3D Printing Color Voxel Assignment for Uniform Surface Finish
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Three-dimensional (3D) object molding systems face issues with color uniformity and gloss differences due to the assignment of color components, particularly when using multiple colors, as the existing techniques do not prioritize color components by lightness value, leading to varying appearances based on viewing location and angle.
Innovation Solution
A data processing apparatus that generates color voxel data by assigning plural color components to surface voxels in a priority order from lower to higher lightness value, and avoids assigning achromatic colors to surface voxels if the surface density is less than 100%, ensuring consistent color reproduction across the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If color components are assigned to surface voxels without priority order, then the object can be molded with multiple colors, but the color appearance varies depending on viewing location and angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different priority levels to different color components based on their lightness values. Surface voxels receive color components in a specific priority order (achromatic first, then chromatic), while inner voxels receive color components without such priority constraints. This localized differentiation in color assignment strategy ensures that surface appearance remains consistent regardless of viewing angle, while still enabling multi-color molding capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If achromatic color component is assigned to surface voxel, then the surface can be molded with light colors, but gloss differences occur between surface and inner portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by restricting achromatic color component assignment to inner voxels only, while surface voxels are assigned only chromatic color components. This localized color component distribution prevents gloss differences between surface and inner portions, as the surface maintains its chromatic properties that provide consistent gloss appearance, while inner voxels can still utilize achromatic components for light color rendering.
3Device complexity
If color components are assigned in arbitrary order to surface and inner voxels, then the molding process is simplified, but chroma decrease occurs in mixed-color portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by establishing a specific priority order for color component assignment based on lightness values (achromatic > chromatic). This parameter-based ordering system maintains chroma accuracy in mixed-color portions by ensuring that chromatic components are properly prioritized during the assignment process, while the overall process remains systematic and manageable through clear assignment rules.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives first data that defines a shape of and a color of a surface of a three-dimensional object on each specific surface region of the three-dimensional object, and a generating unit that generates color voxel data from the first data. The generating unit assigns plural color components to plural surface voxels in accordance with color information on the color of the surface in the first data, starting with surface voxels, in a priority order of the color components from one having a lower lightness value to another having a higher lightness value, and does not assign an achromatic color component to a surface voxel if a density of the color of the surface in the first data is less than 100 percent.