3D Shape Reconstruction with Control Mesh Complexity Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CAD systems struggle with managing complex 3D geometries generated by automated design processes, which can be difficult to manipulate, manufacture, and require excessive computational resources, especially when transitioning to physical structures.
Innovation Solution
A computer-aided design system that reduces the complexity of 3D geometries by generating a control mesh with automated shape reconstruction, maintaining shape continuity and editability, using techniques such as skeletonization and medial section generation to produce a smooth surface representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated shape generation is used to create 3D geometries, then design complexity and automation level increase, but the geometry becomes difficult to manipulate and manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex 3D geometry into a control mesh structure with hierarchical levels. The geometry is divided into manageable elements (vertices, edges, faces) that can be independently manipulated, transforming an uncontrollable complex shape into structured, editable components while preserving the overall automated design intent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the complex geometry by changing its representation parameters from a dense polygon mesh to a control mesh with reduced vertex count. This parameter transformation maintains the essential shape characteristics while reducing complexity, enabling easier manipulation and manufacturing preparation.
2Manufacturing precision
If high-resolution 3D geometries are generated, then manufacturing precision improves, but computational resources and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by generating geometry at high resolution only where needed (in regions requiring manufacturing precision) while using lower resolution in other areas. The control mesh structure allows selective refinement, maintaining necessary precision without uniformly high computational costs across the entire model.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometry is segmented into control mesh elements that can be processed independently. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different mesh regions, reducing overall processing time while maintaining high resolution where required for manufacturing precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex 3D geometries are generated, then design versatility improves, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters from complex organic shapes to a control mesh representation that maintains design versatility while introducing manufacturing-friendly characteristics. The control mesh parameters enable straightforward translation to manufacturing instructions, bridging the gap between versatile design and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mesh acts as an intermediary between the automated design process and manufacturing processes. It preserves the versatility of generated designs while providing a standardized, manufacturable representation that facilitates downstream manufacturing operations.
4Measurement precision
If detailed 3D geometries are generated, then shape accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detailed geometry into a control mesh with a controlled number of elements. This segmentation maintains shape accuracy by preserving critical geometric features while reducing overall complexity to manageable levels suitable for CAD manipulation and manufacturing preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the geometry representation parameters from high-detail polygon meshes to control mesh structures with optimized vertex counts. This parameter change maintains essential shape accuracy while reducing complexity, enabling efficient processing and manufacturing preparation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, including: receiving, by a shape modeling computer program, a selection of first geometry defined in a data structure used by the computer program to represent a three-dimensional model of an object and an indication of an amount of complexity reduction, The computer program produces a second geometry defined in the data structure based on the indication of the amount of indicated complexity reduction and taking into account local shape curvature for the first geometry, where the second geometry replaces the first geometry in representing the three-dimensional model of the object. The computer program provides the three-dimensional model of the object, with the second geometry included in the three-dimensional model, for use in manufacturing a physical structure corresponding to the object using one or more computer-controlled manufacturing systems, or for use in displaying the object on a display screen.