3D Mesh Cage Generation Using SDF Fitting for Avatar Customization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for generating 3D avatars in multi-user gaming environments require complex computations and close coordination between body and clothing creators due to the use of pre-defined shapes, limiting customization capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The use of signed distance function (SDF) approximants combining radial basis functions (RBFs) to generate cages for 3D meshes, allowing for automatic fitting of clothing to arbitrary body shapes without intensive user input, by positioning cage vertices along normal vectors until a distance parameter is reached.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If pre-defined shapes are used for body and clothing, then geometry matching is achieved, but customization capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeometry matchingVSAvoidcustomization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses radial basis functions (RBFs) to create a continuous mathematical representation (copy) of the body mesh geometry. This RBF-based distance field approximates the complex body shape without requiring pre-defined geometric primitives, enabling both accurate geometry matching and unlimited customization of body shapes and clothing designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If more customization is needed for non-uniform body shapes, then customization capability is improved, but user input and computation intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidcomputation intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual graphical programming and iterative adjustment processes with an automated computational system. The RBF-based distance field automatically computes the spatial relationship between body and clothing meshes, eliminating the need for users to perform complex computations or coordinate between body and clothing creators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses adjustable RBF parameters (centers, weights, and spread values) to control the distance field characteristics. By modifying these parameters, the system can adapt to any body shape and generate appropriate clothing fits without requiring intensive user input or complex computations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual graphical programming is used for clothing generation, then customization is achieved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecustomizationVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automated clothing generation by using the RBF distance field to automatically compute clothing mesh positions and orientations based on the body mesh. The algorithm independently determines the optimal clothing fit without requiring manual user intervention, coordination between creators, or iterative graphical programming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12561911B23D cage generation using signed distance function approximant

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 ROBLOX CORP

AI summary

Some implementations relate to methods, systems, and computer-readable media to generate 3D objects including 3D meshes and 3D cages. A signed distance function (SDF) approximant for a 3D mesh is determined by combining radial basis functions (RBFs) originating on the 3D mesh. A cage for the 3D mesh is generated by positioning cage vertices using the SDF approximant such that the cage overlays the 3D mesh. The generated 3D object includes the 3D mesh and the cage.