Apparatus and method for forming three-dimensional object

A method for forming a three-dimensional object by forming a layered body consisting of a plurality df colored layers representing each of sections of a solid model on the basis of data on said solid model, comprising the steps of:

• (a) sequentially layering a plurality of powder-type or paste-type formed layers including inherent colors corresponding to appearance colors on each of sectional positions of said three-dimensional object;
• and
• (b) coagulating a portion of each of said formed layers corresponding to a sectional shape of said solid model every time when a new formed layer is layered, said step (a) comprises the steps of:
• (a-1) defining a portion contributing to an appearance of said three-dimensional object as a color region in a region where each of said formed layers is to be formed on the basis of a shape of said solid model;
• and
• (a-2) providing a colored layer on said color region, said colored layer including a first layer entirely made of a predetermined base color and a second layer which is layered below or above said first layer, in which color components corresponding to said inherent colors are distributed.

An apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object by forming a layered body consisting of a plurality of colored layers representing each of sections of a solid model on the basis of data on said solid model, comprising:

• a plurality of coloring material supply sources each consisting of a first material supply source for supplying a white coloring material and a second material supply source for supplying coloring materials other than white;
• a formed-layer forming device for selectively driving said plurality of coloring material supply sources in accordance with appearance colors on each of sectional positions of said solid model to sequentially layer a plurality of powder-type or paste-type formed layers in which a predetermined color region is provided with a spatial distribution of a plurality of coloring materials;
• and
• a device for providing a colored layer on said color region, said colored layer including a first layer entirely made of a predetermined base color and a second layer which is layered below or above said first layer, in which color components corresponding to said appearance colors are distributed.

A method of forming a three-dimensional object having a colored surface by laminating a layer corresponding to a sectional shape in a position upon another, comprising the steps of:

• (a) preparing a layer of a basic shape;
• (b) upon preparation of said layer of said basic shape, coloring an outline of said sectional shape and the outside and the inside of said outline of said sectional shape with a color corresponding to that of said layer of said basic shape on said surface of said three-dimensional object;
• and
• (c) upon preparation of said layer of said basic shape, molding said sectional shape in said layer of said basic shape.

A computer-readable medium containing a program for controlling a process for forming a layered body consisting of a plurality of colored layers representing each of the sections of a solid model on the basis of data on said solid model, comprising the steps of:

• (a) sequentially layering a plurality of powder-type or paste-type formed layers including inherent colors corresponding to appearance colors on each sectional position of said three-dimensional object;
• and
• (b) coagulating a portion of each of said formed layers corresponding to a sectional shape of said solid model every time a new formed layer is layered, said step (a) comprising the steps of:
• (a-1) defining a portion contributing to an appearance of said three-dimensional object as a color region in a region where each of said formed layers is to be formed on the basis of a shape of said solid model;
• and
• (a-2) providing a colored layer on said color region, said colored layer including a first layer entirely made of a predetermined base color and a second layer which is layered below or above said first layer, in which color components corresponding to said inherent colors are distributed.