Abstract: A thumbnail image creation apparatus includes at least one processor coupled to at least one memory. The at least one processor is programmed to create a thumbnail image of a three-dimensional (3D) model contained in 3D model data, and a thumbnail image is created so that the thumbnail image contains a feature portion of the 3D model.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for improving convenience in the use and management of 3D data. The present invention is a data structure of a 3D object for managing information related to a three dimensional structure of an object including input data as data on the 3D object generated by a 3D input apparatus, structure data as data representing the three dimensional structure of the 3D object that is generated from the input data, and shape data as data obtained by performing, on the structure data, processing required to meet a required specification of a specific 3D shaping apparatus.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object forming system includes a forming unit that forms a three-dimensional object, a detecting unit that detects a remaining amount of material usable for forming the three-dimensional object, an input unit that inputs three-dimensional data, a converting unit that converts the three-dimensional data, a calculating unit that calculates a material amount to be used to form the three-dimensional object, and a display unit that displays a prediction result of the three-dimensional object based on the three-dimensional data.