3D Video Frame Conversion Into Printable Enclosed Volumes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D video data is not readily formatted for 3D printing, lacking defined 3D objects and requiring a complex toolchain for transformation.

Innovation Solution

A method and system to transform 3D video data into a 3D printable model by repairing and re-orienting enclosed volumes based on target 3D printing device capabilities, applying filters, and optimizing print orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If 3D video data is directly used for 3D printing, then the process would be simple, but the data format is incompatible and lacks defined 3D objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of 3D printingVSAvoiddata format compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary software toolchain that converts 3D video data into 3D printing-compatible formats. This mediator translates the video stream format into defined 3D object representations that 3D printers can process, resolving the format incompatibility without requiring changes to either the video data source or the 3D printing device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The conversion process transforms the parameter structure of the data from a video stream format (frames indexed in time) to a 3D object format (spatial coordinates and geometry). This parameter transformation enables the data to be interpreted by 3D printing systems while preserving the essential 3D information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex toolchain is used to transform 3D video data, then data compatibility is improved, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata format compatibilityVSAvoidsoftware toolchain complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple transformation steps into a unified conversion process. Instead of requiring separate tools for extraction, transformation, and optimization, the system merges these functions into an integrated workflow that simplifies the overall process while maintaining data compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conversion toolchain is designed to handle multiple 3D video formats and output to various 3D printing formats through a single universal interface. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of specialized tools needed and simplifies the user workflow.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If 3D video frames are converted to 3D printable objects, then printability is improved, but material usage and structural integrity need optimization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D printabilityVSAvoidmaterial usage efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary optimization of the 3D model before printing, including orientation adjustment and support structure planning. By preparing the model in advance with optimal orientation, the system reduces material waste during printing and ensures structural integrity without requiring post-processing adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3497675B13D printing using 3D video data
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3497675B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3497675B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3497675B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems, devices, and methods are described herein for transforming three dimensional (3D) video data into a 3D printable model. In one aspect, a method for transforming 3D video data may include receiving 3D video data indicated or selected for 3D printing. The selected portion or 3D video data, which may include a frame of the 3D video data, may be repaired or modified to generate a 3D model that define at least one enclosed volume. At least one of the enclosed volumes of the 3D video data may be re-oriented based on at least one capability of a target 3D printing device. In some aspects, the re-orienting may be performed to optimize at least one of a total print volume or print orientation of the at least one enclosed volume. In some aspects, the method may be performed in response to a single selection or action performed by a user.