition to the above, the generated message will further include the consumable's name, ID, serial number, information indicating the level of wear, date and time of last replacement, etc. . In the case of replacing consumables including consumables, the message includes the amount used or the remaining amount of the consumables (modeling materials) as information indicating the degree of wear. Regarding the printing head of the printing unit 209, which is an example of a replaceable consumable part, the number of times the printing material is ejected, the amount of extrusion, and the like are included in the message as information indicating the degree of wear.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation information reception process in the management system 106. This process is realized by the CPU 251 of the server computer configuring the management system 106 executing a program.

In S601, the communication unit 351 receives a message from an external device, here a monitoring device. In S602, the device information management unit 359 determines, based on the result of the message analysis by the command analysis unit 354, whether the modeling device indicated by the device information included in the message is the modeling device to be managed. If the message is not to be managed, the device information management unit 359 discards the received message in step S603, and ends the process. If it is a management target, in step S604, the device information management unit 359 stores information such as operating information included in the received message in the storage device 254 or a storage service on a network (not shown). In the storage device 254 or a storage service on a network (not shown), information such as the acquisition date and time of the operating information of the modeling device identified by the identification information is stored and managed in association with the individual identification information.

In S605, the device information management unit 359 determines whether the received message is an event-transmitted message. If the event has been transmitted, the process advances to S606, and if the event has not been transmitted, the process ends.

In S606, the device information management unit 359 determines whether the content of the received message indicates a consumables replacement event. Here, the determination is made by referring to the code included in the message. As a result of the determination, if a consumable item is to be replaced, the process advances to S607, and if it is not a consumable item to be replaced, the process advances to S609.

In S607, the device management unit 356 determines whether the consumable to be replaced is subject to inventory management by the consumable inventory management unit 361, based on the ID of the consumable included in the received message. If it is determined that the item is subject to inventory management, the process advances to S608, and if it is determined that the item is not subject to inventory management, the process advances to S609. In S607, the consumables inventory management unit 361 subtracts one from the remaining inventory quantity of the consumables specified by the consumables ID. The notification management unit 357 automatically delivers an e-mail requesting delivery of the target consumable to the maintenance person when the quantity of inventory after the subtraction process satisfies a predetermined condition.

In S609, the device information management unit 359 executes a process of notifying the contents of the generated event corresponding to the code included in the received message. In the notification process, contents including the device information of the modeling apparatus, the contents of the event that occurred, the time of occurrence, and the number of stacking times indicating the total counter value at the time of occurrence are provided on the network via the WWW server program. Maintenance personnel can check event information in real time using a web browser. Additionally, if the event that occurs is a failure or a service call, the notification management unit 357 sends an e-mail containing the details of the event to the e-mail address of the person in charge of maintenance of the modeling device that caused the event. automatically sent. The e-mail also includes information such as the device information of the modeling apparatus, the time when the event occurred, and the number of laminations indicating the total counter value at the time of occurrence.

Note that, in S609, if the device information management unit 359 detects that an event with the same content has occurred consecutively from the same printing device regarding the message received in S601, the device information management unit 359 sends a notification if a predetermined condition is met. Suppress processing. Specifically, if the value indicating the difference between the number of stacking included in the message received in the current S601 and the number of stacking included in the message indicating the occurrence of the previous event is less than the threshold, the current S601 Suppress notification processing related to messages received in . This is because the exact same fault may have been detected twice due to erroneous detection by a sensor or the like. Through such processing using the number of stacking times, it is possible to realize event notification processing with less noise.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the process of calculating the average lifespan of each type of consumables in the management system 106. This process is realized by the CPU 251 of the server computer configuring the management system 106 executing a program.

In S701, the consumables life management unit 363 records the consumables replacement history based on a message containing event information regarding consumables replacement received via the monitoring device from the storage device 254 or a storage service on a network (not shown). Get information. When messages containing event information related to the replacement of consumables are received multiple times from the same sender, the contents are analyzed and it is determined that the consumables have been replaced based on the difference in serial number. In accordance with the determination, the device information management unit 359 records the number of times of stacking included in the message indicating replacement as the value of the total counter at the time of replacing the consumable.

In S702, the consumables life management unit 363 uses the consumables replacement history information to calculate the average lifespan for each type of consumables. The type of consumable item can be identified by the consumable item ID. The average lifespan calculation process is performed using the following formula.
“Average life” = Σ ((Total counter at the time of current consumable replacement - Total counter at the previous time of consumable replacement)) ÷ Number of replacements In S703, the device information management unit 359 calculates the average lifespan calculated by the consumable life management unit 363. Executes notification processing of average lifespan. In the notification process, the average lifespan of each type of consumable item identified by the consumable item ID is provided on the network via the WWW server program. Using a web browser, a maintenance person or a person in charge of a printing equipment manufacturer can grasp the average lifespan of consumables in actual operation.

According to the analysis based on the processing results shown in FIG. 7, this makes it possible to implement planned manufacturing and delivery arrangements for future consumables.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the monitoring device transmits information regarding the processing contents of the modeling process when one modeling process in the modeling apparatus 102 is completed. This process is performed by the CPU in the modeling apparatus 102 or information processing apparatus on which the monitoring apparatus operates, executing a program for realizing the monitoring apparatus. Here, a plurality of laminate-molded objects may be modeled in one modeling process.

In step S801, the device information management unit 305 detects the start of modeling processing in response to a notification from the modeling management unit 303. The device information management unit 305 records the time (year, month, date and time) when the modeling process was started, and the number of stacking times indicating the total counter value at the time of the start.

In S802, the device information management unit 305 detects completion of the modeling process in response to the notification from the modeling management unit 303. The device information management unit 305 records the time (year, month, date and time) when the modeling process was completed and the number of times of stacking indicating the total counter value at the time of completion.

In step S<b>803 , the device information management unit 305 acquires the amount of consumables (modeling materials, support materials) supplied by the consumable supply unit 212 during the modeling process recorded in the storage device 204 . The generation unit 307 generates a message including information indicating the acquired supply amount of the consumable material. In addition, the generated message further includes the file name of the printing data that was the object of the printing process, the owner name of the printing data, the time when the printing process started (year, month, date and time), and the total counter at the time of the start. The information includes the number of stackings indicating the value, the time (year, month, date and time) when the modeling process was completed, and the number of stacking indicating the total counter value at the time of completion.

In S804, the communication control unit 308 controls the generated message to be transmitted to the management system 106 via the network. The management system 106 uses this message for reporting the amount of consumables used for each modeling process, billing, and the like.

(Application example)
Regarding periodic maintenance by a person in charge of maintenance of the modeling apparatus 102, conventionally, the maintenance period has been determined based on time, such as once every month.

According to the present invention, the number of laminations is periodically transmitted to the management system 106 as a total counter that can provide an overall understanding of the operating status of the modeling apparatus 102 from the start of use. Therefore, regarding the timing of periodic maintenance, if the number of stacks since the last maintenance is greater than expected, it is possible to respond flexibly to maintenance earlier than usual.

In the management system 106, a maintenance person can register the year, month, date and time when maintenance was performed. Therefore, the device information management unit 305 of the management system 106 calculates the change from the value of the number of stacking times as a total counter periodically transmitted on the implementation date based on the value of the number of stackings periodically transmitted thereafter. Calculate automatically every day. If it is determined that the calculated amount of change exceeds a predetermined value, the notification management unit 357 automatically sends an e-mail message urging the maintenance person to perform maintenance.

(Other examples)
The present invention also includes devices or systems configured by appropriately combining the embodiments described above, and methods therefor.

Here, the present invention is an apparatus or system that is the main body that executes one or more software (programs) that realizes the functions of the embodiments described above. The present invention also includes a method for implementing the above-described embodiments that is executed by the device or system. 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. In other words, the present invention further includes the program itself or various computer-readable storage media storing the program. Further, the present invention can also be realized by a circuit (for example, an ASIC) that realizes the functions of the embodiments described above.

102 Modeling equipment 106 Management system

Claims (19)

A modeling device that creates a three-dimensional object by a modeling process that includes repeated lamination of consumable materials in a modeling section,
recording means for recording, in a storage unit of the modeling device, a value of the total number of layers indicating the number of times of lamination since the start of use of the modeling device, as a total count value by which the operating status of the modeling device can be grasped;
transmitting means for transmitting the value of the total number of layers to the information processing device,
Data including identification information for identifying the modeling device and a value of the total number of layers is transmitted from the information processing device to a management system that manages the modeling device via a network. A modeling device featuring: The transmitting means further transmits to the information processing device the number of times of stacking in units of jobs when modeling processing is executed in the modeling unit according to one job,
2. The modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus transmits data including the number of times of stacking for each job to the management system via the network. 3. The modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data is transmitted from the information processing apparatus according to a schedule specified by the management system. When an event occurs in the modeling device, the transmitting means further transmits information indicating the generated event to the information processing device,
From the information processing device to the management system via the network, information indicating the event that occurred, information indicating the time when the event occurred, and identification information for identifying the modeling device; The modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein data including a value of the total number of layers is further transmitted. The transmitting means further includes, with respect to the modeling process in the modeling unit, information indicating a time when the modeling process is started, information indicating a time when the modeling process is completed, and consumption information used in the modeling process. transmitting the amount of material used to the information processing device;
The information processing device sends information to the management system via the network, after the completion of the modeling process, information indicating the time at which the modeling process started, and information indicating the time at the completion of the modeling process. , characterized in that data indicating the modeling content generated from the value of the total number of the layers recorded in the storage unit of the modeling device and the usage amount of consumable materials used in the modeling process is transmitted. The modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the value of the total number of layers recorded in the storage unit is recorded based on the number of times consumable materials are stacked on a stage of a modeling unit during modeling processing. 3. The modeling device according to item 1. The value of the total number of layers recorded in the storage unit is based on the number of times the stage of the printing unit during the printing process moves for each stack in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the stage on which consumables are stacked. The modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the modeling apparatus records information. The recording means further records, in the recording unit, the usage amount of consumable materials used in the modeling process corresponding to the job executed by the modeling apparatus as a log,
The information processing device sends information to the management system via the network, based on the log recorded in the storage unit, the usage amount of consumables used in the modeling process in the modeling device and the modeling device. 8. The modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein data including identification information for identification is transmitted. 9. The modeling apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the log records usage amounts of each of the modeling material and the support material. 10. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data is transmitted from the information processing apparatus to the management system over a firewall installed in an environment to which the modeling apparatus belongs. Modeling equipment. A method in a modeling apparatus for printing a three-dimensional object by a printing process that includes repeated lamination of consumable materials in a printing section, the method comprising:
a recording step of recording, in a storage unit of the modeling device, a value of the total number of layers indicating the number of times of lamination since the start of use of the modeling device, as a total count value that can grasp the operating status of the modeling device;
a transmitting step of transmitting the value of the total number of layers to an information processing device,
Data including identification information for identifying the modeling device and a value of the total number of layers is transmitted from the information processing device to a management system that manages the modeling device via a network. A method characterized by: In the sending step, the number of times of stacking for each job when the printing process is executed in the printing unit according to one job is further sent to the information processing device;
12. The method according to claim 11 , further comprising transmitting data including the number of times of stacking for each job to the management system from the information processing device via the network. 13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the data is transmitted from the information processing device according to a schedule specified by the management system. When an event occurs in the modeling device, in the sending step, information indicating the event that has occurred is further sent to the information processing device;
From the information processing device to the management system via the network, information indicating the event that occurred, information indicating the time when the event occurred, and identification information for identifying the modeling device; 14. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that data comprising: a value of the total number of layers is further transmitted. In the sending step, further, regarding the modeling process in the modeling unit, information indicating the time at which the modeling process started, information indicating the time at the completion of the modeling process, and consumption used in the modeling process. the amount of material used is transmitted to the information processing device,
The information processing device sends information to the management system via the network, after the completion of the modeling process, information indicating the time at which the modeling process started, and information indicating the time at the completion of the modeling process. , characterized in that data indicating the modeling content generated from the value of the total number of the layers recorded in the storage unit of the modeling device and the usage amount of consumable materials used in the modeling process is transmitted. 15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14. Any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the value of the total number of layers recorded in the storage unit is recorded based on the number of times consumable materials are stacked on a stage of a modeling unit during modeling processing. or the method described in paragraph 1. The value of the total number of layers recorded in the storage unit is based on the number of times the stage of the printing unit during the printing process moves for each stack in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the stage on which consumables are stacked. 16. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the information is recorded. In the recording step, the usage amount of consumable materials used in the modeling process corresponding to the job executed by the modeling device is further recorded in the recording unit as a log,
The information processing device sends information to the management system via the network, based on the log recorded in the storage unit, the usage amount of consumables used in the modeling process in the modeling device and the modeling device. 18. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that data comprising identification information for identification is transmitted. A modeling device that creates a three-dimensional object through a modeling process that includes repeated lamination of consumable materials in a modeling section.
a recording step of recording, in a storage unit of the modeling device, a value of the total number of layers indicating the number of times of lamination since the start of use of the modeling device, as a total count value that can grasp the operating status of the modeling device;
a transmitting step of transmitting the value of the total number of layers to an information processing device;
A program for executing
Data including identification information for identifying the modeling device and a value of the total number of layers is transmitted from the information processing device to a management system that manages the modeling device via a network.
A program characterized by:

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