Aperture Detection in 3D Object Representations
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 3D representations of objects, apertures at the surface can connect the outer and inner surfaces, leading to incorrect computational analysis, as applications may inadvertently include the inner surface when trying to determine the outer surface, necessitating a method to identify and seal apertures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a bounding box divided into voxels to determine intersecting, external, and internal sets, identifying apertures by finding voxels that intersect with triangles and generating a cover for these apertures by adding triangles to the object's representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a 3D representation of an object is used to perform computational analysis, then the analysis can be performed on the object's surface, but apertures may connect the outer and inner surfaces causing incorrect results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D space around the object into a bounding box divided into multiple voxels. This segmentation allows systematic identification of apertures by examining which voxels are intersected by the object's surface triangles, enabling reliable detection without complex algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voxels as intermediary elements between the object's triangular representation and the analysis process. Voxels serve as mediators to identify apertures indirectly by determining which voxels are intersected by surface triangles, simplifying the overall detection mechanism.
2Productivity
If the outer surface is used to represent the object with fewer triangles, then the representation is more efficient, but apertures may cause the inner surface to be inadvertently included
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-dividing the bounding box into voxels and pre-identifying which voxels are intersected by the object's surface triangles before performing the actual analysis. This preliminary segmentation allows efficient outer surface determination while automatically detecting apertures that would otherwise cause incorrect inclusions.
3Reliability
If apertures are sealed by adding cover triangles, then the outer surface can be correctly identified, but the representation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information needed to identify apertures - specifically, which voxels are intersected by surface triangles - without extracting or processing the entire complex triangular mesh. This selective extraction allows correct outer surface identification while minimizing the added complexity from aperture sealing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An iterative process for determining an aperture in a representation of an object is disclosed. The object is received and a bounding box corresponding thereto is determined. The bounding box includes a plurality of initial voxels and the object is embedded therein. An intersecting set of initial voxels is determined, as well as an internal set and an external set of initial voxels. The resolution of the voxels is iteratively decreased until the ratio of internal voxels to external voxels exceeds a predetermined threshold. The voxels corresponding to the final iteration are the final voxels. An internal set of final voxels is determined. A union set of initial voxels is determined indicating an intersection between the external set of initial voxels and the internal set of final voxels. From the union set of initial voxels and the external set of initial voxels, a location of an aperture is determined.