JP6774808B2 - 3D printer data change device, 3D printer data change program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a 3D printer data changing device and a 3D printer data changing program.

As is well known, a 3D printer is a device that creates and outputs a three-dimensional object. Since the initial 3D printers were expensive and large, they were mainly used for business purposes. However, in recent years, 3D printers have become smaller and cheaper as well as higher performance, and 3D printers that can be fully owned by individuals have begun to spread rapidly. And small and inexpensive 3D printers are not only used for outputting various three-dimensional objects (figures, parts of prefabricated models, etc.) owned by individuals and based on their hobbies, but also the 3D printers. It also contributes to the creation of new businesses such as "rental workshops" that rent out work places to users on an hourly basis and "rental 3D printers" that rent out 3D printers to individuals with a fixed deadline.

In order for a user to output a three-dimensional object using a 3D printer, a dedicated program for controlling the 3D printer to a personal computer or the like (hereinafter, user terminal) used by the user is usually used (hereinafter, printer control). A program) is installed to express the shape of the three-dimensional object to be output, and 3D printer data (for example, STL format) in a predetermined format that can be interpreted by the printer control program is prepared. Then, when the 3D printer data is processed by the printer control program being executed by the user terminal to which the 3D printer is connected, the 3D printer is controlled and a three-dimensional object is output.

As is well known, the essence of 3D printer data is 3D modeling data in which a three-dimensional object is represented by polygons or the like. Therefore, in order for an individual user to output an arbitrary three-dimensional object with his or her own or borrowed 3D printer, it is necessary to create the 3D printer data itself prior to the output work. The 3D printer data can be created by using 3D model creation software such as well-known 3D CAD software or 3DCG creation software that can be executed on the user terminal. Alternatively, it can be created by scanning a modeled object that is a prototype of the output object using a 3D scanner. Further, the 3D model creation software provides a GUI environment for accepting various editing operations on the created 3D printer data for the user who operates the user terminal, for example, a stereoscopic based on the initial 3D printer data. It is possible to accept the user's operation input while displaying the object on the user terminal, and freely edit the displayed three-dimensional object on the screen. Not only changing the shape of a part or the whole of a three-dimensional object, but also reducing and enlarging, various operations (joining, die cutting, compositing, etc.) for multiple three-dimensional objects prepared as individual 3D printer data, and the surface of the three-dimensional object. It is possible to freely change the state of a three-dimensional object by accepting various operations on the original three-dimensional object, such as changing the texture of the three-dimensional object (smooth surface, satin finish, etc.) and projecting a two-dimensional image on the surface of the three-dimensional object. Then, the 3D printer data corresponding to the changed three-dimensional object can be recreated. In this way, 3D printers have brought many users the possibility of creating various shaped objects.

Since the data format that can be handled by the 3D printer may differ depending on the model, most of the 3D model creation software can select the format of the 3D printer data to be created. At present, 3D printer data in STL format is a practical standard format, and many 3D printers and 3D model creation software support this STL format. The following Non-Patent Document 1 describes a method for creating 3D printer data and a procedure for outputting a three-dimensional object with a 3D printer using the 3D printer data. The following Patent Document 1 describes a method of synthesizing different information with printer data for outputting a predetermined three-dimensional object using a 3D printer and distributing it to a user in connection with an editing operation for 3D printer data. ing. Then, in the method, the synthesized separate information is data for forming a structure (which can be confirmed only by an X-ray scanner) inside the three-dimensional object, that is, a three-dimensional barcode. Yes, the three-dimensional barcode can be used as data for identifying the source of printer data or as data for the purpose of copyright protection. In addition, matters related to the present invention are described in Non-Patent Document 2 and Non-Patent Document 3 below.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-082678

Impress Co., Ltd., "Starting from here, 3D printer & modeling basic knowledge", [online], [Search on July 13, 2016], Internet <URL: http://akiba-pc.watch.impress.co. jp / docs / column / 3dpcontest / 620205.html ＞ Maruhon Co., Ltd., "Science of wood grain that is kind to both eyes and heart", [online], [Search on July 13, 2016], Internet <URL: http://www.mokuzai.com/in_di-112> Forest and Forestry Learning Center, "Macro-viewed timber structure", [online], [Search on July 13, 2016], Internet <URL: http://www.shinrin-ringyou.com/ mokuzai / kouzou_macro.php ＞

Among the three-dimensional objects output by the user with a 3D printer, there are three-dimensional objects that imitate wood carvings such as Buddha statues and folk crafts. In such wood carving, it is often the case that the wood grain of the natural wood used as the material is utilized without coloring. Therefore, when outputting a three-dimensional object imitating a wood carving with a 3D printer, it is important to reproduce not only the outer shape but also the grain of wood on the surface of the three-dimensional object.

By the way, as described in Non-Patent Documents 2 and 3 above, the grain of wood is geometrically determined by the shape of the annual ring originally possessed by natural wood, the shape of the model to be carved, and the positioning inside the wood. However, in the past, the user added a pattern that imitated the grain of wood appropriately (or like) to the surface of a three-dimensional object output using a 3D printer, or it was actually carved from wood. There was no choice but to imitate the wood grain on the surface of the sculpture as it was. That is, at present, it is not possible to output a three-dimensional object having a pattern that is very close to a natural and realistic grain of wood from a 3D printer.

Therefore, the present invention is a 3D printer data changing device which is configured by a computer system and can output a three-dimensional object having a pattern very similar to a natural and realistic wood grain to a 3D printer, and 3D printer data of the three-dimensional object. It is an object of the present invention to provide a 3D printer data change program for causing a computer to execute the generation process of.

The main invention for achieving the above object is a 3D printer data changing device that is configured by a computer system that can refer to the stored data of the storage device and creates 3D printer data for causing the 3D printer to output a three-dimensional object. hand,
The storage device stores 3D three-dimensional object data representing a 3D model of a three-dimensional object and 3D annual ring data representing a 3D model of wood on which annual rings are formed.
It is provided with a 3D three-dimensional object data acquisition means, a 3D annual ring data acquisition means, an arrangement setting means, and a 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data creation means.
The 3D three-dimensional object data acquisition means acquires the 3D three-dimensional object data of the three-dimensional object specified by the user input, and obtains the 3D three-dimensional object data.
The 3D annual ring data acquisition means acquires the 3D annual ring data specified by user input, and obtains the 3D annual ring data.
The arrangement setting means receives the operation information input by the user, arranges the three-dimensional object based on the acquired 3D three-dimensional object data in the area of the wood based on the acquired 3D annual ring data, and arranges the three-dimensional object based on the acquired wood. Set the relative arrangement relationship with the three-dimensional object,
The 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data creating means is a three-dimensional object in which a wood grain originating from the annual ring along the surface shape of the three-dimensional object is formed based on the set relative positional relationship between the wood and the three-dimensional object. Create 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data that expresses a 3D model of an object,
It is a 3D printer data changing device characterized by this.

The 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data may represent a 3D model of a three-dimensional object in which the wood grain is formed by grooves having a predetermined width. Color information is attached to the 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data, and it can be said that the 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data represents a 3D model of a three-dimensional object in which the wood grain is colored.

The storage device includes one first cylinder that describes the outer shape of wood, and a plurality of second cylinders that are arranged in the first cylinder and describe each of the plurality of annual rings having different diameters. It can also be a 3D printer data changing device in which the 3D annual ring data in which the wood is represented is stored. Alternatively, in the storage device, as the 3D annual ring data, a plurality of natural wood 3D annual ring data imitating the shape of each annual ring of a plurality of types of natural wood are stored in association with each type of natural wood. It can also be a 3D printer data changing device. The natural wood 3D annual ring data includes an annual ring represented by a hollow tubular three-dimensional figure having a thickness, and the 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data creating means is a surface region of the three-dimensional object and the hollow tubular shape. The 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data may be created so that the wood grain corresponding to the thickness is formed in the intersection region with the three-dimensional figure.

The 3D printer data changing device according to any one of the above is a 3DCG image in which the three-dimensional object is arranged in the wood based on the relative positional relationship between the wood and the three-dimensional object set by the arrangement setting means. May be provided with a means for displaying the image on the display.

The scope of the present invention is a 3D printer on a computer that can refer to 3D three-dimensional object data representing a 3D model of a three-dimensional object stored in a storage device and 3D annual ring data representing a 3D model of wood on which an annual ring is formed. It also includes a 3D printer data change program that creates 3D printer data for outputting a three-dimensional object.
To make a computer that can refer to 3D three-dimensional object data representing a 3D model of a three-dimensional object stored in a storage device and 3D annual ring data representing a 3D model of wood on which an annual ring is formed output a three-dimensional object to a 3D printer. It is a 3D printer data change program that creates 3D printer data of
The computer is made to execute the 3D three-dimensional object data acquisition step, the 3D annual ring data acquisition step, the arrangement setting step, and the 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data creation step.
In the 3D three-dimensional object data acquisition step, the 3D three-dimensional object data of the three-dimensional object specified by the user input is acquired.
In the 3D annual ring data acquisition step, the 3D annual ring data specified by the user input is acquired.
In the arrangement setting step, the operation information input by the user is received, the three-dimensional object based on the acquired 3D three-dimensional object data is arranged in the area of the wood based on the acquired 3D annual ring data, and the three-dimensional object is arranged with the wood. Set the relative arrangement relationship with the three-dimensional object,
In the 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data creation step, a three-dimensional object in which a wood grain originating from the annual ring along the surface shape of the three-dimensional object is formed based on the set relative positional relationship between the wood and the three-dimensional object. Create 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data that expresses a 3D model of an object,
It is a 3D printer data change program characterized by this.

According to the present invention, it is possible to output a three-dimensional object having a pattern very similar to a natural and realistic grain of wood to a 3D printer.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the 3D printer data changing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline of the 3D object based on the 3D solid object data stored in the storage device of the 3D printer data change apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the wood based on the geometric 3D annual ring data stored in the storage device of the 3D printer data change device. It is a figure which shows other example of wood based on the said geometric 3D annual ring data. It is a figure which shows an example of the wood based on the natural wood 3D annual ring data stored in the storage device of the 3D printer data change device. It is the schematic which shows the transition state of the screen which the 3D printer data changing apparatus which concerns on the said embodiment displays on a display. It is the schematic which shows the next transition state of the screen which the 3D printer data change apparatus which concerns on the said embodiment displays on a display. It is a schematic diagram which shows the next transition state of the screen which the 3D printer data changing apparatus which concerns on the said Embodiment displays on a display. It is a figure which shows other example of the wood based on the said natural wood 3D annual ring data.

Examples of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings used in the following description, the same or similar parts may be designated by the same reference numerals and duplicate description may be omitted. A coded part in one drawing may not be coded in another drawing if it is not necessary.

=== 3D printer data changer ===
FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the 3D printer data changing device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The hardware of the 3D printer data changing device 1 is composed of a user terminal made of a general personal computer. Further, in this example, a 3D printer is connected to the 3D printer data changing device 1 via an appropriate communication interface 30 such as USB, Bluetooth (registered trademark), wired or wireless Ethernet (registered trademark), and the like. The computer includes a control unit 10 including a CPU, RAM, and ROM, a storage device 20 such as an HDD, an input device 40 such as a keyboard and a mouse, an output device 50 mainly composed of a display, and the above-mentioned communication interface 30. It is composed of.

The main software in the 3D printer data changing device 1 is stored in the storage device 20 as a program executed by the control unit 10. The main software is a 3D printer data change program 21 and a printer control program 22. The 3D printer data change program 21 generally has a function as 3D model creation software, and when the control unit 10 executes the 3D printer data change program 21, the control unit 10 initially has no grain. Generates 3D printer data (hereinafter, also referred to as 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data) of a three-dimensional object in which a structure or structure (hereinafter, also referred to as wood grain) corresponding to wood grain is formed on the surface of the object. Further, in the storage device 20, in addition to the above programs (21, 22), 3D printer data (hereinafter, also referred to as 3D three-dimensional object data 23) representing a three-dimensional object without wood grain and 3D representing virtual wood are stored in the storage device 20. Modeling data (hereinafter, also referred to as 3D annual ring data 24) is stored. The 3D annual ring data 24 defines the outer shape of the wood that imitates the wood having the annual rings and the shape of the annual rings extending from the end face of the wood to the inside.

The 3D three-dimensional object data 23 may be downloaded from the data distributed on the Internet. In order to download the 3D three-dimensional object data 23, a communication means and a browser via the Internet may be mounted on the 3D printer data changing device 1. Of course, it may be created by the user using the function of the 3D model creation software included in the 3D printer data change program 21. Alternatively, it may be created by scanning a three-dimensional object as a prototype with a 3D scanner.

In the 3D printer data changing device 1 having the above configuration, the control unit 10 executes a predetermined program unit in the 3D printer data changing program 21, so that the control unit 10 can perform the data acquisition unit 11 and the 3D model described later. It functions as a creation unit 12, an arrangement setting unit 13, a 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data generation unit 14, and a printer control unit 15, and each of these units (11 to 15) is based on the user's operation input information input to the input device 40. 3D three-dimensional object data 23 and 3D annual ring data 24 are processed while linking the functions of, and 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data is created. Further, if necessary, the 3D printer 100 can output a three-dimensional object based on the 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data. The 3D printer 100 and the 3D printer control program 22 are unnecessary if the created 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data is used only for distribution. In the following, as an embodiment of the present invention, a case where a user forms a grain based on an annual ring of wood on a three-dimensional object imitating a Buddha image by using the 3D printer data changing device 1 will be given. Explain the function and operation of.

=== Example ===
<3D solid object data>

In the embodiment of the present invention, it is determined to create 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data corresponding to a three-dimensional object imitating a one-wooden Buddha image carved from one piece of wood, and a 3D three-dimensional object corresponding to a Buddha image without wood grain on the surface. Edit the data based on the 3D annual ring data. As a result, the grain of wood originating from the annual rings of wood is formed along the surface shape of the three-dimensional object (hereinafter referred to as the Buddha statue). FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the wood grainless Buddha image 80 represented by 3D three-dimensional object data. In this example, a three-dimensional object of Buddha statue 80 forming zazen is shown.

<3D annual ring data>
In this embodiment, the 3D annual ring data that is the origin of the wood grain formed on the surface of the Buddha statue 80 includes geometric 3D annual ring data in which the shape of the annual ring is a geometrical figure and an annual ring of wood cut out from natural wood. There is natural wood 3D annual ring data that faithfully imitates. FIG. 3 shows an example of geometric 3D annual ring data. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of geometric 3D annual ring data, and here, the wood 90a defined by the geometric 3D annual ring data is shown as a perspective view. Further, FIGS. 3B and 3C are plan views showing the shape of the annual ring 91a of the wood 90a described in the different geometric 3D annual ring data. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the plurality of annual rings 91a are defined by a plurality of cylinders having different diameters, and the wood 90a and the cylinders representing the annual rings are parallel to each other in the axial direction. There is. Here, a plane parallel to the end face 92 of the wood 90a is a horizontal plane, and the x-axis and the y-axis are set on this horizontal plane, and the normal direction of the end face 92, that is, the axial direction of the cylinder expressing the outer shape of the wood 90a is z. As for the axis, in the 3D annual ring data shown in FIG. 3 (B), the center coordinates (x, y) of the circles representing the annual rings 91a on the end face 92 of the wood 90a are the same, and the annual rings 91a are arranged concentrically. Has been done. In the 3D annual ring data shown in FIG. 3C, the center coordinates (x, y) of the circle representing the annual ring 91a are different on the end face 92 of the wood 90a. The cylinder representing the outer shape of the wood 90a and the plurality of cylinders representing the annual rings 91a are set so as not to intersect with each other. As a result, the plurality of annual rings 91a are arranged in a concentric circle or in a state deviated from the concentric circle. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the mode of the annual rings can be changed by changing the arrangement of the plurality of annual rings (91a-91a).

4 (A) and 4 (B) are examples of 3D annual ring data in which the annual ring 91a is represented by a geometric figure other than a cylinder, and FIG. 4 (A) shows the wood 90a and the annual ring 91a represented by elliptical columns. Further, in FIG. 4B, the end face 92 of the wood 90a and the annual ring 91a are represented by a seven-pointed star-shaped polygonal prism. The annual rings 91a do not have to have the same shape on both end faces (92-92) of the wood 90a. For example, from a truncated cone having different diameters on one end face 92 and the other end face 92 or from one end face 92 to the other end face 92. The shape may change continuously, for example, from a circle to an ellipse. In any case, in the geometric 3D annual ring data, when the x-axis and y-axis are set on the plane parallel to the end face 92 and the z-axis is set in the normal direction of the end face 92, the annual ring is set according to the position on the z-axis. It suffices if the figure expressing the above is described by the functions of x and y.

On the other hand, the natural wood 3D annual ring data is obtained as 3D modeling data by adopting the contour shape of the end face of the wood and the orbital shape of the annual ring as they are, and in this embodiment, each type of tree (sugi, pine, persimmon, etc.) Multiple types of natural wood 3D annual ring data corresponding to are prepared. The natural wood 3D annual ring data can be created by scanning actual wood, for example. For example, it is conceivable to scan the contour shape of the end face and the orbital shape of each of the plurality of annual rings, and extend the scanned two-dimensional image in the depth direction to form a columnar 3D model. Of course, unspecified users and 3D printer data creators can also manually create by using the functions of 3D model creation software on their own personal computers and 3D printer data change devices while referring to the actual products and photos. it can. FIG. 5 shows an example of a virtual natural wood 90b represented by the natural wood 3D annual ring data. FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing the natural wood 90b, and FIG. 5B is a plan view showing an aspect of the annual ring 91b of the natural wood 90b. In the example shown in FIG. 5, wood 90b cut out from natural cedar is shown, and the outer shape of the natural wood 90b and the annual ring 91b are faithfully represented. Of course, the outer shape of the wood 90b may be represented by a cylinder, and only the annual rings 91b may be represented in a manner imitating natural wood.

<Creation of 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data>
Next, a procedure for creating 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data of a Buddha image in which a wood grain pattern is formed on the surface will be described using the 3D three-dimensional object data of the Buddha image 80 and the natural wood 3D annual ring data expressing a certain natural wood 90b.

First, when the user operates the user terminal to activate the 3D printer data change program, the user terminal functions as a 3D printer data change device. When the 3D printer data change program is started and the initial screen for operating the program is displayed, the user creates 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data using the GUI provided by the 3D printer data change program. .. That is, 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data is created by repeating the information input / output procedure of changing the display state of the screen by the input operation on the screen mainly with the mouse. 6 to 8 show the transition of the screen displayed on the display of the 3D printer data changing device when the 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data is created by using the 3D printer data changing device. Then, the functions and operations of the 3D printer data changing device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 to 8.

When the user performs a predetermined operation on the initial screen, the 3D printer data changing device 1 is subjected to a predetermined operation of the storage device 20 by the data acquisition unit 11 of the control unit 10 as shown in FIG. 6 (A). The screen 41 that lists the files in the folder is displayed. In this example, the 3D three-dimensional object data 23 of a predetermined file format (for example, STL format) stored in the folder is displayed by the icon 123. Here, it is assumed that the predetermined icon 123 is instructed and the 3D solid object data of "Buddha image 1" is selected. When the control unit 10 receives the selection operation input information from the input device 40, the control unit 10 reads the file of the corresponding 3D solid object data 23 from the storage device 20, and the 3D model creation unit 12 reads the file of the corresponding 3D stereoscopic object data 23, and the 3D model creation unit 12 causes the Buddha image 80 shown in FIG. The screen 42 including the 3DCG image 180 of the above is displayed.

Next, when a predetermined operation is performed on the display screen 42 of the 3DCG image 180 of the Buddha image 80, the data acquisition unit 11 of the control unit 10 forms the Buddha image 80 on the surface of the Buddha image 80 as shown in FIG. 7 (A). The screen 43 for designating the 3D annual ring data of the wood that is the origin of the wood grain pattern is displayed. In this example, 10 types of wood are selectably prepared in the wood selection areas (60, 70) corresponding to each of the geometric 3D annual ring data and the natural wood 3D annual ring data. In the designated area 60 of the geometric 3D annual ring data, the name of the geometric figure of the annual ring is added to the radio button 61 for designating each wood. In the designated area 70 of each natural wood, a tree name is added to a radio button 71 for selecting wood. Here, it is assumed that the user selects the natural wood 3D annual ring data of "Sugi". The planar shape of the annual rings of each wood may be displayed as a thumbnail image on the screen 43 for selecting the 3D annual ring data.

When the control unit 10 receives an operation input for selecting a specific wood on the screen 43 for selecting 3D annual ring data, the control unit 10 reads the corresponding 3D annual ring data from the storage device 20 and causes the 3D model creation unit 12 to read the corresponding 3D annual ring data. As shown in FIG. 7B, a 3DCG image 180 of the Buddha image 80 based on the 3D three-dimensional object data 23 of the previously read "Buddha image 1" and a 3DCG image 190 showing the appearance shape of the designated natural wood 90b. , And a screen 44 including a 3DCG 191 representing the planar shape of the annual rings 91b. Then, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the screen 44, the control unit 10 links the 3D model creation unit 12 and the arrangement setting unit 13 to form the wood 90b as shown in FIG. A screen 45 including a 3DCG 200 expressing a state in which the Buddha image 80 is arranged is displayed. Then, the grain 93 is formed at the coordinate position where the coordinate range of the annual ring 91b including the inside of the wood 90b and the coordinate range of the surface of the Buddha image 80 intersect. In this example, the width (thickness) of the wood grain 93 can be specified, and the wood grain 93 is formed with the specified width on the surface of the Buddha image 80 in the 3DCG image 200. Further, a normal line 201 with respect to the end face 92 of the wood 90b and two straight lines (202, 203) orthogonal to each other while extending in an appropriate direction on a plane parallel to the end face 92 are rotation axes (201 to 203) of three axes, respectively. ) Is set. Further, the extension direction of each rotation axis (201 to 203) is set as the translation direction. Then, for example, when the wood 90b is gripped by a mouse operation and the wood 90b is rotated around an arbitrary axis (201 to 203) or translated in an arbitrary axis (201 to 203) direction, the operation is performed. The control unit 10 regenerates the 3DCG image 200 in which the relative positional relationship of the wood 90b with respect to the Buddha image 80 is changed by rotating or translating the wood 90b at each opportunity to accept the operation. Further, as the relative positional relationship between the Buddha image 80 and the wood 90b is changed, the aspect of the wood grain 93 is also changed. As a result, the user can confirm the state of the wood grain 93 in real time. The 3D printer data changing device 1 constantly monitors the relative positional relationship between the coordinate range corresponding to the outer shape of the wood 90b and the coordinate range on the surface of the Buddha image 80, and changes the relative positional relationship according to the operation input. When it is determined that the 80 deviates from the existing area of the wood 90b, the rotation processing and the movement processing of the wood 90b are prohibited even if there is an operation input of the user. As a result, the Buddha statue 80 is always placed inside the wood 90b.

If the user determines the final relative positional relationship between the wood 90b and the Buddha image 80 by his own operation input, for example, the 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data of the Buddha image 80 having the wood grain 93 is stored as a file. An operation is performed to save the device 20 or output the data to 3D printer data. When the control unit 10 receives this operation, the 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data generation unit 14 converts the 3D modeling data of the Buddha image 80 having the wood grain 93 at the time of acceptance into the 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data of a predetermined format such as the STL format. It is converted and the 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data file is stored in the storage device 20. Alternatively, the file is processed by the printer control unit 15, and the 3D printer 100 is made to output a three-dimensional object of the Buddha image 80 in which the groove expressing the wood grain 93 is carved. In this embodiment, the 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data itself is in a format that can be interpreted by the 3D printer 100, but when it is saved as a file, it is a data format unique to the 3D printer data change program 21. May be good. In any case, the 3D printer data changing device 1 may have a function of converting 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data into data or a file in a format corresponding to the model of the 3D printer 100. That is, it is sufficient to finally create 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data for causing the 3D printer to output a three-dimensional object having wood grain.

As described above, according to the 3D printer data changing device according to the present embodiment, a groove imitating a natural and realistic wood grain is formed in a three-dimensional object, and a "one-wooden" engraving carved from one timber is produced. The imitated three-dimensional object can be output to a 3D printer. Moreover, the relative positional relationship between the virtual wood, which is the origin of the grain, and the three-dimensional object can be freely set, and the way the grain is attached can be freely changed. That is, it is possible to output a three-dimensional object having the taste of "one-point object".
Therefore, the three-dimensional object output based on the 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data created by the 3D printer data changing device according to the present embodiment can give a great satisfaction to the user who owns the three-dimensional object. Further, if the three-dimensional object imitating a wooden sculpture is natural and realistic, the consumption of wood, which is a valuable natural resource, can be reduced to some extent. Therefore, the 3D printer data changing device according to the present embodiment is used. It is also useful from the viewpoint of protecting the natural environment.

=== Other Examples ===
In the above embodiment, the grain of wood is expressed by forming a groove having a predetermined width on the surface of the Buddha image, but the grain of wood may be formed by coloring the portion where the grain is formed with a color different from that of other portions. .. In this case, 3D wood grain solid object data in a predetermined format (for example, PLY format, VRML format, etc.) including color information that can be interpreted by a 3D printer capable of multicolor printing of two or more colors may be generated. If a 3D printer capable of multicolor printing of three or more colors is included and color information of three or more colors is included, wood grain of different colors can be formed. Alternatively, even the grain of wood originating from the same annual ring can be partially changed in color. In any case, it is sufficient that a colored grain is formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 8 (reference numeral 46 in the figure), a GUI capable of designating either a groove or a coloring of the wood grain 93 can be prepared. Of course, if the 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data is in a data format peculiar to the 3D printer data change program, the type of wood grain can be freely selected based on the data. It is also possible to enable mutual conversion of 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data having different wood grain types.

In the 3D annual ring data, different widths may be set for each of the plurality of annual rings. That is, the grain of wood formed on the three-dimensional object may be formed with the width of the corresponding annual ring. In this case, in the case of geometric 3D annual ring data, the width designation information is attached to the data that defines the three-dimensional shape (columnar, etc.) of each annual ring that extends to the inside of the timber, and the 3D printer data changing device is used. Based on the designated information, the curved coordinate region having a width of one dot at the intersection of the surface of the three-dimensional figure of the annual ring and the surface of the three-dimensional object may be widened to the designated width.

Regarding the natural wood 3D annual ring data, each annual ring may be accompanied by width designation information, but it is conceivable to define the annual ring itself as a tubular three-dimensional figure having a different wall thickness. That is, not only the wall thickness of each annual ring is changed from each other, but also the width is partially changed even in the circumferential shape of one annual ring. FIG. 9 shows an example of natural wood 90c represented by 3D annual ring data of natural wood having annual rings having partially different widths. As shown in FIG. 9, in the natural wood 90c, annual rings 91c having a partially different width on the circumference of one closed annual ring and annual rings 91b having a constant width over the entire circumference are mixed. Further, as for the annual rings 91b having a constant width over the entire circumference, a wide annual ring 91b and a narrow annual ring 91b are mixed. Of course, the width can be partially changed for all annual rings. Then, using such natural tree 3D annual ring data, if a grain is formed in the intersection region of the coordinate area of the three-dimensional figure of the annual ring and the coordinate area of the surface of the three-dimensional object, one closed annual ring has a width on its circumference. Even if it changes in a complicated manner and a grain of wood originating from the same annual ring is formed on the surface of the three-dimensional object, the width of the grain will differ depending on the part of the three-dimensional object, forming a more natural grain. Can be done.

The 3D printer data changing device according to the above embodiment has a user terminal such as a personal computer owned or occupied by the user as the main hardware, and a 3D printer data changing program is implemented in the hardware. Of course, not limited to such an embodiment, it is also possible to prepare a 3D printer data change program as an ASP on the Internet, a well-known SaaS (Software as a Service), or the like (hereinafter, also referred to as a server program). That is, in such an embodiment, the user terminal is a client terminal in which the minimum necessary program for using the server program via the Internet is installed, and substantially functions as an input / output device. The 3D printer data changing device includes means for communicating with a user terminal via the Internet, and is composed of a computer system equipped with a WWW server function and a 3D printer data changing program. Then, the 3D printer data changing device inputs / outputs the operation input information by the user and the output information to the display via the Internet. As described above, the hardware configuration and software configuration of the 3D printer data changing device according to the embodiment of the present invention can be appropriately changed. In any case, the embodiment of the present invention is a computer system capable of acquiring 3D solid object data and 3D annual ring data by accessing a storage device in which 3D solid object data and 3D annual ring data are stored. It is equipped with a function to create 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data by processing the above data.

1 3D printer data changer, 10 control unit, 11 data acquisition unit,
12 3D model creation unit, 13 layout setting unit, 14 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data generation unit,
20 storage device, 21 3D printer data change program, 23 3D solid object data, 24 3D annual ring data, 40 input device, 41-45 display screen, 50 output device,
80 three-dimensional object (Buddha statue), 90a, 90b, 90c wood,
91a, 91b, 91c annual rings, 100 3D printer,
180, 190, 200 3DCG images

Claims (7)

It is a 3D printer data changing device that is configured by a computer system that can refer to the stored data of the storage device and creates 3D printer data for causing the 3D printer to output a three-dimensional object.
The storage device stores 3D three-dimensional object data representing a 3D model of a three-dimensional object and 3D annual ring data representing a 3D model of wood on which annual rings are formed.
It is provided with a 3D three-dimensional object data acquisition means, a 3D annual ring data acquisition means, an arrangement setting means, and a 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data creation means.
The 3D three-dimensional object data acquisition means acquires the 3D three-dimensional object data of the three-dimensional object specified by the user input, and obtains the 3D three-dimensional object data.
The 3D annual ring data acquisition means acquires the 3D annual ring data specified by user input, and obtains the 3D annual ring data.
The arrangement setting means receives the operation information input by the user, arranges the three-dimensional object based on the acquired 3D three-dimensional object data in the area of the wood based on the acquired 3D annual ring data, and arranges the three-dimensional object based on the acquired wood. Set the relative arrangement relationship with the three-dimensional object,
The 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data creating means is a three-dimensional object in which a wood grain originating from the annual ring along the surface shape of the three-dimensional object is formed based on the set relative positional relationship between the wood and the three-dimensional object. Create 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data that expresses a 3D model of an object ,
In the storage device, as the 3D annual ring data, a plurality of natural wood 3D annual ring data that imitates the shape of each annual ring of a plurality of types of natural wood are stored in association with each type of natural wood. A featured 3D printer data changing device. The 3D printer data changing device according to claim 1, wherein the 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data represents a 3D model of a three-dimensional object in which the wood grain is formed by grooves having a predetermined width. According to claim 1 or 2, color information is attached to the 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data, and the 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data represents a 3D model of a three-dimensional object in which the wood grain is colored. Printer data changing device. In any one of claims 1 to 3, the storage device describes one first cylinder that describes the outer shape of wood and each of a plurality of the annual rings arranged in the first cylinder. A 3D printer data changing device, characterized in that the 3D annual ring data in which the wood is represented by a plurality of second cylinders having different diameters is stored. In any one of claims 1 to 4, the natural wood 3D annual ring data includes an annual ring represented by a hollow tubular three-dimensional figure having a thickness, and the 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data creating means 3D printer data modification, which is characterized in that the 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data is created so that the wood grain corresponding to the thickness is formed in the intersection region of the surface region of the three-dimensional object and the hollow tubular three-dimensional figure. apparatus. In any one of claims 1 to 5, a 3DCG image in which the three-dimensional object is arranged in the wood is obtained based on the relative positional relationship between the wood and the three-dimensional object set by the arrangement setting means. A 3D printer data changing device provided with means for displaying on a display. The 3D three-dimensional object data representing the 3D model of the three-dimensional object stored in the storage device and the 3D annual ring data representing the 3D model of the wood on which the annual ring is formed are stored in association with the type of natural wood. In addition, a 3D printer data change program that allows a computer that can refer to multiple natural wood 3D annual ring data that imitates the shape of each annual ring of multiple types of natural wood to create 3D printer data for outputting a three-dimensional object to the 3D printer. And
The computer is made to execute the 3D three-dimensional object data acquisition step, the 3D annual ring data acquisition step, the arrangement setting step, and the 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data creation step.
In the 3D three-dimensional object data acquisition step, the 3D three-dimensional object data of the three-dimensional object specified by the user input is acquired.
In the 3D annual ring data acquisition step, the natural wood 3D annual ring data specified by the user input is acquired, and the data is acquired.
In the arrangement setting step, the operation information input by the user is received, and the three-dimensional object based on the acquired 3D three-dimensional object data is arranged in the area of the wood based on the acquired natural wood 3D annual ring data, and the three-dimensional object is arranged. Set the relative arrangement relationship between the wood and the three-dimensional object,
In the 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data creation step, a three-dimensional object in which a wood grain originating from the annual ring along the surface shape of the three-dimensional object is formed based on the set relative positional relationship between the wood and the three-dimensional object. A 3D printer data change program characterized by creating 3D wood grain three-dimensional object data that expresses a 3D model of an object.

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