3D Shape Data Feature Detection for Deformation Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current three-dimensional object formation technologies face inefficiencies in detecting characteristic shapes such as thin walls and excessive overhangs, leading to deformation and requiring extensive user time for detection.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that acquires three-dimensional shape data, sets feature requirements, detects specific features like contraction differences, pull-in, and swaying, and outputs information on these features to reduce detection time and prevent deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a user manually checks the three-dimensional body before forming to detect characteristic shapes, then detection accuracy is improved, but detection time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddetection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated image processing and analysis. The system captures images of the three-dimensional body and uses computer algorithms to automatically detect characteristic shapes such as thin walls, overhangs, and other geometric features that may cause deformation during forming.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate image processing system that acts as a mediator between the three-dimensional body and the detection process. By capturing images and processing them through software algorithms, the system efficiently extracts geometric features without requiring direct manual measurement or inspection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If automated detection methods are used to reduce detection time, then productivity is improved, but detection precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs sophisticated image processing algorithms and computer vision techniques to perform automated detection. These computational methods can identify characteristic shapes with high precision by analyzing pixel data, edge detection, and geometric pattern recognition, matching or exceeding manual inspection accuracy while dramatically reducing detection time.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the three-dimensional body through image capture and processing. By working with this digital representation rather than the physical object itself, the system can rapidly analyze geometric features multiple times with consistent precision without the time constraints of physical measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive feature detection is performed to prevent deformation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforming accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a multi-functional image processing system that can detect various types of characteristic shapes (thin walls, overhangs, sharp edges, cavities) using the same basic imaging and processing infrastructure. This universal approach avoids the need for separate specialized devices for each type of feature detection, managing system complexity while achieving comprehensive detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By creating a complete digital model or image representation of the three-dimensional body, the system enables comprehensive analysis of all geometric features from a single data set. This digital copy can be processed to identify multiple types of potential deformation risks without requiring multiple physical measurement devices or inspection steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11302019B2Information processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium
Publication Date: 2022.04.12 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • US11302019B2 patent drawing
  • US11302019B2 patent drawing
  • US11302019B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to acquire three-dimensional-shape data that is data for a three-dimensional body and that represents a shape of a three-dimensional object, set in advance a feature requirement that indicates one or more features concerning a cross section of the three-dimensional body, detect one or more features that satisfy the feature requirement in the three-dimensional-shape data, and output information regarding the one or more features detected in the three-dimensional-shape data.