3D Mesh Model Matching Using Orthogonal Perimeter Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD systems face challenges in efficiently comparing and retrieving similar three-dimensional (3D) object models, particularly in varying sizes and topologies, due to limitations in feature extraction and similarity measurement methods.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the reception of triangular mesh data, obtaining dimensional layers in orthogonal orientations, calculating perimeter length values, and comparing these values to stored references to determine matching between 3D objects and a reference object, allowing for scalable and topologically flexible similarity searches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional feature extraction methods are used for 3D object comparison, then the system can process standard CAD models, but it fails to handle variations in size and topology effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the 3D mesh data into a parameter-based representation using orthogonal projections and perimeter measurements. By converting geometric data into scalar perimeter values across multiple orientations, the system achieves scale and topology invariance while maintaining comparison accuracy through mathematical transformations of the original mesh parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent projects 3D mesh data onto 2D orthogonal planes (front, side, top views) and further extracts 1D perimeter measurements. This dimensional reduction transforms the problem into a different dimensional space where size and topology variations become irrelevant, enabling robust similarity comparison through perimeter length analysis across multiple projection dimensions
2Measurement precision
If detailed 3D mesh data is processed for accurate comparison, then similarity measurement precision improves, but computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential perimeter measurement features from the complete 3D mesh data, discarding redundant geometric details. By taking out only the perimeter length information from orthogonal projections, the system achieves accurate similarity measurement with significantly reduced computational complexity compared to processing full mesh data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified 2D projection copies and 1D perimeter representations of the original 3D mesh. These copied representations serve as surrogate data structures that preserve the essential shape characteristics needed for comparison while requiring minimal computational resources to process and store
3Measurement precision
If exact geometric matching is used for 3D object comparison, then precision is high for identical objects, but the system cannot retrieve similar objects with size or topology variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the matching parameters from exact geometric coordinates to scale-invariant perimeter ratios. By normalizing perimeter measurements and comparing relative proportions rather than absolute dimensions, the system maintains high precision for identical objects while simultaneously achieving flexibility to retrieve similar objects with size and topology variations
Data Source
AI summary
A method, in each of three orthogonal orientations, obtains dimensional layers of triangular mesh data of the 3D object from a slicer program. Perimeter length values for each layer of each of the three orthogonal orientations are obtained and compared to stored perimeter length value for a reference object to determine a degree of matching. Measurement data is facilitated by processing by CNC/3D print software. Smaller objects within the 3D object are also analyzed. For a more robust approach, each triangle in the triangular mesh data is analyzed by totaling the perimeter of surrounding triangles to assign a value. Matching with the reference object is made based on the assigned total perimeter values. The 3D object can be scaled in one, two or three orthogonal dimensions to match the reference object.