3D Mesh Model Evaluation Using Orthogonal Slice Perimeters
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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 assessment methods.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the reception of triangular mesh data, where dimensional layers are obtained from a slicer program in three orthogonal orientations, perimeter length values are calculated and compared to stored values, and matches are determined based on the similarity of these values, allowing for scaling and topology-based similarity searches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional feature extraction and similarity assessment methods are used in CAD systems, then the system can perform basic 3D model comparison, but the efficiency and accuracy of retrieving similar objects with varying sizes and topologies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D model comparison process into multiple orthogonal orientations (three principal axes). By dividing the complex 3D similarity assessment into separate 2D layer comparisons along different orientations, the system achieves both high accuracy in detecting shape similarities and improved efficiency through modular processing of each orientation independently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the 3D model comparison problem into 2D layer-based comparisons by slicing models along orthogonal orientations. This dimensionality reduction allows for more efficient feature extraction and comparison while maintaining accuracy through multi-orientation analysis, resolving the contradiction between precision and efficiency
2Measurement precision
If detailed feature extraction is performed on 3D models to ensure accurate similarity assessment, then the measurement precision improves, but the computational complexity and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential perimeter length features from each 2D layer of the 3D model, rather than analyzing all geometric details. This selective extraction of critical features maintains high measurement precision for shape similarity while significantly reducing computational complexity compared to comprehensive feature analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified 2D representations (copies) of the 3D model by slicing it into layers and extracting perimeter lengths. These 2D copies serve as efficient proxies for the full 3D geometry, enabling accurate similarity assessment without the computational burden of processing complete 3D surface data
Data Source
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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.