Large customized object and method for preparing large customized object

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of producing a large customized object, such as a live-person-sized avatar for the visual presentation of an individual, for example in a so-called "hybrid" conference combining virtual attendance with physical attendance. In addition, the invention also relates to a large customized object produced in this way. The present invention uses a jigsaw method to calculate parts of a model, which can be printed by a conventionally used 3D printer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing large customized objects, such as life-sized avatars for the visual representation of individuals in so-called "hybrid" meetings that combine virtual and physical attendance. In addition, the present invention also relates to large customized objects produced in this way. Background Art

[0002] For the production of various prototypes, it is advantageous to have physical objects on hand. For various interactions, it is advantageous to have a certain concept of the personal appearance of the collaborators. For example, generative manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing allow for the rapid production of prototypes. However, large customized objects are difficult to produce due to their volume and weight.

[0003] During the pandemic, conference attendees usually switched to virtual meetings, and people were equally accustomed to in-person, hybrid, and virtual meetings at the same time. However, during so-called hybrid meetings (i.e., meetings with virtual and in-person attendees), in-person attendees still prevailed.

[0004] Thus, it is obvious that for social behavior in the real world, physical attendance rather than virtual attendance is still preferred. The visual representation of individuals may be crucial for building interpersonal networks and productive collaboration. During the pandemic, interactions between users have shifted from physical attendance to the digital world. However, people still prefer socializing in the real world. This need has prompted exhibition and conference organizers to introduce the widely popular hybrid meetings that combine virtual and physical attendance.

[0005] Since people are accustomed to interacting with audio objects that can create a 3D or stereophonic sound environment that provides the perception of point sound sources in 3D space, people expect to obtain the same comprehensive overall impression in visual interactions.

[0006] The technical problem is how to improve the physical presentation of individuals in life-sized format in the virtual part of the meeting to match these two worlds and reshape the attendance of people for efficient hybrid communication. The potential solution provides the opportunity for caregivers, disabled people, the elderly, and other people with travel restrictions to attend during inconvenient events.

[0007] On the other hand, 3D printing provides new possibilities for personalized production for manufacturers, creators, and professionals. However, when larger objects have to be printed, the cost of the device and the cost of the materials are too high.

[0008] In addition, during the 3D printing process, additional materials for supporting the form are required to avoid printing errors. All this also implies an unnecessary burden on the environment in terms of longer printing times and more plastic materials used.

[0009] There are several known methods for 3D printing large objects such as human bodies, for example "makerBot", "druckzilla".

[0010] However, the technical problem lies in how to print such large objects and / or life-size avatars in 3D form. There are some large 3D printers known, such as the "Raise3D Pro2 Plus series", "Stratasys F770", "bigrep" and the "Form3L - Großformat - SLA - 3D - Drucker" of "formlabs".

[0011] The large printers in the prior art are generally too heavy, too large and too expensive for non-precise and thus extensive use. The "prior art" level of finished products produced from these printers is difficult to store and transport because they are in solid form. In addition, if the printed finished product requires a large amount of support structures, the printed finished product will become too expensive. As a result, small companies, sole proprietors and manufacturers cannot afford the cost of large 3D printers and have to give up possible opportunities. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing large customized objects by a 3D printing method with reduced material consumption, and the object of the present invention is to provide a large customized object that can be obtained from 3D printing technology with as few support structures as possible during this period, thereby overcoming the defects of the prior art.

[0013] The above object is achieved by the method and the large customized object disclosed in the description, drawings and claims of the present invention.

[0014] The method according to the present invention is characterized in that the method comprises the following production steps:

[0015] - Scanning the body;

[0016] - Scaling the scanned 3D model;

[0017] - Cutting the 3D model into segments;

[0018] - Optionally converting small segments into porous structures;

[0019] - 3D printing the optionally porous components;

[0020] - Assembling the components; and

[0021] - Optionally processing the assembled body to optimize its visual appearance, for example, decorating it with additional decorations.

[0022] Furthermore, according to the present invention, another object of the present invention is a large-scale customized object, which includes a plurality of components assembled by a lock-and-key model of small components, and the plurality of components can be obtained from commonly used 3D printing technologies.

[0023] Preferably, the step of "cutting the 3D model into segments" is performed by parametric modeling in Grasshopper, where the cutting parameters are defined by system configuration (such as the size of the currently available 3D printer).

[0024] Grasshopper 3D is a visual programming language and environment that runs in the Rhinoceros 3D computer-aided design application. Grasshopper is a plug-in included in the Rhinoceros 3D modeling software. It is used as a tool for algorithmic modeling and is specifically used to design and edit complex shapes through specific parameters.

[0025] Preferably, the 3D scanned object is an individual and / or a large-scale customized object to be replicated. 3D scanning of large objects such as life-size objects belongs to the prior art.

[0026] 3D scanning is a process of analyzing real-world objects or environments to collect data on their shape and possibly their appearance (such as their surface roughness, their color, and surface appearance). The collected data can then be used to construct a digital 3D model.

[0027] 3D scanners can be based on a variety of different technologies, each with its own limitations, advantages, and costs. There are still many limitations in the types of objects that can be digitized. For example, optical technologies may have difficulty dealing with dark, highly reflective, shiny, or transparent objects. For 3D models of real people, computer-aided design "CAD" technologies can be used.

[0028] Alternatively, the large-scale scanned object can be completed by, for example, a conventional scanning device (such as a Mac computer) and / or a conventional mobile device (such as an iPhone). The simplest way of operation is to use a mobile phone / camera to take multiple photos around the object and stitch the multiple photos together using photogrammetry to create a 3D scan.

[0029] The real-world object and / or physical environment and / or real environment in contrast to the virtual object refers to an entity object that people can perceive and / or interact with as an entity thing (such as a body), an environment (such as a park), including physical objects or entity objects or real objects (such as physical arms and legs, physical components, and real people). People can directly perceive and / or interact with the physical environment, for example, through vision, touch, hearing, taste, and / or smell.

[0030] After scanning the subject and scaling the 3D model, or alternatively selecting a given 3D standardized model, the model is cut into segments. This transformative feature splits the 3D model into components for printing, for example in the form of a 3D puzzle. The puzzle segments (virtual) or components (physical) follow the so-called lock-and-key model and can be assembled very simply. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is: cutting the scanned 3D model into segments for printing in the form of puzzle-like components. These calculated or standardized segments serve as construction templates for 3D printing of the corresponding components.

[0031] An advantageous embodiment of the present invention has the following combination: components and / or segments calculated after individual scanning; standardized components and / or segments that do not show the expected changes due to their individual scanning (such as feet, hands, arms, legs, ears, etc.). Both of these components and / or segments together construct the final large customized object. In addition, the standard components and / or segments can be easily individualized through detailed personalization and individual adaptation. These segments or components are thus standardized and individualized.

[0032] Although the generally referred "puzzle" refers to a two-dimensional game with flat components that are combined to receive a flat image or picture, the components that are the subject of the present invention are preferably three-dimensional and / or products of a 3D printing process.

[0033] The components and / or segments of the present invention are not 3D puzzle components that simply fit one into another along a straight line, such as a cross-finger structure. Generally speaking, the components of the present invention are often shaped irregularly. In particular, the cutting edges of the components described in the present invention preferably (but not necessarily) show more complexly shaped edges, especially to prevent the components from falling apart and preferably remaining fastened together even under a specific tension. The fastened-together state is achieved, for example, by interlocking shapes, but a mechanism such as a barb can be provided to unlock the components to fix them together.

[0034] The components suitable for constructing a model according to an embodiment of the present invention do not have to be simply combined, such as in the form of a cross-finger structure without barbs, edges, and / or curves, but preferably show a finer and more complex shape of the edges, of course, the shape is also suitable for a component serving as a key component and another component serving as a lock component at the same time.

[0035] The three-dimensional components for constructing a large customized object as described in the purpose of the present invention have three dimensions and are preferably non-planar components. More particularly, the components mainly described in the present invention are components having protrusions or notches on more than one side. The protrusions and notches of every two adjacent components correspond to each other. Description of the Drawings

[0036] A preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1 will be used to explain in more detail an example of the method according to the present invention:

[0037] The method may include the following process steps from top to bottom:

[0038] Step 1: Select a 3D model;

[0039] Step 1a - Alternative a): 3D scan an in-house model;

[0040] Step 1b - Alternative b): Select a standard and customize it;

[0041] Step 2: Define 3D printing parameters (example: length-width-height or weight);

[0042] Step 2a - Alternative a): Define in-house parameter values;

[0043] Step 2b - Alternative b): Select from standardized settings;

[0044] Step 3: Calculate 3D puzzle pieces;

[0045] Step 4a - Alternative a): Individually 3D print the calculated pieces;

[0046] Step 4b - Alternative b): Search for available parts in the inventory;

[0047] Steps 5 and 6: Construct a large customized object;

[0048] Step 5: Assemble the inner layer;

[0049] Step 6: Assemble and adjust the outer layer, such as surface components;

[0050] Step 7: Optionally: Integrate an electronic device into the large customized object. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0051] Figure 1 The solutions in

[0052] The selection of the 3D model (process step 1) can be completed in the following two ways: scanning the in-house model (see alternative 1a); and selecting a standardized model that has already been provided in the program and / or from the historical scans of the model (see alternative 1b). The standardized model is stored in a certain toolbox or memory for easy availability. Such a standardized model can be used directly or can be customized. For example, it can be scaled to fit the height or other dimensions of the user. Such a customized model is based on the selected standardized model and has personalized features in the case where the model is a human subject, such as the shape of the subject, the color of the hair, eyes, skin, nails, the length of the legs, arms, legs, feet, fingers, hands, eyebrows or some other features, which is common general knowledge in the art.

[0053] After the model is completed, the next is process step 2 of defining the 3D parameters. Defining the 3D parameters means finding out what dimensions of the fragment will be suitable for 3D printing it with the available 3D printer. Therefore, the user can either define their own parameters (see step 2a), especially when the 3D model is a separately scanned model rather than a standard-based model; or the user can select the printing parameters from the standardized settings (see step 2b).

[0054] After defining the 3D printing parameters in terms of length "L", width or breadth "B", and height "H", the calculation of the 3D puzzle fragments is started (see step 3).

[0055] The calculation of the puzzle fragments or components of the building elements as large customized objects can be achieved through different mathematical methods of cutting algorithms and languages. The aforementioned Grasshopper for Rhinoceros is one of the possible methods. See Figure 1 process step 4a shown in

[0056] However, when components of a specific size of the user are mass-produced, for example, for meetings or exhibitions, such components of a specific size of the user will make it more difficult for component reuse and part interchange among different avatars. In meetings or exhibitions, avatars are used to replace real people to attend.

[0057] For an alternative, in the alternative where the user selects a standardized model or forms fragments of a standardized model (see Figure 1 alternative 2b in the process shown in

[0058] Similarly, the calculated virtual segments can be standardized and added to the scans of the model to facilitate saving the scan time and resources of the physical model. Individualization, personalization, or customization steps can be included during the calculation and / or programming of the printable segments. This can be done between the selection of the standard virtual segments and the final calculation of the virtual individual segments based on the standard morphology. The individualized version of the standardized segments will ultimately be used to print the corresponding parts of large customized objects.

[0059] The standardized size and / or morphology of the parts enables the reuse of the parts in different products and / or avatars, reducing material use and making production more economical and sustainable. The standardized parts help save costs and materials and are thus environmentally friendly. In addition, the standardized parts allow for low-cost and quick replacement and / or repair.

[0060] The production of the small parts includes calculating their porous structure according to user parameters (e.g., the desired weight of each part).

[0061] Process step 5 first covers the assembly of the building parts of the inner layer of the avatar or object, process step 6 covers the assembly of the outer and external surface parts, and last but not least, Figure 1 process step 7 of [[]] discloses a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention. Step 7 is to add, incorporate, and integrate electronic devices into the avatar. The electronic devices can be selected from one or more of the group including screens, microphones, speakers, cameras, engines, etc.

[0062] Devices for interacting with physical attendees can be available and replaceable.

[0063] Generally speaking, once the parts are at hand, i.e., the printing is completed, the avatar can be assembled as quickly as Figure 1 a puzzle and can be reassembled for storage and / or transportation.

[0064] The term "avatar" is used to refer to any artificial figure that represents a person in the real physical world.

[0065] According to the present invention, the avatar is basically constructed by assembling a plurality of parts, preferably by a lock-and-key mode, or in other words, by 3D puzzle parts. The avatar can have various auxiliary devices, such as microphones, speakers, screens, and movable parts such as hands and feet. The avatar can be mounted on, for example, a movable floor with an engine. The avatar built on a substrate with remote control and an engine can move autonomously and / or can be remotely controlled to move through the IoT.

[0066] To define the meaning of a "large" object, "large" refers to an object that cannot be printed by a conventionally used 3D printer, such as a life-sized avatar or any other object with dimensions exceeding 20 cm × 20 cm × 20 cm or exceeding 20 cm 3 of any other object. Such an object may not be printable in a conventionally used 3D printer such as, for example, an Ultimaker S3 and other conventionally used 3D fused deposition modeling "FDM"-3D printers. These printers are generally limited to a build volume of approximately 500 mm × 500 mm × 500 mm at most. For example, a component for constructing a large customized object according to an embodiment of the present invention can be printed using a 3D printer with a build volume of approximately 300 mm × 250 mm × 300 mm, which is quite large for a conventionally used 3D printer.

[0067] The component is 3D printed in such or a similar-sized build volume and thus has a relatively small volume compared to a person who is 180 cm tall and weighs, for example, 90 kg. Therefore, in order to construct the target representing a life-sized avatar as described, this avatar, as an example of a large customized object since it falls within the subject matter of the present invention, obviously requires printing and assembling a rather large number of components.

[0068] Such a life-sized avatar has at least arms, legs, a middle part of the body, and a head.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the present invention, for example, between 2 and 1000, preferably between 5 and 500, and particularly preferably between 10 and 100 of these components are, for example, placed together to form a large customized object.

[0070] "Large" refers to an object that includes at least between 5 and 50 such components in one dimension. For example, it can reach the size of a human body, i.e., the volume of a human being (as a real person rather than an avatar) with a height of 180 cm and a weight of 100 kg.

[0071] Compared to the finally assembled large customized object, the components for constructing a "large" object or a life-sized avatar appear relatively "small". Therefore, "small" means printable by a conventionally used 3D printer. For example, printable size objects can have dimensions of 10 cm × 10 cm or 20 cm × 20 cm. If the printer is large enough, "small" can also be larger.

[0072] The small components can be standardized components, such as components of legs, components of arms, which is advantageous because it will allow for easy preparation, repair, replacement, etc.

[0073] Figure 2Another example according to the present invention is shown, showing an example where a real-life couple 8 with male and female images drawn on the left side 8 is arranged in front of a jigsaw background 9 to provide the dimensions of the components that will be assembled to construct one or two avatars 8, while giving an example of how the model is cut (viewed from a certain perspective). Although the internal components of the avatar (see Figure 1 process step 5) may be cube-shaped structures, other components of the real-life body will maintain curvature.

[0074] Figure 3 Multiple jigsaw components 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, etc. of the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 of the assembled object (not shown) are shown. The jigsaw components of a certain layer can be assembled with the jigsaw components of the second layer through the protrusions 13 and holes 14 as shown in the figure.

[0075] The connecting member between the components can be a mating structure of the protrusions 13 and holes 14 as shown in Figure 3 .

[0076] In addition, the connecting member can be in the form of a light bulb 15 as shown in Figure 4 .

[0077] As shown in Figure 3 and 4 , the edges of the jigsaw components can be set to be different or equal as needed and have sharp corners or rounded corners.

[0078] In addition, the jigsaw components do not need to include a complete surface, and a conventional frame may be sufficient, and the components themselves can be hollow.

[0079] A preferred embodiment of the printed jigsaw component is that the component is constructed during the printing process, thereby avoiding the use of a support structure. According to a preferred embodiment, the cutting algorithm calculates the slope and ensures that all slopes are kept below 45°. For example, the jigsaw component has a spherical shape or a 45-degree angle to omit the support structure in the printing process. The 45-degree rule stipulates that slopes less than or equal to 45 degrees can be printed without a support structure.

[0080] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the components are constructed such that each component has at least one flat surface on which there is no curvature. This surface will serve as the bottom of the component during 3D printing. All connecting protrusions and holes are located on the side of the segment perpendicular to the bottom surface or on the top of the segment (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 ). In order to connect different layers to each other, the segments within each layer are connected by alternately changing the direction of their planar sides. For example, all white segments will have a planar side located in the front, while all other segments will be located on the rear side of the layer.

[0081] The parts or segments of the large customized object according to the present invention can be the same or different.

[0082] This technology provides additional opportunities for cost reduction by achieving overall print material minimization and post-processing time reduction.

[0083] Another advantageous aspect of the present invention is the variation and quality of the printed parts, which can vary in different ways.

[0084] To save materials and weight, it may be advantageous to print the parts at a low density. This means that printed parts with a porous structure can at least construct an avatar that is as stable as a heavy fully dense part. However, low-density parts are easier to transport, assemble, and save materials and printing costs.

[0085] Basically, the term "segment" is used for the calculated segments of a 3D model, and the "segment" is virtual, while the term "part" is used for the printed physical part.

[0086] Figure 5 An example of a printed part 15 with a porous structure is shown. Such a part can also be calculated and generated by using the parametric modeling of Grasshopper mentioned above. This porous-structured part reduces certain important parameters, such as printing weight, printing material, cost, and printing time.

[0087] Another possibility is to use only Voronoi textures or Voronoi structures on the surface and exclude the filaments inside the avatar. This is shown in Figure 6 where an example of a 3D printed object 16 with a Voronoi structure is shown. This can be achieved in the following ways: Rhino / Grasshopper with Voronator, Voronoi plug-in, Fusion360 with 3D Voronoi plug-in, Dynamo, nTopology, and Blender with scripts.

[0088] These are computer program products that use the principle of Voronoi decomposition of a given body. This principle is well known to those skilled in the art and divides the body into cells, which are also called Voronoi cells and Thiessen polygons.

[0089] In addition, different densities can be achieved within one printed part. This is applicable to more precise morphologies.

[0090] When applying the Voronoi structure to precise forms, the Voronoi curve attraction line method can be used to perform calculations. The winding area remains solid, and the rest is converted into a porous structure. There are two possibilities for arranging the appearance of the outermost segments:

[0091] The outermost surface of the avatar can be printed solid with a thin layer. Only the internal structure will be porous.

[0092] Alternatively, the entire avatar and all segments will be printed as porous as shown Figure 6 above. In this case, the avatar can be further customized to be filled with foams, fabrics, or wires of different colors while still maintaining a very low weight. The different colors will mimic personal clothing styles, hairstyles, and other design options.

[0093] The parametric cutting algorithm can also calculate the form of the avatar's head, which is provided with a position for placing an LCD monitor on its front side. The monitor will be connected to an internet-enabled microcontroller (connected to the conference WiFi). This monitor will show the face of the remote participant who owns the avatar and who wishes to remotely participate in the meeting from a different location and still interact with other participants in a natural embodied manner (not just in a virtual meeting room). A webcam will be installed directly above or below the monitor, which can transmit the surrounding environment to the remote participant who owns the avatar.

[0094] Currently, there is no technology on the market that can provide a jigsaw conversion for additive manufacturing. The advantages of the present invention are reflected in its ability to print large components, and not only to prepare personalized avatars for a better user experience, but also to be applied to any other large items, which makes it convenient. Due to the use of the jigsaw form, this technology can provide stability and can be used for more precise 3D models.

[0095] Currently available 2D photo avatars cannot provide a real view for participants. They are neither customizable nor reusable. Their production requires large printers and large wood / cardboard sheets. Due to their 2D planar nature, these avatars cannot hide electronic components.

[0096] The main body components can be reused for new avatars, which makes the present invention both sustainable and versatile. To achieve the above object, it is necessary to create two models: one model for the head (one piece of the jigsaw) and another model for the body (another piece of the jigsaw).

[0097] Currently, there is no solution on the market that provides a jigsaw technology for large objects. The advantages of the jigsaw technology are reflected in:

[0098] · The possibility of printing large objects with a conventional printer, so that the process is sustainable;

[0099] · The ability to quickly assemble printed objects like a jigsaw puzzle and reuse standard parts (such as arms, feet, fingers, etc.) to achieve multiple functions → combining convenience and sustainability;

[0100] · The reduction in material cost due to the porous structure → lower material cost and shorter printing time (lower energy consumption);

[0101] · Reassembly due to the modular structure → better storage;

[0102] · The support structure eliminated by the 45-degree angle method → reduction in material cost and post-processing time.

[0103] Thanks to its modular nature, all components can be reassembled and reused, which makes the method sustainable.

[0104] Regardless of the usage of grammatical terms, individuals with male, female, or other gender identities are included within the scope of such terms.

[0105] The present invention uses a jigsaw method to calculate the components of a model, which is, for example, a life-size avatar printable by a conventionally used 3D printer. The present invention relates to a method for producing large customized objects, such as life-size avatars for individual visual use in so-called "hybrid" meetings that combine virtual and physical presence. In addition, the present invention relates to a large customized object produced thereby.

[0106] By observing additional features of the avatar of, for example, an auxiliary electronic device, it can be clearly seen that the use of the technology according to the present invention enables a transformation from a very cheap and stationary avatar (such as one that does not leave its corner during a meeting) to a very vivid avatar that can look around, answer questions, and move around. This makes such avatars more customizable for different price tiers.

[0107] Such avatars can be used not only in hybrid meetings but also in various interactive communications with customers, family members, etc. In this sense, the avatars constructed thereby can serve as a kind of customized baby phone in the form and size of a mother / grandmother / etc., or as a caregiver in different institutions for the elderly, disabled patients, and pediatric care.

Claims

1. A large-scale customized object, the large-scale customized object including at least two or more components, the components being obtainable from commonly used 3D printers and assembled by a lock-and-key model of small components, the components having a construction template, the construction template being a scanned and / or computed fragment, the fragment being standardized and / or individualized.

2. The large-scale customized object according to claim 1, being a replica of a real person and / or a life-size avatar, having at least an arm, a leg, a middle part of the body, and a head.

3. The large-scale customized object according to claim 2, being mounted on a substrate.

4. The large-scale customized object according to claim 3, wherein the substrate includes technical devices to enable autonomous movement and can be remotely controlled for movement.

5. The large-scale customized object according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least some of the small components are formed as 3D puzzle components.

6. The large-scale customized object according to claim 5, wherein at least some of the small components constructed as 3D puzzle components have at least one planar side to be mounted on a 3D printer.

7. The large-scale customized object according to any one of claims 2 to 6, incorporating electronic devices such as a screen, a camera, a microphone, and / or a speaker.

8. The large-scale customized object according to claim 7, having the electronic devices arranged at the head.

9. A method for producing a large-scale customized object, characterized in that the method includes the following production steps: - Scanning the body; - Scaling the scanned 3D model; - Cutting the 3D model into fragments; - 3D printing the components; - Assembling the components.

10. The method according to claim 9, further including the step of converting the fragments into a porous structure before printing.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, further including the step of post-processing the assembled body to optimize its visual appearance.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9, 10, or 11, further including the step of incorporating electronic devices into the large-scale customized object.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, including the step of computing and / or printing 3D components by parametric modeling.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, including the step of computing and / or printing 3D components using a computer program product based on the Voronoi decomposition principle of a given body.

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