Freeform Cutting of Digital 3D Structures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D modeling techniques lack flexibility in making freeform cuts, requiring manual and lengthy ad hoc interventions by skilled artists to visualize underlying structures, and do not allow direct comparison of removed layers with the remaining layers.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for generating and controlling a tool to create freeform cuts in 3D models by processing user input data to generate a simplified structure, associate points with a curve, calculate geometrical characteristics, and join layers, allowing real-time editing of digital three-dimensional structures with associated textures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual ad hoc intervention by skilled artists is used to make freeform cuts, then the precision and quality of the cut can be maintained, but the time required and complexity of the process increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic freeform cutting operations without requiring manual ad hoc intervention by skilled artists. The computer automatically processes the 3D model, generates cut surfaces, and maintains precision through algorithmic operations, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual intervention while preserving cut quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual artistic intervention with an automated computer-based system that uses algorithms to perform freeform cutting operations. The mechanical and artistic processes are substituted with computational geometry operations, including generating curves from point associations and creating cut surfaces through automated mesh processing
2Ease of operation
If predefined sections are removed to view underlying structures, then the viewing process becomes simpler, but flexibility and the ability to visualize direct relationships between layers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static predefined section removal to dynamic freeform cutting. Users can define arbitrary cut paths and shapes on the 3D model surface, and the system adapts by generating corresponding cut surfaces and revealing underlying structures according to the specific user-defined path, providing both simplicity and flexibility
3Reliability
If multiple separate tools are used for cutting, bridging, and UV mapping, then each function can be optimized independently, but the overall process complexity and number of steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate functions (cutting, bridging, and UV mapping) into a single integrated freeform cutting tool. When a user performs a freeform cut, the system automatically generates the cut surface, bridges the resulting gaps, and updates UV coordinates in one unified operation, eliminating the need for multiple separate tools and steps
Data Source
AI summary
A method of editing a digital three-dimensional structure associated with one or more two-dimensional texture in real time is disclosed, wherein the structure and one or more texture are processed and output same in a user interface, and user input is read in the user interface and processed into a cut shape of the three-dimensional structure. A simplified structure is generated based on the three-dimensional structure, and points of the cut shape are associated with the simplified structure to generate a curve. Points of the curve corresponding to edges of the curve on the simplified structure are determined, and geometrical characteristics and texture coordinates of the new points calculated. A new three dimensional structure is generated along the curve and layers of the structure are joined, for the cut and layered structure to be rendered in the user interface. An apparatus embodying the method is also disclosed.