3D Surface Image Mapping for Curved Object Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to efficiently print two-dimensional images on three-dimensional objects with free curved surfaces, as they require manual expansion and contraction of image data to match the surface shape, leading to complicated correction processes and difficulties in applying mathematical expressions derived from simple shapes to complex surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A printed image data generation method and apparatus that calculates the position of ink landing on a three-dimensional shape model, determines corresponding pixels in a two-dimensional image, and generates printed image data, allowing for easy printing on free curved surfaces by integrating data acquisition, surface decoration, and nozzle trajectory management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual expansion and contraction of image data is performed to match the surface shape, then the image can be printed on three-dimensional objects, but the process becomes complicated and requires difficult correction procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary coordinate conversion and generates a mapping table that associates three-dimensional coordinates with two-dimensional image coordinates before the actual printing process. This pre-processing step eliminates the need for complicated real-time corrections during printing, as the image data is already adjusted to match the three-dimensional surface geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mapping table as an intermediary data structure that bridges the three-dimensional shape model and the two-dimensional image data. This mapping table stores the correspondence relationships between coordinates, allowing the system to transfer image data to the three-dimensional object without direct manual expansion or contraction operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If mathematical expressions from simple shapes are used for coordinate conversion, then the conversion process is simplified, but they cannot be applied to complex free curved surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex free curved surface into multiple small regions or patches. For each segment, simple mathematical expressions can be applied for coordinate conversion. The mapping table then integrates these segmented conversions to represent the entire complex surface, combining the simplicity of local conversions with the versatility of handling global complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a three-dimensional shape model as a digital copy of the target object's surface geometry. This virtual model allows coordinate conversion to be performed in the digital domain using mathematical expressions, and the results are then applied to the actual physical object through the mapping table, separating the complexity of the physical shape from the conversion process.
3Manufacturing precision
If image data is manually adjusted to match surface geometry, then print quality can be maintained, but the process requires significant time and manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic coordinate conversion and generates the mapping table through computational algorithms without requiring manual adjustment of image data. The computer automatically calculates the correspondence between three-dimensional surface coordinates and two-dimensional image coordinates, eliminating time-consuming manual intervention while maintaining print quality through precise mathematical transformations.
4Measurement precision
If coordinate conversion is performed for each point on the surface, then accurate positioning is achieved, but the calculation process becomes computationally intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the computationally intensive coordinate conversion calculations in advance and stores the results in a mapping table. This pre-computation approach shifts the computational load from the real-time printing process to an offline preparation stage, allowing accurate positioning during printing without repeated heavy calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping table serves as a pre-computed copy of the coordinate transformation relationships. Instead of performing complex calculations for each pixel during printing, the system simply looks up pre-calculated coordinate correspondences in the mapping table, dramatically reducing the computational load during the actual printing operation while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A printed image data generation method includes: a data acquisition step of acquiring data indicating a three-dimensional shape model imitating a printing target object and data indicating a two-dimensional image for decorating a surface of the printing target object; and a printed image data generation step of calculating a position of a surface of the three-dimensional shape model on which ink ejected from a nozzle is to land, determining a pixel of the two-dimensional image corresponding to the position of the surface, and generating data of a printed image to be printed on the printing target object based on information of the pixel.