JP7448118B2 - 3D printing system, 3D printing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a 3D printing system, a 3D printing method, and a program for producing a modeled object using a 3D printer based on 3D data created by a designer in response to a request from a client.

A 3D printer forms a three-dimensional object by layering materials based on 3D data. When producing a model with a desired shape using a 3D printer, it is necessary to prepare 3D data representing the desired shape.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-146972 (Patent Document 1) discloses a web-based custom design 3D printing service system. In this system, video data is generated into a 3D modeling file by executing a 3D scanning program on a user terminal. A three-dimensional modeling file is input from a user terminal via a website provided by a cloud server. The cloud server executes the 3D printer model writing program to generate 3D content based on the input 3D modeling file. The printer module performs 3D printing of 3D content.

It may be preferable for a designer to create 3D data for a 3D printer based on 2D data such as two-dimensional image data. For example, in order to capture the characteristics of an object from an illustration or photograph and express that object three-dimensionally, creative activities by a designer are often required.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-15033 (Patent Document 2) describes a needs integration system that mediates transactions between customers and designers using a computer system that stores information regarding a plurality of designers.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-146972 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-15033

The above-mentioned conventional needs integration system is not intended for designers of 3D data for 3D printers. The inventors connected three parties: a client who requests modeling using a 3D printer, a designer who creates 3D data for modeling using a 3D printer, and a manufacturer who creates a model using a 3D printer. , we investigated the construction of a computer system that provides opportunities for modeling using 3D printers. During the study, several issues unique to 3D printing were discovered. One such issue is that there may be a gap between the object the client envisioned and the object actually produced by the manufacturer using a 3D printer based on the 3D data created by the designer. I understand.

Designers often create 3D data based on draft data such as images of objects provided by clients. For example, if the original data is two-dimensional data (2D data) such as a photograph of the object, the client has seen the actual object, but the designer has only seen the object in photographs. This is an unprecedented situation. In such a case, the three-dimensional image envisioned by the designer based on the draft data may differ from the image envisioned by the client. Furthermore, the finish ascertained from 3D data created by a designer may differ from the finish of a model actually produced using a 3D printer. Due to the combination of these multiple factors, a gap may arise between the object envisioned by the client and the object actually produced.

Designer skills are required to narrow this gap. For example, if a designer can accurately grasp the image envisioned by the client and create 3D data that fully considers the finish when produced with a 3D printer, the above gap can be reduced. In other words, it is thought that by improving the designer's skills and improving the quality of 3D data, it becomes possible to create a model that is closer to the model envisioned by the client.

Therefore, this application proposes a 3D printing system and a 3D printing method that connect clients, designers, and manufacturers to realize modeling using a 3D printer, and enable the creation of objects that are closer to the objects envisioned by the client. , and disclose the program.

A 3D printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a client's terminal for printing using a 3D printer, a terminal of a designer who creates 3D data for printing using a 3D printer, and a terminal for printing using a 3D printer. This is a 3D printing system that can be accessed via a network to the terminal of the manufacturer who manufactures the product. The 3D printing system includes a request reception unit that receives a modeling request from the client's terminal, a 3D data request unit that sends a 3D data creation request to the designer's terminal in response to the request, and the designer a 3D data reception unit that receives the created 3D data from the terminal of the manufacturer and stores it in the recording unit; and a 3D data reception unit that sends a check request for the 3D data to the terminal of the producer and stores the 3D data from the terminal of the producer. a check request unit that allows access, a check result receiving unit that receives check results for the check request from the manufacturer's terminal, and transmits the check results to the designer's terminal; a 3D data update unit that accepts updates of 3D data and stores the updated 3D data in the storage unit; and a 3D data update unit that receives updates of 3D data and stores the updated 3D data in the storage unit; The apparatus includes an approval requesting section that can be accessed from a terminal, and a modeling requesting section that transmits a request for producing a modeled object based on the updated 3D data to the manufacturer's terminal in response to approval from the client.

According to the present disclosure, when a client, a designer, and a manufacturer are brought together to realize modeling using a 3D printer, it is possible to create a model close to the model envisioned by the client.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a 3D printing system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of data access control. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the 3D printing system. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of check result record data.

A 3D printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a client's terminal for printing using a 3D printer, a terminal of a designer who creates 3D data for printing using a 3D printer, and a terminal for printing using a 3D printer. This is a 3D printing system that can be accessed via a network to the terminal of the manufacturer who manufactures the product. The 3D printing system includes a request reception unit that receives a modeling request from the client's terminal, a 3D data request unit that sends a 3D data creation request to the designer's terminal in response to the request, and the designer a 3D data reception unit that receives the created 3D data from the terminal of the manufacturer and stores it in the recording unit; and a 3D data reception unit that sends a check request for the 3D data to the terminal of the producer and stores the 3D data from the terminal of the producer. a check request unit that allows access, a check result receiving unit that receives check results for the check request from the manufacturer's terminal, and transmits the check results to the designer's terminal; a 3D data update unit that accepts updates of 3D data and stores the updated 3D data in the storage unit; and a 3D data update unit that receives updates of 3D data and stores the updated 3D data in the storage unit; The apparatus includes an approval requesting section that can be accessed from a terminal, and a modeling requesting section that transmits a request for producing a modeled object based on the updated 3D data to the manufacturer's terminal in response to approval from the client.

According to the above-mentioned 3D printing system, it is possible to connect a client, a designer, and a manufacturer and provide an opportunity to produce a model desired by the client using a 3D printer. Specifically, the request receiving unit and the 3D data requesting unit allow the designer to create 3D data based on a request from a requester. The 3D data reception section, check request section, and check result reception section enable the producer to check the 3D data created by the designer, and the designer can obtain the check results. Since the manufacturer actually handles the 3D printer, the manufacturer can check the 3D data from the viewpoint of whether it is suitable for modeling with the 3D printer. Note that the check of the 3D data by the producer may be automatically executed by a computer. By knowing the check results by the manufacturer, the designer can gain knowledge on how to make 3D data more suitable for modeling. The 3D data update unit allows the designer to update 3D data. The updated 3D data is saved as updated 3D data. Further, the approval requesting section allows the requester to approve the updated 3D data after confirming the updated 3D data. The modeling request section can request the manufacturer to produce the object if the requester approves the updated 3D data.

In this way, in the above-mentioned 3D printing system, the designer creates 3D data based on a request from the client, the producer checks the 3D data, the check results are fed back to the designer, the designer updates the 3D data, and the client After the updated 3D data is approved by the 3D data, a request for production of a modeled object based on the 3D data is executed. In this way, the 3D data created by the designer is checked from the producer's perspective, and the check results are provided to the designer. The designer can update the 3D data based on the check results. This makes the 3D data more suitable for modeling by a 3D printer and improves the quality. Additionally, your designer skills will improve. Since the requester confirms and approves the updated 3D data, he or she can confirm higher quality 3D data. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the gap between the object envisioned by the client and the object actually produced by the manufacturer using a 3D printer based on 3D data created by the designer. It becomes possible to create objects that are close to the objects envisioned by the client.

The check request unit may transmit a check request for the updated 3D data updated by the 3D data update unit to the manufacturer's terminal. This allows the producer to check again the updated 3D data that has been updated by the designer, for example, in response to the producer's check results. This makes it possible to create objects that are closer to the objects envisioned by the client.

The check result may include either a positive check result that requires no modification of the 3D data or the updated 3D data, or a negative check result that prompts modification of the 3D data or the updated 3D data. . In this case, when the check result receiving unit receives a positive check result from the producer's terminal, the approval requesting unit requests approval of the 3D data or the updated 3D data to the client's terminal. The 3D data or the updated 3D data may be accessible from the client's terminal. As a result, if the manufacturer checks and determines that the 3D data or updated 3D data does not require modification, the requester is requested to approve the 3D data or updated 3D data. Therefore, the requester can consider whether to approve the highly complete 3D data or the updated 3D data.

The approval requesting unit sends, as the updated 3D data, an image showing the shape and surface color of the object to be modeled, and an image showing the shape but not the surface color of the object to be modeled from the client's terminal. It may be accessible. The requester can check both updated 3D data with color and updated 3D data without color. The client can more accurately check both the finished shape and the finished surface color. As a result, it becomes possible to produce a model that is closer to the model envisioned by the client.

The apparatus may further include a data storage unit that generates check result record data indicating the check results of the 3D data based on the check results received from the producer's terminal and stores the data in a database. The check result record data stored in the database may be accessible from the manufacturer's terminal. Thereby, information regarding the check results can be accumulated in the 3D printing system. Additionally, the accumulated information can be used on the producer terminal. As a result, the 3D data can be checked taking past check results into consideration. As a result, more accurate checks can be made on the manufacturer's terminal.

The check result record data stored in the database may be accessible from the designer's terminal. This allows the designer to create 3D data taking past check results into consideration. As a result, the designer can create 3D data of higher quality.

The check result received by the check result receiving unit from the manufacturer's terminal may include information indicating a modification to the 3D data. Thereby, the designer who has obtained the check results can more accurately modify the 3D data.

The check result received by the check result reception unit from the manufacturer's terminal may include information regarding the color of the surface of a model when the model is modeled by the 3D printer using the 3D data. This allows the designer to obtain information regarding the color of the surface of the object when it is formed using a 3D printer.

The 3D printing method according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a client's terminal for printing using a 3D printer, a terminal of a designer who creates 3D data for printing using a 3D printer, and a terminal for printing a model using a 3D printer. This is a 3D modeling method that is executed by a computer that can access the manufacturer's terminal via a network. The 3D modeling method includes a request receiving step of accepting a modeling request from the client's terminal, a 3D data requesting step of transmitting a 3D data creation request to the designer's terminal in response to the request, and a 3D data requesting step of transmitting a 3D data creation request to the designer's terminal. a 3D data receiving step of receiving the created 3D data from the terminal of the manufacturer and storing it in a recording unit; and a step of transmitting a check request for the 3D data to the terminal of the producer and accessing the 3D data from the terminal of the producer. a check result receiving step of receiving a check result for the check request from the manufacturer's terminal and transmitting the check result to the designer's terminal; and a check result receiving step of receiving the check result from the designer's terminal; a 3D data update step of accepting a data update and storing the updated 3D data in the recording unit; and transmitting a request for approval of the updated 3D data to the client's terminal, and transmitting the updated 3D data to the client's terminal. and a modeling request step of transmitting a request for manufacturing a molded object based on the updated 3D data to the manufacturer's terminal in response to approval from the requester.

The program in the embodiment of the present invention is installed on a client's terminal for modeling using a 3D printer, a designer's terminal for creating 3D data for modeling using a 3D printer, and a terminal for creating a model using a 3D printer. This is a program that causes a computer that can access the manufacturer's terminal via a network to execute the process. The program includes a request reception process for accepting a modeling request from the client's terminal, a 3D data request process for transmitting a 3D data creation request to the designer's terminal in response to the request, and a 3D data request process for receiving a modeling request from the client's terminal. 3D data reception processing in which the created 3D data is received from and stored in a recording unit, and a check request for the 3D data is sent to the manufacturer's terminal, and the 3D data is made accessible from the manufacturer's terminal. a check request process for receiving the check result for the check request from the manufacturer's terminal, and a check result receiving process for transmitting the check result to the designer's terminal; and a check result receiving process for receiving the 3D data from the designer's terminal. 3D data update processing of accepting an update and storing the updated 3D data in the recording unit; transmitting a request for approval of the updated 3D data to the client's terminal; and accessing the updated 3D data from the client's terminal. A computer is caused to execute an approval request process for enabling the client, and a modeling request process for transmitting a request for production of a model based on the updated 3D data to the manufacturer's terminal in response to approval from the client.

[Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Identical and corresponding components in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and the same description will not be repeated. In order to make the explanation easier to understand, in the drawings referred to below, the configuration is shown in a simplified or schematic manner, and some structural members are omitted.

(System configuration example)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a 3D printing system in this embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the 3D printing system 10 can access the client terminal 3, the designer terminal 4, and the manufacturer terminal 5 via the network N. The client is a client who requests modeling using a 3D printer. A designer is a person who creates 3D data for modeling using a 3D printer. The maker is a person who uses the 3D printer 6 to produce a modeled object. The 3D printing system 10 is a computer system that provides an opportunity for clients, designers, and producers to be involved in modeling using a 3D printer. Note that each of the client, designer, and producer may be a natural person or a corporation. The network N is, for example, a communication network such as the Internet or an intranet, although it is not particularly limited.

The 3D modeling system 10 includes a request reception section 11, a 3D data request section 12, a 3D data reception section 13, a check request section 14, a check result reception section 15, a 3D data update section 16, an approval request section 17, a modeling request section 18, and A data storage section 19 is provided. The 3D printing system 10 can access the recording unit 2.

The request reception unit 11 accepts modeling requests from the client terminal 3. The request reception unit 11 communicates with the client terminal 3 to enable the client to input a modeling request into the client terminal 3. The request reception unit 11 may receive, from the client terminal 3, a request for modeling as well as draft data indicating the object to be modeled. For example, the request reception unit 11 transmits necessary data to the client terminal 3 so that the client terminal 3 can provide an interface such as a screen for requesting modeling and inputting draft data. The request reception unit 11 receives a modeling request and draft data inputted at a client terminal. The draft data is recorded in the recording section 2. The format of the draft data is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a two-dimensional image (2D data), three-dimensional data, or text data showing a shaped object.

When the 3D data requesting unit 12 receives a request from the client terminal 3, it transmits a request for creating 3D data to the designer terminal 4. Further, the 3D data requesting unit 12 makes the original data received from the requester accessible from the designer terminal 4. For example, by providing information for accessing the draft data to the designer terminal 4, the draft data can be made accessible from the designer terminal 4. The information for accessing the draft data may include, for example, information indicating the storage location of the draft data and authentication information. Alternatively, the 3D data requesting unit 12 may transmit the draft data to the designer terminal 4.

Note that the 3D data requesting unit 12 may decide which designer to request 3D data creation from among a plurality of designers. The designer may be determined, for example, based on the designation of the designer received from the client. Alternatively, the designer may be determined using information on designers registered in advance and information regarding request conditions received from the requester.

The 3D data receiving unit 13 receives the created 3D data from the designer terminal 4 and stores it in the recording unit 2. The 3D data reception unit 13 may cause the designer terminal 4 to provide an interface such as a screen for transmitting 3D data.

The check request unit 14 transmits a 3D data check request to the manufacturer terminal 5 and makes the 3D data accessible from the manufacturer terminal 5. For example, the check request unit 14 provides information for accessing the 3D data to the producer terminal 5 along with the check request. The check request can be, for example, a request to determine whether or not a modeled object as indicated by the 3D data can be produced when the 3D data is used for modeling with a 3D printer handled by the manufacturer. That is, a request to determine whether or not 3D data is suitable for modeling with a 3D printer handled by the manufacturer can be a check request. The manufacturer has information regarding the functions and characteristics of the 3D printer. Therefore, the manufacturer can determine whether the 3D data is suitable for modeling with a 3D printer. Note that the check of the 3D data by the producer may be performed by a person or may be executed by computer processing.

When checking the 3D data at the manufacturer, for example, it may be checked whether or not a structural problem may occur in a modeled object formed by a 3D printer using the 3D data. Alternatively, the reproducibility of the surface color of the structure represented by the 3D data by the 3D printer may be checked.

The check result reception unit 15 receives the check results for the check request from the manufacturer terminal 5 and transmits the check results to the designer terminal 4. The check result may include, for example, information indicating whether the 3D data is suitable for modeling with a 3D printer. Further, the check result may include either a positive check result that makes it unnecessary to modify the 3D data, or a negative check result that prompts the modification of the 3D data. The check result may further include information indicating modifications to the 3D data. In this case, the check result reception unit 15 may receive the corrected 3D data from the producer terminal 5 as the check result.

Further, the check result may include information regarding the color of the surface of the object when the object is formed using 3D data using a 3D printer. The information regarding the surface color may include, for example, information indicating that the pattern expressed by the color of the object may be different from the pattern shown in the 3D data. That is, the check result may include a determination result as to whether or not the color representation of the surface of the object is different from the color representation of the surface of the 3D data. In other words, the check result may include the result of determining whether or not the color expression of the surface indicated by the 3D data can be reproduced in the object formed by the 3D printer, or the result of determining the degree to which it can be reproduced.

The format of the check results received from the producer terminal 5 is not particularly limited. For example, the check results may include determination results for multiple items. As an example, the check results may include determination results regarding a plurality of items, such as shape feasibility, surface color expression feasibility, and presence or absence of improvement plans.

The check results received from the producer terminal 5 may be directly transmitted to the designer terminal 4, or data generated based on the check results may be transmitted to the designer terminal 4. Further, information for accessing the check results recorded in the recording unit 2 may be transmitted to the designer terminal 4.

The 3D data update unit 16 receives updates of 3D data from the designer terminal 4. For example, the 3D data in the recording unit 2 can be updated from the designer terminal 4. In this case, the 3D data in the recording unit 2 updated via the designer terminal 4 becomes updated 3D data. Alternatively, the 3D data update unit 16 may receive updated 3D data from the designer terminal 4. The 3D data update unit 16 may set a period for accepting updates of 3D data from the designer terminal 4, that is, at least one of the start of acceptance and the end of acceptance. For example, after the first check result is sent to the designer terminal 4, acceptance of 3D data updates may be started. Furthermore, the period during which updates of 3D data are accepted can be limited to a predetermined period from the start of acceptance.

The check request unit 14 can transmit a check request for the updated 3D data updated by the 3D data update unit 16 to the manufacturer terminal 5. In this case, the check request unit 14 makes the updated 3D data accessible from the producer terminal 5.

The approval request unit 17 transmits a request for approval of the updated 3D data to the client terminal 3 and makes the updated 3D data accessible from the client terminal 3. The approval requesting unit 17 provides, for example, information for accessing the updated 3D data to the client terminal 3 along with the approval request. Alternatively, the updated 3D data may be sent to the client terminal 3. The approval request requests the requester to approve the updated 3D data created by the designer. The approval request unit 17 can receive a response from the client terminal 3 indicating whether or not to approve. Note that there may be cases where the 3D data in the recording unit 2 is not updated by the designer. For example, if the check result indicates that the 3D data does not need to be modified, the 3D data does not need to be updated. If the 3D data is not updated, the approval request unit 17 transmits an approval request for the original 3D data to the client terminal 3, and makes the 3D data accessible from the client terminal 3.

The approval requesting unit 17 makes an image showing the shape and surface color of the object to be modeled and an image showing the shape but not the surface color of the object to be modeled accessible from the client's terminal as updated 3D data. Good too. An image that shows the shape of the object to be modeled but does not show the color of the surface is an image in which information about the color of the surface is omitted. The image that shows the shape of the object to be modeled but does not show the color of the surface may be, for example, an image that shows the surface of the object to be modeled in only one color. Note that the approval requesting unit 17 may provide the requester with an image showing the color of the 3D data that has not been updated and an image not showing the color.

When the modeling requesting unit 18 receives approval from the client terminal 3 as a response to the approval request, it transmits a request for manufacturing the modeled object based on the updated 3D data to the manufacturer terminal 5. That is, the modeling requesting unit 18 transmits a request for manufacturing the object to the manufacturer terminal 5 on the condition that approval of the updated 3D data is received from the client terminal 3. Note that if the 3D data does not need to be updated, a request for manufacturing the object based on the 3D data that has not been updated is sent to the manufacturer terminal 5.

The data storage unit 19 generates check result record data based on the check results received from the manufacturer terminal 5 and stores it in the database. The check result recording data is data indicating the check result of 3D data. The check result recording data has a data format suitable for recording in a database. That is, it is preferable that the check result record data be recorded in a data format suitable for searching. The check result record data may include, for example, text data indicating the content of the check result, data such as data indicating the classification of the check result, data indicating the object, and the like. The check result record data may be accessible from at least one of the producer terminal 5 and the designer terminal 4.

The 3D printing system 10 is configured by a computer including a processor and a memory. Each of the request reception section 11, 3D data request section 12, 3D data reception section 13, check request section 14, check result reception section 15, 3D data update section 16, approval request section 17, modeling request section 18, and data storage section 19. The functional unit is realized by a processor executing a program. Embodiments of the present invention also include a program that causes a computer to execute the processing of each functional unit, and a non-transitory recording medium that records such a program. The 3D printing system 10 may be configured by multiple computers. The recording unit 2 can be realized by a recording device that can be accessed from a computer that constitutes the 3D printing system 10.

(Data access control example)
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of data access control by the 3D printing system 10. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the original data, 3D data, and check results are recorded in the recording unit 2. The 3D printing system 10 controls access to these data from the client terminal 3, designer terminal 4, and producer terminal 5, respectively. An example of access control will be described below.

When the request reception unit 11 receives the draft data together with the request for the object from the client terminal 3, the request reception unit 11 records the data in the recording unit 2. The 3D data requesting unit 12 determines a designer and transmits a 3D data creation request to the designer terminal 4. After transmitting the 3D data creation request, the 3D data requesting unit 12 makes the draft data accessible from the designer terminal 4. The 3D data reception unit 13 receives 3D data from the designer terminal 4 and records it in the recording unit 2. The check request unit 14 transmits a check request to the manufacturer terminal 5, and after transmitting the check request, the manufacturer terminal 5 is enabled to access the 3D data. The check result reception unit 15 transmits the check result received from the manufacturer terminal 5 to the designer terminal 4. The 3D data updating unit 16 enables updating to 3D data from the designer terminal 4 for a certain period of time after transmitting the check result to the designer terminal 4. When the 3D data is updated, the check request unit 14 sends a check request to the manufacturer terminal 5 again. At this time, the updated 3D data can be accessed from the producer terminal 5. Upon receiving the second check result, the check result reception unit 15 transmits the check result to the designer terminal 4. The 3D data update unit 16 enables the designer terminal 4 to update to 3D data for a certain period of time after transmitting the second check result to the designer terminal 4. After the updatable period ends, the approval requesting unit 17 transmits an approval request to the client terminal 3, and after the transmission, the client terminal 3 makes the 3D data (updated 3D data) accessible. When the modeling request unit 18 receives approval from the client terminal 3 and sends a request for manufacturing the modeled object to the manufacturer terminal 5, the 3D data (updated 3D data) becomes accessible from the manufacturer terminal 5. ing. The 3D data (updated 3D data) can be accessed from the manufacturer terminal 5 for a certain period of time after the production request is sent.

Furthermore, each time the data storage unit 19 receives a check result from the manufacturer terminal 5, it generates check result record data and stores it in the database 2a. The check result record data stored in the database 2a may be accessible from the designer terminal 4 and the manufacturer terminal 5 at any time. Alternatively, the period during which the database 2a can be accessed from the designer terminal 4 and the producer terminal 5 may be limited. For example, the database 2a may be accessible from the designer terminal 4 from the time the 3D data is requested to the designer terminal 4 until the approval request is sent to the client terminal 3. In this way, the 3D printing system 10 can control access from at least one of the designer terminal 4 and the manufacturer terminal 5 to the check result record data in the database 2a of the data storage section 19.

(Operation example)
FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the 3D printing system 10. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the 3D modeling system 10 receives a request and draft data from the client terminal 3 in step S1. The draft data is, for example, a diagram, picture, or photographic image of the object to be modeled. The draft data may be a still image or a moving image. For example, the client terminal 3 can access a web page provided by the 3D printing system 10 and input a modeling request and draft data from the web page screen.

In step S2, the 3D printing system 10 determines a designer and transmits a 3D data creation request to the designer terminal 4 of the determined designer. Along with the 3D data creation request, data necessary for accessing the draft data is transmitted to the designer terminal 4. The 3D modeling system 10 transmits, for example, data indicating the storage location of the draft data and authentication data such as a password to the designer terminal 4.

In step S3, the 3D printing system 10 receives 3D data created by the designer from the designer terminal 4. The 3D data is stored in the recording unit 2. Note that for data communication between the 3D modeling system 10 and the designer terminal 4, an e-mail application, a message transmission/reception application, a file transfer application, or the like can be used, for example.

In step S4, the 3D printing system 10 transmits a check request to the manufacturer terminal 5. The check request can be sent using e-mail or other messaging applications, for example. Along with the check request, data necessary for accessing the 3D data is transmitted to the producer terminal 5.

In step S5, the 3D printing system 10 receives the check result from the manufacturer terminal 5 as a response to the check request. Note that for data communication between the 3D modeling system 10 and the manufacturer terminal 5, an e-mail application, a message transmission/reception application, a file transfer application, or the like can be used, for example. The check results include, for example, information indicating whether correction of 3D data is necessary for a plurality of items. The plurality of items include, for example, shape feasibility and color expression feasibility.

In step S6, the 3D printing system 10 transmits the check results to the designer terminal 4. The 3D modeling system 10 puts the 3D data in the recording unit 2 in a state where the designer terminal 4 can update the 3D data in the recording unit 2 during a certain period (updatable period) after the check result is sent to the designer terminal 4. For example, during the updatable period, the designer terminal 4 is given the authority to overwrite the 3D data in the recording unit 2.

In step S7, the 3D modeling system 10 accepts updates of 3D data by the designer terminal 4 during the updateable period. The designer can update the 3D data based on the check results. For example, a designer can modify 3D data to improve shape feasibility or color representation feasibility.

In step S8, the 3D printing system 10 sends a check request to the manufacturer terminal 5 again. The second check request transmission in step S8 may be executed when the 3D data is updated from the designer terminal 4 during the updatable period. As a result, a check request is sent to the producer terminal 5 regarding the updated 3D data, that is, the updated 3D data.

In step S9, the 3D printing system 10 receives the check result from the manufacturer terminal 5. The received second check result is transmitted to the designer terminal 4 (step S10). The 3D printing system 10 determines whether the second and subsequent check results are positive check results that do not require correction, or negative check results that require correction. In the case of a negative check result, the 3D modeling system 10 makes it possible to update the updated 3D data in the recording unit 2 from the designer terminal 4 during a certain period (updatable period) after sending the check result. If the check result is positive, the update 3D data in the recording unit 2 is not allowed to be updated from the designer terminal 4.

If the check result is positive, the 3D printing system 10 transmits a request for approval of updated 3D data to the client terminal 3 in step S11. Along with the approval request, data necessary for accessing the updated 3D data is transmitted to the requester terminal 3. At this time, the updated 3D data includes an image showing the shape and surface color of the object to be modeled, that is, an image with surface color information attached, and an image showing the shape of the object to be modeled but not showing the surface color, ie, the surface color. Both images with no information attached can be accessed from the client terminal 3.

In step S12, the 3D printing system 10 receives approval from the client terminal 3 as a response to the approval request. Upon receiving the approval, the 3D printing system 10 transmits a production request to the manufacturer terminal 5 in step S13. Thereby, the manufacturer can start manufacturing the object based on the updated 3D data using the 3D printer 6.

Note that the operation of the 3D printing system 10 is not limited to the above example. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, after sending a check request to the manufacturer terminal 5, sending the check result to the designer terminal 4, and accepting 3D data update from the designer terminal 4, an approval request is sent to the requester. There is. On the other hand, after transmitting the approval request to the client terminal 3 and receiving the approval from the client terminal 3, the check request transmission, the check result transmission, and the 3D data update reception may be performed.

Further, in each of step S5 and step S9, after receiving the check results from the manufacturer terminal 5, the 3D printing system 10 generates check result record data based on the received check results, and stores the data in the database 2a. It's okay.

(Example of check result record data)
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of check result record data. In the example shown in FIG. 4, an ID is assigned to the determination result of each item included in the check result. Data related to the check results, such as determination results, items, categories, 3D data storage locations, keywords, etc., are recorded in association with each ID. A category is a classification of objects to be modeled. The keyword is a word indicating the content of the check result. In this example, the check result record data includes a check result identifier (ID), a check item, and character string data explaining the check result.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the check results include determination results for multiple items. Examples of items include structure determination and color expression feasibility.

In the structure determination item, it is determined whether there is a structural problem in the three-dimensional shape represented by 3D data. For example, if a three-dimensional shape represented by 3D data is a shape that has a closed space inside, a model manufactured using a 3D printer based on the 3D data will have support material in the part corresponding to the space. Filled. In this case, it is difficult to remove the support material. Therefore, in the structure determination item, it may be determined whether the shape represented by the 3D data is such that the support material can be removed.

For example, if a modeled object represented by 3D data includes a structure in which a heavy part is supported at the end of a long and thin member, the heavy part of the modeled object produced with a 3D printer will not be supported and will not be represented in the 3D data. It may not be possible to maintain the desired shape. Therefore, in the structure determination item, it may be determined whether the shaped object represented by 3D data has sufficient strength to maintain its shape.

In the color representation feasibility item, it is determined whether the surface color representation represented by 3D data can be similarly represented in a 3D printed object. For example, the resolution of patterns that can be realized by a 3D printer differs depending on the color of the surface. If the resolution of the 3D printer is lower than the resolution represented by the 3D data, it may not be possible to express the color of the surface represented by the 3D data. For example, when adding detailed patterns, letters, etc. to the surface of a shaped object using different colors, the pattern or letters may end up being more blurry than those shown in 3D data. Furthermore, gradation and metallic color expressions often cannot be reproduced in a molded object as expressed in 3D data.

In this embodiment, the 3D printing system 10 allows a client, a designer, and a manufacturer to cooperate with each other to create 3D data and produce a modeled object using a 3D printer. The 3D printing system 10 provides a mechanism for the producer to check the 3D data created by the designer based on the original data provided by the client. Furthermore, the results of checking the 3D data by the manufacturer are fed back to the designer. The designer will be able to update the 3D data taking into account the check results. Further, after the requester approves the 3D data, a modeling request is sent to the producer. These mechanisms improve the quality of 3D data created by designers. It will also improve your designer skills. As a result, it becomes possible to create objects that are close to the objects envisioned by the client. For example, according to the 3D printing system 10, even a designer with little experience can have the opportunity to create 3D data and respond to requests from clients. As a result, more designers, clients, and producers can have the opportunity to be involved in 3D modeling.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

10: 3D printing system, 2: Recording section, 3: Client terminal, 4: Designer terminal, 5: Producer terminal, 6: 3D printer, 11: Request reception section, 12: 3D data request section 12, 13: 3D Data reception section, 14: Check request section, 15: Check result reception section, 16: 3D data update section, 17: Approval request section, 18: Modeling request section, 19: Data storage section

Claims (9)

Via the network, it connects to the client's terminal for modeling using a 3D printer, the terminal of the designer who creates 3D data for modeling using the 3D printer, and the terminal of the manufacturer who creates the object using the 3D printer. A 3D printing system that can be accessed by
a request reception unit that accepts modeling requests from the client's terminal;
a 3D data requesting unit that transmits a 3D data creation request to the designer's terminal in response to the request;
a 3D data reception unit that receives created 3D data from the designer's terminal and stores it in a recording unit;
a check request unit that transmits a check request for the 3D data to the manufacturer's terminal and makes the 3D data accessible from the manufacturer's terminal;
a check result reception unit that receives a check result for the check request from the manufacturer's terminal and transmits the check result to the designer's terminal;
a 3D data update unit that receives an update of the 3D data from the designer's terminal and stores the updated 3D data in the storage unit;
an approval request unit that transmits an approval request for the updated 3D data to the client's terminal, and makes the updated 3D data accessible from the client's terminal;
a modeling request unit that transmits a request for manufacturing a molded object based on the updated 3D data to the manufacturer's terminal in response to approval from the requester;
The approval requesting unit sends, as the updated 3D data, an image showing the shape and surface color of the object to be modeled, and an image showing the shape but not the surface color of the object to be modeled from the client's terminal. A 3D printing system that makes it accessible. The 3D printing system according to claim 1, wherein the check request unit transmits a check request for the updated 3D data updated by the 3D data update unit to the manufacturer's terminal. The check result includes either a positive check result that makes it unnecessary to modify the 3D data or the updated 3D data, or a negative check result that prompts modification of the 3D data or the updated 3D data,
When the check result receiving unit receives a positive check result from the manufacturer's terminal, the approval requesting unit transmits an approval request for the 3D data or the updated 3D data to the client's terminal. The 3D printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the 3D data or the updated 3D data can be accessed from the client's terminal. further comprising a data storage unit that generates check result record data indicating the check result of the 3D data based on the check result received from the manufacturer's terminal and stores it in a database;
4. The 3D printing system according to claim 1, wherein the check result record data stored in the database is accessible from the manufacturer's terminal. 5. The 3D printing system according to claim 4, wherein the check result record data stored in the database is accessible from the designer's terminal. 6. The 3D printing system according to claim 1, wherein the check result received by the check result receiving unit from the manufacturer's terminal includes information indicating corrections to the 3D data. The check result received by the check result reception unit from the manufacturer's terminal is
7. The 3D printing system according to claim 1, further comprising information regarding the color of the surface of a modeled object when the 3D printer uses the D data to model the object. Via the network, the information is sent to the client's terminal for modeling using a 3D printer, the terminal of the designer who creates 3D data for modeling using the 3D printer, and the terminal of the manufacturer who creates the object using the 3D printer. A 3D printing method executed by a computer accessible by
a request reception step of accepting a modeling request from the client's terminal;
a 3D data requesting step of transmitting a 3D data creation request to the designer's terminal in response to the request;
a 3D data receiving step of receiving the created 3D data from the designer's terminal and storing it in a recording unit;
a check request step of transmitting a check request for the 3D data to the manufacturer's terminal and making the 3D data accessible from the manufacturer's terminal;
a check result receiving step of receiving a check result for the check request from the manufacturer's terminal and transmitting the check result to the designer's terminal;
a 3D data update step of accepting an update of the 3D data from the designer's terminal and storing the updated 3D data in the recording unit;
an approval request step of transmitting an approval request for the updated 3D data to the client's terminal and making the 3D data accessible from the client's terminal;
a modeling request step of transmitting a request for manufacturing a molded object based on the updated 3D data to the manufacturer's terminal in response to approval from the client;
In the approval requesting step, an image showing the shape and surface color of the object to be modeled and an image showing the shape but not the surface color of the object to be modeled are sent from the client's terminal as the updated 3D data. A 3D printing method that makes it accessible. Via the network, the information is sent to the client's terminal for modeling using a 3D printer, the terminal of the designer who creates 3D data for modeling using the 3D printer, and the terminal of the manufacturer who creates the object using the 3D printer. A program that causes a computer that can be accessed to execute a process,
a request reception process for accepting a modeling request from the client's terminal;
3D data request processing for transmitting a 3D data creation request to the designer's terminal in response to the request;
3D data reception processing for receiving the created 3D data from the designer's terminal and storing it in a recording unit;
a check request process of transmitting a check request for the 3D data to the manufacturer's terminal and making the 3D data accessible from the manufacturer's terminal;
a check result reception process of receiving a check result for the check request from the manufacturer's terminal and transmitting the check result to the designer's terminal;
3D data update processing that receives an update of the 3D data from the designer's terminal and stores the updated 3D data in the recording unit;
an approval request process of transmitting an approval request for the updated 3D data to the client's terminal, and making the updated 3D data accessible from the client's terminal;
causing a computer to execute a modeling request process of transmitting a request for manufacturing a molded object based on the updated 3D data to the manufacturer's terminal in response to approval from the client;
The approval request process includes transmitting, as the updated 3D data, an image showing the shape and surface color of the object to be modeled, and an image showing the shape but not the surface color of the object to be modeled to the client's terminal. A program that can be accessed from.

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