3D Printing Supplementary Geometry for Game Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing technologies are limited in their ability to create tangible mementos of virtual environments and characters from video games, as they require physical connections and structural integrity that are not present in the virtual world, making it difficult to print complex and aesthetically unique objects.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a 3D printing system with an entertainment device, such as a PlayStation 4, which generates supplementary geometry to modify virtual game elements for 3D printing, including procedural geometry to provide structural support and connectivity, allowing for the creation of stable and aesthetically accurate physical models from video game environments and characters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional 3D printing is used to print virtual game objects, then aesthetic uniqueness is achieved, but structural stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The printing process is segmented into two distinct phases: first printing the aesthetic surface geometry captured from the game environment, then separately printing structural support elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the surface for visual accuracy and the supports for mechanical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Support structures act as intermediary elements between the printed aesthetic geometry and the printing platform. These temporary or permanent supports provide the necessary mechanical stability during and after printing, enabling complex overhanging and suspended geometries that would otherwise be impossible to print.
2Stability of the object's composition
If supplementary geometry is added to provide structural support, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates and calculates the necessary support geometry based on the captured game environment data. The software analyzes the model, identifies regions requiring support, and generates appropriate support structures without requiring manual intervention or complex user configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts geometric parameters dynamically - modifying the density, distribution, and configuration of support structures based on the specific requirements of each model region. This allows optimization of support efficiency while minimizing unnecessary complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If detailed geometry is captured from game environments, then manufacturing precision is improved, but print time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies support structures selectively only where geometrically necessary - such as for overhanging surfaces, suspended elements, or thin features - rather than adding uniform support throughout the entire model. This partial action approach maintains precision where needed while minimizing unnecessary printing operations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method of 3D printing comprises the steps of running a videogame, in turn comprising a step of generating a virtual game environment comprising in-game geometry; receiving an indication that the current state of the virtual game environment has been selected for 3D printing; obtaining supplementary geometry; and supplementing the in-game geometry with the supplementary geometry to create a 3D printer geometry; wherein components of the virtual game environment included in the 3D printer geometry are modified by the supplementary geometry to have structural features within the 3D printer geometry that have dimensions calculated to support the model in its final printed physical form.