3D Print Previsualization Shader for Realistic Build-Up Rendering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing techniques struggle to accurately render a pre-visualization image of a 3D object due to variations in printer characteristics and environmental factors, leading to noticeable distinctions such as color, texture, and translucency, which often require iterative trial and error, wasting resources and time.
Innovation Solution
A system combining a shader and geometric procedural to generate a digital aggregate build-up model of a 3D object, incorporating printer and environmental parameters, to render a pre-visualization image that accounts for surface discontinuities and material properties, using methods like marching cubes, procedural bevels, voxelated level sets, and residual surface material modeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If iterative trial and error approach is used to account for printer characteristics and material variations, then the accuracy of the final 3D printed object is improved, but the time consumption and resource waste increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a simulation of the 3D printing process before actual printing to generate a pre-visualization image. This simulation incorporates printer characteristics (nozzle diameter, layer height, infill pattern) and material properties to predict the final appearance, allowing users to identify and correct potential issues before committing physical resources to printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the 3D printing process through simulation. Instead of physically printing multiple test objects, the system generates a digital representation (pre-visualization image) that replicates the expected outcome, enabling evaluation and optimization without material consumption or time expenditure associated with iterative physical printing.
2Manufacturing precision
If iterative trial and error approach is used to account for printer characteristics and material variations, then the accuracy of the final 3D printed object is improved, but the resource waste increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation is performed before actual printing to predict material behavior and appearance outcomes. This preliminary digital experimentation allows optimization of printing parameters and design adjustments without consuming any physical printing material, thereby preventing material waste associated with failed or suboptimal print attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual replica of the printing process that consumes no physical materials. By evaluating design and parameter choices in the digital domain first, the patent eliminates the need for multiple physical trial prints, directly preventing material waste while maintaining the ability to achieve high manufacturing precision.
3Speed
If simple geometric modeling is used for pre-visualization, then the rendering speed is improved, but the realism and accuracy of the pre-visualization image deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively modeling specific surface features and material properties that are most relevant to 3D printing outcomes. Rather than attempting to simulate every detail with equal complexity, the system focuses computational resources on capturing characteristic printing artifacts (layer lines, nozzle patterns, infill structures) and material behaviors that most impact visual realism and predictive accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves efficient rendering by changing parameters to represent material properties and printing characteristics in a simplified yet effective manner. By using parameterized models of surface discontinuities, translucency, and texture based on printing parameters, the patent maintains rendering speed while improving realism compared to simple geometric modeling.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a technique for rendering a pre-visualization image representative of a 3D object to be printed by a 3D printer. The technique accesses a geometric digital model of the 3D object and receives one or more printer characteristics of the 3D printer. The one or more printer characteristics are associated with settlement of added material to the 3D object by the 3D printer. The technique further receives one or more material parameters of a volume of the added material that forms the 3D object. The technique further generates a digital aggregate build-up model of the 3D object using the geometric digital model, the one or more printer characteristics, and the one or more environmental parameters. Then the technique renders a pre-visualization image representative of the 3D object as the 3D object would be printed by the 3D printer based on the generated digital aggregate build-up model.