3D Model Cross-Section Visualization With Ray-Traced Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D modeling systems lack the ability to efficiently visualize and interact with cross-sections of 3D models in real-time, hindering designers' ability to manipulate, measure, and analyze internal components.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating a cross-section of a 3D model by determining a cross-section plane, performing ray-tracing through a viewing plane, and highlighting pixels within a threshold distance of the model to create a visible cross-section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional 3D modeling systems are used, then basic 3D visualization is achieved, but real-time cross-section visualization and interaction with internal components is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cross-section plane as an intermediary element that intersects the 3D model to reveal internal components. This plane acts as a mediator between the viewer and the hidden internal structures, allowing visualization without requiring complex volumetric rendering or model decomposition. The plane intersects the model geometry and highlights the intersection contours, providing a simple yet effective way to view internal components in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a 2D copy or projection of the 3D model's cross-section onto the cross-section plane. By rendering the intersection contours and internal components onto this 2D plane, the system provides a simplified representation that is easier to visualize and interact with compared to full 3D volumetric displays, while still conveying all necessary geometric information about internal structures.
2Ease of operation
If real-time cross-section visualization is implemented, then interaction with internal components is enabled, but computational performance and processing speed may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary geometric information for cross-section visualization by calculating intersections between the cross-section plane and the 3D model surfaces. Instead of processing the entire 3D model or performing complex volumetric ray tracing, the system extracts only the contour lines and internal component geometries that lie on or are intersected by the cross-section plane, significantly reducing computational requirements while maintaining interaction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the 3D model into visible external surfaces and internal components intersected by the cross-section plane. By separating the rendering of external model geometry from the cross-section internal geometry, the system can optimize processing by only calculating and updating the cross-section portions when the plane position or orientation changes, rather than reprocessing the entire model in real-time.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise measurement of internal components is enabled, then design accuracy is improved, but measurement precision and detection difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects 3D internal component geometries onto the 2D cross-section plane, creating a dimensionally reduced representation that is easier to measure and analyze. By converting three-dimensional internal structures into two-dimensional cross-sectional views, the system maintains precise geometric information while providing a simplified measurement interface where distances, angles, and dimensions can be directly measured on the 2D plane without the complexity of navigating 3D space.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for generating a cross-section of a 3D model are disclosed. An example method includes determining a cross-section plane intersecting the 3D model, performing ray-tracing by passing each of a plurality of rays through a corresponding pixel of a viewing plane such that each ray intersects the cross-section plane, determining one or more rays that are within a threshold distance of the 3D model at their respective points of intersection with the cross section plane, and highlighting pixels corresponding to the determined rays.