3D Model Comparison System Using Hierarchical Descriptor Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D model comparison systems fail to efficiently search for similar models due to limitations in descriptors that lead to loss of information through approximations and simplifications, and they cannot handle large datasets or perform precise comparisons needed for manufacturing tolerances, while shape search systems lack the ability to identify exact matches and provide detailed differences.
Innovation Solution
A method that builds descriptors capturing properties of entire 3D models and their parts, allowing for precise comparison and similarity indexing, enabling the identification of identical or similar models with high precision, and displaying results in a 3D space with relevant information on differences and similarities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If approximations and simplifications are used in descriptors, then search efficiency is improved, but information loss occurs and precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D model comparison process into multiple levels: first using simplified descriptors for rapid initial filtering and similarity indexing, then applying detailed geometric and topological analysis only to candidate pairs that pass the initial filter. This hierarchical approach maintains search efficiency while ensuring precision for final comparison results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-computing simplified descriptors and similarity indices for all 3D models in the database before actual comparison queries. This allows rapid filtering of candidate models using approximate descriptors, with detailed precision analysis performed only on a small subset of promising candidates, thus resolving the contradiction between search efficiency and comparison precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If detailed geometric and topological analysis is performed, then manufacturing precision is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by performing detailed geometric and topological analysis only on specific regions and features of 3D models that are relevant to manufacturing precision requirements, rather than analyzing entire models uniformly. This allows high precision where needed while maintaining efficiency for other portions of the comparison process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary filtering using simplified descriptors to identify candidate model pairs that meet basic similarity criteria before applying time-consuming detailed geometric and topological analysis. This preliminary action reduces the number of model pairs requiring intensive processing, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while reducing overall processing time.
3Device complexity
If a single coordinate system is used for comparison, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a coordinate system transformation module that can handle multiple coordinate systems and reference frames. The system automatically detects the coordinate system of input models and applies appropriate transformations to unify them for comparison, enabling the system to work with diverse 3D models from different sources without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary coordinate transformation layer that mediates between different coordinate systems and the comparison engine. This intermediary performs necessary transformations to convert models into a common reference frame for comparison, allowing the system to maintain low complexity while achieving high adaptability to various coordinate systems and model formats.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for indexing 3D digital models, retrieving them, comparing them and displaying the results in a 3D space. The method comprises four complementary parts, i.e. displaying, comparing/searching, reconciling the faces, and classifying the results. These parts can overlap with each other or can be implemented separately. A method is described for retrieving 3D models that share certain similarities of form with a reference 3D model, involving a first step of analysis in order to generate representations (descriptors). The process of searching/comparing 3D models based on descriptors partially related to the faces optionally requires a process of pairing and reconciling the faces. The results are displayed in a single 3-dimensional space and, owing to a mark on the faces of the 3D models, makes it possible to distinguish several types of difference between similar 3D models.