JP7360125B2 - Information processing devices, systems, object manufacturing methods, information processing methods, and programs - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing device, a system, an object manufacturing method, an information processing method, and a program.

Conventionally, materials (objects) have various textures, such as hard, soft, and fit. The texture required for a material varies depending on its purpose, such as medical products and construction materials. Therefore, when producing materials for specific uses, materials with various textures (physical properties) are combined depending on the use.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-012751 WO2016/137818 WO2014/100462

Asuka Nagai, Jun Sakuma: Low-density porous design to optimize human tactility, BioFrontier Conference Proceedings, Vol.27, C106, (2016) Hirokazu Shirato, Takashi Maeno: Modeling of material recognition mechanism for tactile sensation presentation and detection, Journal of the Virtual Reality Society of Japan, Vol.9, No.3, pp235-240 (2004)

However, conventional techniques do not necessarily produce objects with appropriate physical properties. For example, when manufacturing soft objects, the sensation evoked by the word "soft" differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. For this reason, the physical properties of manufactured objects often vary, and objects with appropriate physical properties are not necessarily manufactured.

An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, a system, an object manufacturing method, an information processing method, and a program that can manufacture objects with appropriate physical properties.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objects, the present invention includes a reception unit that receives input of identification information for identifying the sensation given to a user of an object, and a system that receives input of identification information received by the reception unit. The information processing apparatus includes a generation unit that generates model data for designing the object based on the information processing unit, and an output control unit that outputs the model data generated by the generation unit.

The present invention also provides a system comprising at least an information processing device and a modeling device, the receiving section receiving an input of identification information for identifying a sensation given to a user of an object, and a system including an information processing device and a modeling device. A system comprising: a generation unit that generates model data for designing the object based on the identification information; and a modeling unit that shapes the object based on the model data generated by the generation unit. .

The present invention also provides a reception step for receiving an input of identification information for identifying a sensation given to a user of the object, and model data for designing the object based on the identification information received by the reception step. The method of manufacturing an object includes: a generation step of generating the model data; an output control step of outputting the model data generated by the generation step; and a modeling step of modeling the object based on the model data.

The present invention also provides a reception step for receiving an input of identification information for identifying a sensation given to a user of the object, and model data for designing the object based on the identification information received by the reception step. The information processing method includes a generation step of generating the model data, and an output control step of outputting the model data generated by the generation step.

Further, the present invention allows a computer to receive an input of identification information for identifying a sensation given to a user of an object, generate model data for designing the object based on the received identification information, and generate model data for designing the object. This is a program for executing each process of outputting the model data.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device, a system, a method for manufacturing an object, an information processing method, and a program that can manufacture objects with appropriate physical properties.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions that the information processing device according to the embodiment has. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of related information referenced by the generation unit of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the shape and length of each side of the unit cell structure of the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the unit cell model of the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the type of unit cell model and load-displacement characteristics of the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between L/S and load-displacement characteristics of the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the volume of the intersection and the load-displacement characteristics of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the volume of the intersection and the load-displacement characteristics of the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the difference in shape recovery speed depending on the volume of the intersection in the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the manufacturing method of the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a lattice dome for evaluation. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a load variation curve of a lattice dome for sensitivity evaluation when the column thickness is changed. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing Japanese expressions obtained from each sample. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing classification items of Japanese expressions. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing factor loadings and factor contribution rates.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of an information processing apparatus, a system, an object manufacturing method, an information processing method, and a program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not limited to the following description. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments or conventional techniques as long as there is no inconsistency in the processing content.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 of the embodiment includes an information processing device 10 and a modeling device 20. The devices illustrated in FIG. 1 are in a state where they can communicate with each other directly or indirectly via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

The information processing device 10 generates model data for manufacturing an object. The model data is information that becomes the basis for modeling an object with the modeling device 20. The details of the process for generating model data will be described later. The information processing device 10 then sends the generated model data to the modeling device 20.

Note that in the following embodiments, a case will be described in which a medical product is manufactured as an example of an object. However, embodiments are not limited to medical products, and a wide variety of objects can be manufactured depending on the application, such as, for example, construction materials.

The modeling device 20 includes a modeling section 21 that models an object based on model data received from the information processing device 10. In this embodiment, the modeling unit 21 is composed of a group of hardware elements that provide the functions of a three-dimensional printer.

For example, the modeling section 21 has a liquid layer (tank) for filling a photosensitive resin that is a material of the object, and a laser for curing the photosensitive resin in the liquid layer by a photopolymerization reaction. The modeling unit 21 forms a three-dimensional structure corresponding to the model data by selectively curing positions within the liquid layer defined based on the model data using a laser.

Next, the information processing device 10 of this embodiment will be explained. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, an auxiliary storage device 14, and an input device 15. , a display device 16, and an external I/F (Interface) 17.

The CPU 11 is a processor (processing circuit) that centrally controls the operation of the information processing device 10 and realizes various functions of the information processing device 10 by executing programs. Various functions included in the information processing device 10 will be described later.

The ROM 12 is a nonvolatile memory, and stores various data (information written during the manufacturing stage of the information processing device 10) including a program for starting the information processing device 10. The RAM 13 is a volatile memory that has a work area for the CPU 11. The auxiliary storage device 14 stores various data such as programs executed by the CPU 11. The auxiliary storage device 14 is composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like.

The input device 15 is a device for an operator using the information processing device 10 to perform various operations. The input device 15 includes, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or a hardware key. Note that the operator corresponds to, for example, a manufacturer who manufactures an object.

The display device 16 displays various information. For example, the display device 16 displays image data, model data, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations from an operator, medical images, and the like. The display device 16 is configured with, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or a cathode ray tube display. Note that the input device 15 and the display device 16 may be integrally configured, for example, in the form of a touch panel.

The external I/F 17 is an interface for connecting (communicating) with an external device such as the modeling device 30. Although not shown, the external I/F 17 may be connected to a medical image diagnostic device such as an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) device or an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions that the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment has. Note that although the example in FIG. 3 illustrates only the functions related to this embodiment, the functions that the information processing device 10 has are not limited to these. As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 10 includes a storage section 101, a reception section 102, a generation section 103, and an output control section 104. The storage unit 101 is realized, for example, by the auxiliary storage device 14 (eg, HDD). The reception unit 102, the generation unit 103, and the output control unit 104 are realized by, for example, the CPU 11.

The storage unit 101 stores preset information of model data, a database referred to when generating model data, and the like. Furthermore, the storage unit 101 can also store image data (DICOM data) captured by a medical image diagnostic apparatus.

The receiving unit 102 has a function of receiving input from an operator. For example, the reception unit 102 receives an input operation performed by an operator via the input device 15, converts the received input operation into an electrical signal, and sends the electric signal to each unit within the information processing device 10.

The reception section 102 is a unit lattice structure having a polygonal prism-shaped space as one unit, and is configured with a unit lattice structure including a plurality of structural columns connecting two points among a plurality of vertices forming the polygonal prism shape. Accepts input of identification information that identifies the sense of an object. Note that the unit cell structure will be described later.

Here, the identification information is information for identifying the sensation given to the user by using the object, such as "feeling A" and "feeling B," for example. However, rather than using simple identification information, it is preferable to use sensory terms such as "hard," "soft," and "good fit," since this can be intuitively conveyed to the operator. Hereinafter, information expressed using such sensory terms will be referred to as "texture information." Note that the texture information is an example of identification information that identifies sensations.

For example, the reception unit 102 causes the display device 16 to display texture information such as "hard," "soft," and "good fit." The operator performs an input to select desired texture information from among the texture information displayed on the display device 16. The reception unit 102 receives input from the operator and sends the received texture information to the generation unit 103.

Note that the reception unit 102 can also receive input of "sound symbol information" which is linguistic information expressed in a sound symbol word as the identification information. Here, the sound symbol word is a term in which the state or movement of an object is symbolically expressed with a sound (on), and includes, for example, onomatopoeia, onomatopoeia, onomatopoeia, and mimetic words. In other words, "sound symbol information" is, for example, text information representing sound symbol words such as "click" and "fluffy."

The generation unit 103 generates model data for manufacturing the object based on the texture information received by the reception unit 102. For example, the generation unit 103 generates the shape parameters corresponding to the texture information received by the reception unit 102 by referring to related information (table) in which texture information and shape parameters that define the physical properties of the object are associated. Generate model data that includes

Here, the object manufactured based on the model data is composed of a unit cell structure. The unit cell structure is a unit cell structure in which a polygonal prism-shaped space is one unit, and includes a plurality of structural columns connecting two points among a plurality of vertices forming the polygonal prism shape. This unit cell structure includes the shape of the space that is one unit, the length of each side of this space, the number of structural columns, the direction of the structural columns, the thickness of the structural columns, the cross-sectional shape of the intersection where the structural columns intersect, and the volume of the intersection.

In other words, the generation unit 103 generates, as shape parameters, the shape of the space in which the unit cell structure is one unit, the length of each side of this space, the number of structural columns, the direction of the structural columns, the thickness of the structural columns, and the structural columns. A parameter including at least one of the cross-sectional shape of the intersection where the two intersect, and the volume of the intersection is determined. Furthermore, the number of structural columns and the direction of the structural columns are defined by the type of unit cell model that indicates the arrangement pattern of a plurality of structural columns included in the unit cell structure. Note that it is preferable that the generation unit 103 determines a shape parameter that includes at least one of the cross-sectional shape and volume of the intersection.

Then, the generation unit 103 generates model data including the determined shape parameters. The processing and shape parameters of the generation unit 103 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of related information referenced by the generation unit 103 of the embodiment. This related information (table) is information in which texture information and various shape parameters are associated. This related information is stored in advance in the storage unit 101, for example.

As shown in Figure 4, the related information includes "texture information", "shape", "length of each side", "model", "thickness of structural column", and "volume of intersection". This is the information given. Here, "shape", "length of each side", "model", "thickness of structural column", and "volume of intersection" are examples of shape parameters. Various shape parameters will be described later using FIGS. 5 to 11.

For example, the first record of related information in FIG. ", and the volume of the intersection "V1" are associated with each other. When the texture of "hard" is input, the shape is "cubic", the length of each side is "S1", the model is "model C", the thickness of the structural column is "W1", and the intersection of This means that the shape parameters of the volume "V1" are selected. Further, in FIG. 4, various shape parameters are similarly stored in association with other texture information.

Note that the content shown in FIG. 4 is just an example, and the content shown in FIG. 4 is not limited to the content shown in the figure. For example, the related information in FIG. 4 may be stored not only in the storage unit 101 but also in an external storage device with which the information processing device 10 can communicate. For example, if the related information is stored in an external storage device on the network, the generation unit 103 can refer to the related information stored in the external storage device on the network.

Further, for example, when receiving input of "sound symbol information" as identification information, the sound symbol information and various shape parameters are associated with each other in the related information. For example, the related information includes the sound symbol information "Kachi Kachi", the shape "Cube shape", the length of each side "S1", the model "Model C", the thickness of the structural column "W1", and the volume of the intersection " "V1" is associated with it. When the phonetic symbol word "click" is input, the shape "cubic shape", the length of each side "S1", the model "model C", the thickness of the structural column "W1", and the intersection This means that the shape parameter of the volume "V1" of the section is selected.

Various shape parameters such as shape, length of each side, model, thickness of structural column, and volume of intersection will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 11.

First, the "shape" and "length of each side" in FIG. 4 will be explained. "Shape" is the shape of the unit cell structure. “The length of each side” corresponds to the size (length of one side) of the unit cell structure.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the shape and length of each side of the unit cell structure of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the "shape" corresponds to a cubic shape composed of six square faces. This cubic space has eight points P1 to P8 corresponding to vertices. Further, in the example of FIG. 5, since this space has a cubic shape, all sides have the same length. The length of each side of the space in FIG. 5 is expressed, for example, by the distance between point P1 and point P2.

Here, a method of representing lines and planes in a unit cell structure will be explained. In this embodiment, when a line and a surface are described, the vertices forming the line or surface are shown in parentheses. For example, the notation "line (P1, P2)" represents a line connecting point P1 and point P2. Further, the notation "line (P1, P7)" represents a line (diagonal line) connecting point P1 and point P7. Further, the notation "surface (P1, P2, P3, P4)" represents a surface (bottom surface) whose vertices are point P1, point P2, point P3, and point P4. Note that structural columns are written in the same way as lines are written.

The unit cell structure according to the embodiment includes a plurality of structural columns connecting two points among the plurality of points P1 to P8. In other words, the spatial shape in FIG. 2 corresponds to the shape of the unit cell structure. The number and direction (arrangement direction) of structural columns are defined in advance by, for example, a unit cell model.

Note that the content shown in FIG. 5 is just an example, and is not limited to the content shown. For example, the cubic space shown in FIG. 5 is just an example, and the space shape in which the unit cell structure is one unit may be a polygonal prism shape. In this case, it is preferable that the unit cell structure has one unit of space having one of the shapes of a triangular prism, a quadrangular prism, and a hexagonal prism, for example. As the triangular prism shape, an equilateral triangular prism shape is suitable. Further, as the quadrangular prism shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape is suitable in addition to the above-mentioned cubic shape. Further, as the hexagonal prism shape, a regular hexagonal prism shape is suitable. Further, the structural column has a columnar shape such as a polygonal columnar shape or a cylindrical shape. Further, the lateral direction of the structural column is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the structural column.

Next, the "model" in FIG. 6 will be explained. The model is a unit cell model that shows the basic skeletal shape of the unit cell structure.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the unit cell model of the embodiment. In FIG. 6, a broken line indicates a cubic space (the space in FIG. 5) corresponding to one unit. Furthermore, solid lines indicate the presence of structural columns. Note that the unit cell model illustrated in FIG. 6 is preferably arranged so that its arrangement direction matches the direction of the load applied to the object in the vertically downward direction of FIG. Note that the direction of the load applied to the object is the direction in which the load received from each part of the human body is applied.

As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the unit cell model includes model A, model B, model C, model D, and model E. Here, Model A, Model B, and Model C have an intersection of structural columns at the center of a cubic space. Moreover, Model D and Model E have an intersection of structural columns at the center of at least one surface among the plurality of surfaces constituting the cubic shape.

Model A is a unit cell model including four structural columns arranged along diagonals of a cubic shape. Specifically, model A has structural columns (P1, P7), structural columns (P2, P8), structural columns (P3, P5), and structural columns (P4, P6).

Model B is a unit cell model that, in addition to the four structural columns similar to model A, further includes eight structural columns arranged along multiple sides surrounding the bottom and top surfaces of a cube. . Specifically, model B has the four structural columns that model A has. Furthermore, model B has four structural columns (P1, P2), structural columns (P2, P3), structural columns (P3, P4), and structural columns (P4) surrounding the bottom surface (P1, P2, P3, P4). , P1). Model B also has four structural columns (P5, P6), structural columns (P6, P7), structural columns (P7, P8), and structural columns (P8) surrounding the top surface (P5, P6, P7, P8). , P5).

Model C is a unit cell model that, in addition to the 12 structural columns similar to model B, further includes four structural columns arranged along the load direction. Specifically, model C has the 12 structural columns that model B has. Furthermore, model C has four structural columns (P1, P5), structural columns (P2, P6), structural columns (P3, P7), and structural columns (P4, P7) arranged along the direction of the load applied to the object. P8).

In other words, the difference between model B and model C is the four structural columns (P1, P5), structural columns (P2, P6), structural columns (P3, P7), and structural columns arranged along the load direction. (P4, P8).

Model D is a unit cell model with 12 structural columns arranged along diagonals of each of the six faces. Specifically, model D has two structural columns (P1, P3) and two structural columns (P2, P4) along the diagonal line of the bottom surface (P1, P2, P3, P4). Moreover, the model D has two structural columns (P5, P7) and two structural columns (P6, P8) along the diagonal line of the upper surface (P5, P6, P7, P8). Moreover, the model D has two structural columns (P1, P6) and two structural columns (P2, P5) along the diagonal lines of the side surfaces (P1, P2, P5, P6). Moreover, the model D has two structural columns (P2, P7) and two structural columns (P3, P6) along the diagonal lines of the side surfaces (P2, P3, P6, P7). Moreover, the model D has two structural columns (P3, P8) and two structural columns (P4, P7) along the diagonal lines of the side surfaces (P3, P4, P7, P8). Moreover, the model D has two structural columns (P1, P8) and two structural columns (P4, P5) along the diagonal lines of the side surfaces (P1, P4, P5, P8).

Compared to model D, model E is a unit cell model that does not include structural columns along the diagonal lines of the bottom and top surfaces, but further includes eight structural columns arranged along a plurality of sides surrounding the bottom and top surfaces. be. Specifically, the model E has two structural columns (P1, P6) and two structural columns (P2, P5) along the diagonal of the side surfaces (P1, P2, P5, P6). Moreover, the model E has two structural columns (P2, P7) and two structural columns (P3, P6) along the diagonal lines of the side surfaces (P2, P3, P6, P7). Moreover, the model E has two structural columns (P3, P8) and two structural columns (P4, P7) along the diagonal lines of the side surfaces (P3, P4, P7, P8). Moreover, the model E has two structural columns (P1, P8) and two structural columns (P4, P5) along the diagonal lines of the side surfaces (P1, P4, P5, P8). In addition, model E has four structural columns (P1, P2), structural columns (P2, P3), structural columns (P3, P4), and structural columns (P4) surrounding the bottom surface (P1, P2, P3, P4). , P1). In addition, model E has four structural columns (P5, P6) surrounding the top surface (P5, P6, P7, P8), structural columns (P6, P7), structural columns (P7, P8), and structural columns (P8). , P5).

In other words, the difference between Model D and Model E is the presence or absence of structural columns arranged on the bottom and top surfaces. Specifically, it has four structural columns (P1, P3), structural columns (P2, P4), structural columns (P5, P7), and structural columns (P6, P8) along the diagonal lines of the bottom and top surfaces. This is Model D. In addition, eight structural columns surrounding the bottom and top surfaces (P1, P2), structural columns (P2, P3), structural columns (P3, P4), structural columns (P4, P1), structural columns (P5, P6), Model E has structural columns (P6, P7), structural columns (P7, P8), and structural columns (P8, P5).

In addition, in Figure 6, the structural columns of Model D and Model E are illustrated by solid lines of two different thicknesses, but this does not indicate the actual thickness of the structural columns, but is intended for clarity of illustration. It is. In other words, the thicker solid line indicates the structural column included in "the surface visible on the front side of the box" when the cubic space is likened to a box. In addition, the thinner solid line indicates a structural column that is included only in the "surface visible on the back side of the box" when the cubic space is likened to a box. Note that the "surfaces visible on the front side of the box" are the top surface (P5, P6, P7, P8), the side surfaces (P1, P2, P5, P6), and the side surfaces (P1, P4, P5, P8). Furthermore, "the surfaces visible on the back side of the box" are the bottom surface (P1, P2, P3, P4), the side surfaces (P2, P3, P6, P7), and the side surfaces (P3, P4, P7, P8).

In other words, the object of this embodiment has a structure in which a plurality of unit cell models are repeatedly and consecutively arranged. Specifically, the object has at least one layer in which a plurality of unit cell structures are arranged on the same plane, and is configured by stacking these layers. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the structural column can be any shape, such as a polygon such as a quadrangle, a pentagon, or a hexagon, a circle, or an ellipse.

Note that the content shown in FIG. 6 is just an example, and is not limited to the content shown. For example, the model shown in FIG. 6 is just an example, and the unit cell model may include structural columns at arbitrary positions. However, it is preferable that the unit cell structure includes a plurality of structural columns such that one of the structural columns passes through all the vertices constituting the polygonal column-shaped space.

Furthermore, the unit cell structure includes a structure having an intersection of structural columns at the center of a cube-shaped space, and a structure having an intersection of structural columns at the center of at least one surface among a plurality of surfaces constituting the cube. It is not limited to. However, it is preferable that the unit cell structure has an intersection where at least two structural columns intersect at a position different from a plurality of vertices.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the type of unit cell model and load-displacement characteristics of the embodiment. Here, the load-displacement characteristic represents the relationship between the load [N] applied to an object and the displacement [mm] of the object due to the load, and is a physical property that represents the hardness and adhesion of the object. Used as an indicator. In this embodiment, the load-displacement characteristic is measured by applying a load to an object configured with a unit cell structure. In the graph of load-displacement characteristics, the vertical axis of the graph corresponds to load [N], and the horizontal axis of the graph corresponds to displacement [mm]. In other words, in the load-displacement characteristic graph, the harder the object, the steeper the graph, and the softer the object, the more gradual the graph. Note that graphs are usually obtained as curves, but in the following figures, they are shown as straight lines to simplify the explanation.

In FIG. 7, an explanation will be given using the load-displacement characteristics of objects configured by the unit cell models of model A, model B, and model C shown in FIG. Note that in FIG. 7, the thickness of the structural columns and the volume of the intersection of models A, B, and C are constant.

From the load-displacement characteristics shown in Figure 7, it can be seen that the greater the number of structural columns included in each model, the harder the object becomes. Furthermore, from the load-displacement characteristics shown in FIG. 7, it is recognized that the closer the direction of the structural column is to the load direction, the harder the object becomes. Therefore, by setting an arbitrary unit cell model, it is possible to manufacture an object having arbitrary physical properties.

Next, the "thickness of the structural column" in FIG. 4 will be explained. The thickness of the structural column is the thickness of each structural column in the unit cell model, and is expressed, for example, by the ratio of the thickness of the structural column (L) to the length of one side of the unit space (S).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between L/S and load-displacement characteristics of the embodiment. In FIG. 8, explanation will be given using the load-displacement characteristics of an object having structural columns of different thicknesses in model A of FIG. Note that in FIG. 8, the volume of the intersection of each object is constant.

Further, in FIG. 8, as an example of the thickness of the structural column, a case will be described in which the ratio between the thickness (L) of the structural column and the length of one side of the unit space (S) is different. In the example in Figure 8, "L/S: 1/3" corresponds to the case where the structural column is the thickest, "L/S: 1/5" and "L/S: 1/8" correspond to the case where the structural column is the thickest. Compatible with thinner cases. Note that the thickness of the structural column can be, for example, the length of the longest straight line among the straight lines passing through the center of gravity in the cross section of the structural column in the transverse direction.

From the load-displacement characteristics shown in FIG. 8, it is recognized that the larger (thicker) L/S is, the harder the object becomes. Furthermore, it is recognized that the smaller (thinner) L/S is, the softer the object becomes. Therefore, by setting structural columns with arbitrary thicknesses, it is possible to manufacture objects having arbitrary physical properties.

Next, the "volume of the intersection" in FIG. 4 will be explained. The volume of the intersection is the volume of a region (intersection) where at least two structural columns intersect in a unit space.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the volume of the intersection and the load-displacement characteristic in the unit cell structure of the embodiment. FIG. 9 illustrates the relationship between the volume of the intersection and the load-displacement characteristic when a load is applied. In FIG. 9, explanation will be given using the load-displacement characteristics of an object having intersections of different volumes in model A of FIG. In FIG. 9, the thickness (L) of the structural columns of each object is constant. Note that in the load-displacement characteristic when a load is applied shown in FIG. 9, the point (position) on the graph representing the displacement according to the load moves in the direction of the arrow in the graph.

In the load-displacement characteristics shown in FIG. 9, when the volume of the intersection is large, an inflection point P11 is observed in the graph. In other words, when a load is applied to an object with a large volume at the intersection, it behaves like a hard substance from the origin O to the inflection point P11, and behaves like a soft substance after the inflection point P11. behave. Changes in physical properties in this load-displacement characteristic (changes in the slope of the graph) are perceived as adhesion when a user applies a load to an object. Also, objects with medium intersecting volumes behave similarly to soft objects. Therefore, by setting an intersection with an arbitrary volume, an object having arbitrary physical properties can be manufactured.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the volume of the intersection and the load-displacement characteristics of the embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates the relationship between the volume of the intersection and the load-displacement characteristic when the load is released. In FIG. 10, explanation will be given using the load-displacement characteristics of an object having intersections of different volumes in model A of FIG. In FIG. 10, the thickness (L) of the structural columns of each object is constant. Note that in the load-displacement characteristic at the time of load release shown in FIG. 10, the point (position) on the graph representing the displacement according to the load moves in the direction of the arrow in the graph. Moreover, the broken line graph shown in FIG. 10 corresponds to the graph when a load is applied.

In the load-displacement characteristics shown in FIG. 10, when the volume of the intersection is large, the shape recovery speed is fast and a relatively linear slope can be obtained. In other words, an object with a large volume at the intersection will quickly return to its displacement when the load is released. This physical property is felt as adhesion when the user releases the load from the object. On the other hand, in the load-displacement characteristics shown in FIG. 10, when the volume of the intersection is small, the shape recovery speed is slow and an inflection point P12 is observed. In other words, for an object with a small volume at the intersection, when the load is released, the amount of change in displacement is small until the inflection point P12, and the shape returns to its original shape between the inflection point P12 and the origin O. . Therefore, by setting an intersection with an arbitrary volume, an object having arbitrary physical properties can be manufactured.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the difference in shape recovery speed depending on the volume of the intersection in the embodiment. FIG. 11 describes the difference in shape recovery speed depending on the volume of the intersection when a load is applied from the top surface to the bottom surface of the unit cell structure in model A of FIG. 6. FIG. 11 shows the change in the shape of the intersection when the load is applied to the time when the load is released, and the speed of shape recovery in that change. The upper row of FIG. 11 shows the case where the volume of the intersection is large, the middle row shows the case where the volume of the intersection is medium, and the lower row shows the case where the volume of the intersection is small. Note that the length of the arrow indicating the shape recovery speed corresponds to the shape recovery speed.

Referring to FIG. 11, the shape of the intersection will be described. If no particular volume adjustment is performed, the intersection will have a shape as shown in the middle row of FIG. 11 (when the load is released). In this embodiment, this shape will be described as a state in which the volume of the intersection is medium.

When the volume of the intersection is large, the intersection has a spherical or polyhedral shape approximately centered on the intersection, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 11 (when the load is released). In other words, the intersection has a positively raised shape compared to a state in which a plurality of structural columns simply intersect. In this case, the intersection has a larger cross section than the transverse cross section of the structural column. Specifically, the area of the cross section of the intersection is preferably 1.1 times or more and 20 times or less, and 1.2 times or more and 10 times as large as the cross section of the structural column in the transverse direction. It is more preferable that the area is as follows, and particularly it is more preferable that the area is 1.5 times or more and 5 times or less. Note that the area of the cross section of the intersection is based on the plane with the largest area among the planes passing through the center of gravity of the intersection.

On the other hand, when the volume of the intersection is small, the intersection has a shape in which the structural columns near the intersection are made thinner, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 11 (at the time of load release). In this case, the intersection has a smaller cross section than the transverse cross section of the structural column. Specifically, the area of the cross section of the intersection is preferably 0.05 times or more and 0.9 times or less, and 0.1 times or more, compared to the cross section of the structural column in the transverse direction. More preferably, the area is 0.8 times or less, and particularly preferably 0.2 times or more and 0.7 times or less. Note that the area of the cross section of the intersection is based on the plane with the largest area among the planes passing through the center of gravity of the intersection.

Here, as shown in FIG. 11, when a load is applied, it is considered that energy for restoring the shape is accumulated at the intersection. For example, when a load is applied from the top to the bottom in Figure 11, the two structural columns on both sides of the intersection area R13 are pushed apart, resulting in a restoring force to return them to their original state. is accumulated in area R13. Furthermore, as a result of the two structural columns on both sides of the intersection region R14 being narrowed, a repulsive force for returning the two structural columns to the original state is accumulated in the region R14.

When the volume of the intersection is large, restoring force and repulsive force are accumulated as large amounts of energy. Therefore, the restoring force of the region R11 is larger than the restoring force of the region R13, and the repulsive force of the region R12 is larger than the repulsive force of the region R14. As a result, it is thought that the larger the volume of the intersection, the faster the shape recovery speed.

Furthermore, when the volume of the intersection is small, restoring force and repulsive force are accumulated as small energy. Therefore, the restoring force of the region R15 is smaller than the restoring force of the region R13, and the repulsive force of the region R16 is smaller than the repulsive force of the region R14. As a result, it is thought that the smaller the volume of the intersection, the slower the shape recovery speed.

In this way, by configuring an object with a unit cell structure having arbitrary shape parameters, it is possible to manufacture an object having arbitrary physical properties.

Note that the contents shown in FIGS. 5 to 11 are merely examples, and the contents are not limited to the illustrated contents. For example, although the volume of the intersection is shown in three stages in FIG. 11, it is not limited to three stages, and can be manufactured to have a desired volume.

In this way, the related information in FIG. 4 is set in advance based on the relationships between the various shape parameters and the load-displacement characteristics explained in FIGS. 7 to 11. Then, the generation unit 103 determines shape parameters based on the texture information received by the reception unit 102 by referring to the related information in FIG. 4 .

The output control unit 104 has a function of outputting various information. For example, the output control unit 104 causes the display device 16 to display image data specified by the operator. Further, the output control unit 104 sends information specified by the operator to an external device via the external I/F 17.

For example, the output control unit 104 outputs the model data generated by the generation unit 103. Specifically, the output control unit 104 stores model data in the storage unit 101. Further, the output control unit 104 causes the display device 16 to display the model data. Further, the output control unit 104 outputs model data to the modeling apparatus 20.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. Note that since the specific contents of each step are as described above, detailed explanation will be omitted as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 12, the reception unit 102 receives input of texture information (step S101). Then, the generation unit 103 determines shape parameters based on the texture information (step S102). The generation unit 103 then generates model data including shape parameters (step S103). Then, the output control unit 104 outputs the model data (step S104), and ends the process.

Note that the processing procedure shown in FIG. 12 is just an example, and is not limited to the content shown in the figure. For example, other processing procedures can be added (inserted) or the order of each process can be changed as long as there is no inconsistency in the processing contents.

As described above, the information processing device 10 of the present embodiment receives input of identification information that identifies the sensation given to the user of the object with respect to an object configured with a unit cell structure. Then, the information processing device 10 determines the shape parameter corresponding to the received identification information by referring to the related information in which the identification information is associated with the shape parameter including at least one of the cross-sectional shape and volume of the intersection. Generate model data that includes The information processing device 10 outputs the generated model data. According to this, the information processing device 10 of this embodiment makes it possible to manufacture objects with appropriate physical properties.

For example, in the information processing device 10 of this embodiment, physical properties defined by various shape parameters are expressed in sensory terms so that the operator can easily understand them intuitively. Therefore, in the information processing device 10, the operator can input the physical properties of the object using terms that come to mind intuitively, and therefore it becomes possible to easily specify appropriate physical properties.

(Other embodiments)
In addition to the embodiments described above, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms.

(Method of manufacturing an object)
The modeling apparatus 20 of the embodiment can manufacture objects by the following manufacturing method.

For example, the modeling device 20 can model (mold) an object using various additive modeling techniques (three-dimensional modeling techniques) such as a material extrusion method, a liquid bath photopolymerization method, and a powder sintering lamination method.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the manufacturing method of the embodiment. The manufacturing method illustrated in FIG. 13 is executed by a modeling apparatus 20 capable of performing three-dimensional modeling technology using a liquid bath photopolymerization method. The modeling device 20 (modeling unit 21) includes a liquid tank (tank) for filling a photosensitive resin that is a material for an object, and a tank for positionally curing the photosensitive resin in the liquid tank by a photopolymerization reaction. It has a laser. Note that as the modeling device 20, any known modeling device can be used.

As shown in FIG. 13, the modeling unit 21 reads model data (step S201). This model data is information that becomes the basis for modeling with the modeling device 20. The model data is, for example, created in advance by a manufacturer and stored in advance in a storage device included in the modeling device. Note that the storage device corresponds to, for example, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like.

Subsequently, the modeling unit 21 fills the tank with the designated photosensitive resin (step S202). Here, the photosensitive resin may be specified in advance by model data, or may be specified by the operator each time the modeling method is executed.

Then, the modeling unit 21 selectively hardens each position within the tank defined based on the model data using a laser (step S203). For example, the modeling unit 21 sequentially irradiates a laser beam to a position in the tank corresponding to a position where a structural column exists in the model data. That is, the modeling unit 21 sequentially hardens positions within the tank according to the unit grid structure of each region of the object. Thereby, the modeling unit 21 can manufacture objects with appropriate physical properties.

Note that as the material of the object, any material that can be used in modeling techniques can be used, and for example, any photosensitive resin that can be shaped by additive manufacturing technology can be appropriately selected.

(Method for manufacturing objects using system 1)
As described above, the system 1 of the embodiment includes the information processing device 10 and the modeling device 20. That is, the system 1 can manufacture objects using the functions of the information processing device 10 and the modeling device 20.

That is, in the system 1, the information processing device 10 receives input of identification information that identifies the sensation given to the user of the object. The information processing device 10 then generates model data for designing the object based on the received identification information. In the system 1, the modeling device 20 models an object based on the model data.

For example, in the system 1, the information processing device 10 generates model data through the processing of steps S101 to S103 shown in FIG. Then, the information processing device 10 sends the model data to the modeling device 20 through the process of step S104. For example, the output control unit 104 of the information processing device 10 converts model data into a data format usable by the modeling device 20 and sends the converted model data to the modeling device 20.

Then, in the system 1, the modeling device 20 shapes the object based on the model data received from the information processing device 10 through the processes of steps S201 to S203 shown in FIG.

According to this, the system 1 can manufacture objects with appropriate physical properties. Note that each processing unit included in the information processing device 10 and the modeling device 20 may be included in any device. For example, when the modeling device 20 includes the generation unit 103, the modeling device 20 may generate model data based on the identification information. In this case, the output control unit 104 of the information processing device 10 will send the identification information received by the reception unit 102 to the modeling device 20.

(load direction)
In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the load direction corresponds to the vertically downward direction in the figure, for example as shown in FIG. 11, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the direction of the unit cell structure within the object can be set as appropriate by the manufacturer. For example, the normal direction at the point of contact between a part of the user's body and the object may be defined as the load direction. In this case, the unit cell structure of FIG. 6 is arranged so that the vertically downward direction in the figure corresponds to the normal direction at the point of contact with the human body.

According to the embodiments described above, it is possible to provide an information processing device, a system, an information processing method, and a program that can manufacture objects with appropriate physical properties.

The above embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the above modifications, and the above modifications may be combined arbitrarily.

Furthermore, the programs executed by the information processing apparatuses 10 and 40 of the embodiments described above are files in an installable format or an executable format and can be stored on a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD, USB ( The information may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a Universal Serial Bus (Universal Serial Bus), or may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, various programs may be provided by being incorporated in a non-volatile storage medium such as a ROM in advance.

[Example]
EXAMPLES The present invention will be described in more detail below based on Examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

(Fabrication and evaluation of lattice dome structure)
The production and evaluation of the lattice dome structure will be explained using FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a lattice dome for evaluation. Moreover, FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a load variation curve of the lattice dome for sensitivity evaluation when the column thickness is changed. In the following description, an object created by combining unit cell structures will be referred to as a "structure."

An evaluation sample was prepared to examine the correlation between the unit cell structure (hereinafter also referred to as "lattice structure") described in the embodiment described above and human sensitivity. Regarding the quantification of deformation characteristics for quantifying tactile sensation, in recent years attempts have been made to extend Herts' elastic contact theory to flexible materials and quantify deformation by hemispherical indentation (non-patent literature). 1: Asuka Nagai, Jun Sakuma: Low-density porous design to optimize human tactility, BioFrontier Conference Proceedings, Vol.27, C106, (2016)). In addition, in a previously reported study on the feel of materials in the hand, examples were analyzed using latent factors such as "unevenness," "coldness," "moistness," and "hardness" (Non-Patent Document 2: Hirokazu Shirato, Takashi Maeno: Modeling of material recognition mechanism for tactile sensation presentation/detection, Transactions of the Virtual Reality Society of Japan, Vol. 9, No. 3, pp 235-240 (2004)), in this paper we will focus on indenting a dome-shaped sample. We conducted an analysis focusing on the "hardness" at the time of contact.

A three-dimensional structure was designed in which the unit cell (5 mm x 5 mm x 5 mm) of model A shown in Fig. 6 was assigned to a dome shape with a diameter of 4 cm and a height of 1.5 cm (Fig. 14). It is difficult to create a dome-shaped structure by combining cubic unit cells, so on 3D CAD, we created a lattice cube (cubic structure made by combining lattice structures) with a larger outer diameter than the dome shape, and a lattice cube with the same size as the lattice cube. A lattice was added to the dome shape by preparing a cube and performing Boolean operations to prepare the shape of the lattice voids, and then removing the voids from the dome shape using Boolean operations. The lattice dome was output in STL format, and modeled using a photocurable urethane elastomer EPU40 (manufactured by Carbon) using a CLIP modeling machine M2 manufactured by Carbon. In order to change the "hardness", which is a sensitivity index, the column thickness of the unit grid was varied at five levels: 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.75 mm, 1 mm, and 1.25 mm, and five types of tactile samples were created. did. Further, the stress strain curves of each sample during indentation were evaluated using a precision universal testing machine (Instron 5967), and the results are shown in FIG. From the results shown in FIG. 15, it can be said that different "hardness" could be expressed depending on the column thickness of the unit cell.

(Relationship between “hardness” and sensitivity)
The relationship between "hardness" and sensitivity will be explained using FIGS. 16 to 18. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing Japanese expressions obtained from each sample created in the above-mentioned "Production and Evaluation of Lattice Dome Structure." Further, FIG. 17 is a diagram showing classification items of Japanese expressions. Moreover, FIG. 18 is a diagram showing factor loadings and factor contribution rates. Note that the "reference sample" shown in FIG. 16 indicates a sample that was used as a reference when expressing the impression that the subject felt from each sample in Japanese (sound symbol word).

In comparison with the relative value of "hardness," we also analyzed the Japanese expressions (kansei) for the feel described by each subject. Since this survey used an open-ended text format, a wide variety of expressions were used, as shown in Figure 16. Therefore, items were classified as shown in FIG. 17, and a Boolean value (0/1 label) was assigned to the classification. Thereafter, a factor analysis was conducted using the statistical language R using the "hardness (standardized)" obtained from the questionnaire and the 13 Japanese expressions shown in FIG. 17. When an eigenvalue plot was performed, the number of factors was 9 and the eigenvalue was less than 1, so the number of factors was set from 14 to 9 and factor analysis was performed. Figure 18 shows the factor loadings and factor contribution rates after promax rotation. Looking at Factor 2 in Figure 18, the factor loading of "hardness" is 0.88, and the factor loading of "ka row" is 0.84, indicating a very strong positive correlation with these two evaluation axes. is suggested. Furthermore, the factor loading for "Sa row" is -0.42, which suggests a negative correlation, although it is rather weak. Similarly, it is suggested that Factor 9 has a positive correlation with the factor loading of "Hardness" of 0.80 and the factor loading of "I" of 0.45. These results indicate that when subjects express sensations in Japanese, the sounds of ka-gyo and i have a positive correlation with ``hardness,'' and the sound of sa-gyo has a negative correlation with ``hardness.'' On the other hand, from the factor analysis results of Japanese expressions conducted in Figures 16 to 18, the cumulative contribution rate of Factors 1 to 9 is 0.8, while the total contribution rate of Factors 2 and 9, which have a strong correlation with hardness, is 0.8. was 0.2. This result suggests the possibility of using the subject's Japanese expressions (phonetic symbols) as identification information.

1 System 10 Information processing device 11 CPU
12 ROM
13 RAM
14 Auxiliary storage device 15 Input device 16 Display device 17 External I/F
20 Modeling device 21 Modeling section 101 Storage section 102 Reception section 103 Generation section 104 Output control section

Claims (10)

a reception unit that receives input of identification information expressing the texture given to the user of the object in sensory terms ;
designing the object based on the shape parameters corresponding to the identification information accepted by the reception unit from related information in which the identification information and shape parameters defining physical properties of the object are associated; a generation unit that generates model data;
An information processing device comprising: an output control unit that outputs the model data generated by the generation unit. the generation unit generates the model data including the shape parameter;
The information processing device according to claim 1. The generation unit generates, as the shape parameters, the number of a plurality of structural columns constituting a unit cell structure having a polygonal prism-shaped space as one unit, the direction of the structural columns, the thickness of the structural columns, and the size of the structural columns. determining a parameter including at least one of the volume of the intersection, the shape of the unit cell structure, and the size of the unit cell structure;
The information processing device according to claim 2. The number of the structural columns and the direction of the structural columns are defined by the type of a unit cell model indicating an arrangement pattern of a plurality of structural columns included in the unit cell structure.
The information processing device according to claim 3. The output control unit outputs the model data to a modeling device.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The reception unit receives input of sound symbol information, which is linguistic information expressed in sound symbol words, as the identification information;
The generation unit generates the model data based on the sound symbol information.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A system comprising at least an information processing device and a modeling device,
a reception unit that receives input of identification information expressing the texture given to the user of the object in sensory terms ;
designing the object based on the shape parameters corresponding to the identification information accepted by the reception unit from related information in which the identification information and shape parameters defining physical properties of the object are associated; a generation unit that generates model data;
A system comprising: a modeling section that models the object based on the model data generated by the generation section. a reception step for receiving input of identification information expressing the texture given to the user of the object in sensory terms ;
designing the object based on the shape parameters corresponding to the identification information accepted in the receiving step from related information in which the identification information and shape parameters defining physical properties of the object are associated; a generation step for generating model data;
A method for manufacturing an object, comprising: modeling the object based on the model data. a reception step for receiving input of identification information expressing the texture given to the user of the object in sensory terms ;
designing the object based on the shape parameters corresponding to the identification information accepted in the receiving step from related information in which the identification information and shape parameters defining physical properties of the object are associated; a generation step for generating model data;
and an output control step of outputting the model data generated in the generation step. to the computer,
Accepts input of identification information that expresses the texture given to the user of the object in sensory terms ,
Generating model data for designing the object based on the shape parameters corresponding to the received identification information from related information in which the identification information and shape parameters defining physical properties of the object are associated. ,
A program for executing each process to output the generated model data.

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