3D Visualization of Printed Features With Automated Optical Rendering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D visualization methods for printed graphics require significant effort and skill to accurately reproduce optical effects like gloss, relief, and transparency, necessitating costly and time-consuming professional studio work, limiting the number of 'what-if' scenarios in packaging design.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that utilizes a visualizer web application and a visualization rendering processor to remotely render 3D structures with defined printing areas, applying 2D graphic descriptions and operation stacks, enabling interactive and efficient generation of realistic 3D visualizations accessible via a global network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If professional studio work is used to accurately reproduce optical effects like gloss, relief, and transparency, then visualization accuracy is improved, but cost and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisualization accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses rendering technology to create digital copies of the physical printing and finishing processes. Instead of manually recreating optical effects in professional software, the system uses computer-generated images that simulate how light interacts with printed surfaces, gloss coatings, embossed features, and transparent materials. This digital copying approach maintains visualization accuracy while eliminating the need for time-consuming manual studio work.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual process of creating 3D visualizations with professional software by a computational rendering system. The rendering processor automatically calculates and generates images with realistic optical effects based on digital inputs, substituting the manual mechanical operations of professional visualizers with automated computational processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If professional studio work is used to accurately reproduce optical effects like gloss, relief, and transparency, then visualization accuracy is improved, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisualization accuracyVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates digital copies of the printing and finishing processes through rendering technology. By simulating optical effects computationally rather than using manual professional software techniques, the system maintains high visualization accuracy while dramatically reducing costs associated with professional studio work.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a cost-effective rendering approach that generates visualization images on-demand without requiring expensive professional software licenses or skilled manual operators. The system uses automated rendering processors that can be deployed as needed, replacing the need for costly professional studio services while maintaining acceptable visualization quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If manual conversion of production data into rendering format is performed, then visualization quality is improved, but effort and skill requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisualization qualityVSAvoideffort and skill requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service system where the rendering processor automatically converts production data into visualization format without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously processes printing and finishing data, applies appropriate rendering parameters, and generates final images, eliminating the need for skilled professionals to perform manual conversions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of converting production data with automated computational processing. The rendering processor automatically interprets production data and transforms it into rendering-appropriate formats, substituting skilled manual work with automated algorithms that maintain visualization quality while reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If professional software like AutoDesk 3DS Max is used, then visualization realism is improved, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisualization realismVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses rendering technology to create realistic visualizations by digitally copying the appearance and optical properties of physical printed materials. This approach achieves comparable realism to professional 3D software while being significantly faster and more automated, thereby improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual operations in professional 3D software with automated rendering processing. The system automatically generates realistic visualizations without requiring manual modeling, texturing, or rendering adjustments, thereby maintaining visualization quality while dramatically improving productivity through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3782131B1Method of and system for generating and viewing a 3D visualization of an object having printed features
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 ESKO SOFTWARE
  • EP3782131B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3782131B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B
  • EP3782131B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A computer-implemented method for visualizing printed graphics applied to at least one defined printing area or part of a three dimensional (3D) structure is described.