3D Object Property Data Mapping for Cross-Printer Compatibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current additive manufacturing technologies face challenges in generating three-dimensional objects with varied properties such as conductivity, density, and appearance, as they often require specific print apparatus capabilities and data formats, limiting the versatility and compatibility with different printing systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of device-independent object property data objects that transform and map object property data into control data, allowing for the generation of three-dimensional objects with arbitrary properties, using voxel representations and halftoning techniques to specify print material coverage, enabling the use of a wide range of print apparatus and data sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control data is generated from a three dimensional model for additive manufacturing, then the object can be produced with specified geometry and material properties, but the data format and print apparatus capabilities limit versatility and compatibility with different printing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a common data structure that can be used across multiple additive manufacturing systems and print apparatus types. The data structure defines standardized fields for geometry, material properties, and process parameters that can be interpreted by different printing systems, enabling one data format to serve multiple functions and platforms without requiring system-specific customizations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data structure that acts as a bridge between various data sources (CAD models, simulation results, material databases) and different print apparatus. This standardized intermediate format translates diverse input data into a universal representation that can be processed by any compliant printing system, facilitating compatibility without requiring direct integration between all possible data sources and devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If device-independent object property data objects are used to transform and map object property data into control data, then versatility and compatibility are enhanced, but the data transformation and mapping process increases processing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming object property data into standardized parameters within the common data structure. The transformation process maps various input parameters (geometry, material properties, process conditions) into a standardized set of fields with defined data types and units. This parameter standardization enables different data sources to be converted into a universal format that can be processed by any printing system without requiring complex custom transformation logic for each system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If voxel representations and halftoning techniques are used to specify print material coverage, then objects with diverse properties can be created, but the processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the three-dimensional object into discrete voxels (volume elements) that can be independently processed. Each voxel can be assigned specific material properties and print parameters based on the desired object characteristics. This segmentation enables parallel processing of different regions and facilitates the use of halftoning techniques to achieve gradual property transitions. The voxel-based approach allows complex property variations to be represented through simple discrete units, reducing overall computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using halftoning techniques that apply print material coverage at selected voxel locations rather than uniformly across all voxels. Halftoning algorithms determine the optimal subset of voxels to modify based on the desired property gradients and transitions. This partial application of material coverage achieves diverse object properties with fewer processing operations than would be required to modify every voxel, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining the ability to create complex property variations.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for transforming three dimensional object data are disclosed. In some examples, data representing a three dimensional object is received, the data comprising object property data indicative of at least one attribute of at least a portion of the three dimensional object. The object property data is transformed into a plurality of device independent object property data objects having a common data structure, each object property data object comprising a value indicative of each of a predetermined set of object properties.