Virtual Garment Assembly Tree Data Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current computer-aided design systems for virtual garments and upholstery lack flexibility and repeatability in assembling 2D pattern parts into 3D models, requiring users to define the order of assembly tasks through trial and error, and do not allow for easy modification or reuse of designs, leading to inconsistent results and high computational burden.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that provides a three-dimensional manikin and pattern parts with seam specifications, allowing users to declare and execute assembly tasks in a partial ordering relationship, generating a tree data structure to manage the assembly process, including physics-based simulation and control over simulation parameters like gravity and assembly speed, enabling flexible and repeatable assembly of virtual garments or upholstery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users define assembly tasks through trial and error in current CAD systems, then assembly can be completed, but the process lacks flexibility and repeatability, requiring excessive time and computational resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of defining assembly tasksVSAvoidtime required for trial and error assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating an initial assembly sequence using a heuristic algorithm before user interaction. This preliminary sequence serves as a starting point that users can then refine, eliminating the need for complete trial-and-error definition and significantly reducing the time required to achieve a valid assembly sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary automated sequencing module that acts as a mediator between the user's assembly tasks and the final assembly result. This module uses heuristic algorithms to generate and optimize assembly sequences, translating user-defined tasks into executable sequences without requiring users to manually define the entire process through trial and error.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If all assembly tasks are executed without structured management, then assembly can proceed, but computational burden increases and results become inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly execution efficiencyVSAvoidcomputational burden of assembly management
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the assembly process into discrete, manageable tasks with defined dependencies. Each assembly task is broken down into individual operations that can be independently analyzed and optimized, allowing the system to process complex assemblies in smaller computational units rather than as monolithic operations, thereby reducing overall computational burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic task sequencing that adapts based on the specific characteristics of each assembly. The heuristic algorithm dynamically generates and adjusts assembly sequences based on real-time analysis of task dependencies and constraints, optimizing the execution order to minimize computational burden while ensuring consistent and efficient results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If design modifications are required in current systems, then changes can be made, but reuse of similar designs is difficult and results vary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of modification and reuseVSAvoidconsistency of assembly results
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements copying functionality that allows users to replicate existing assembly sequences and designs with consistent results. By capturing the structured assembly sequence data and task definitions, the system enables exact copies to be made and reused across different projects, ensuring reliability and consistency while maintaining full adaptability for modifications when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates universal assembly sequence structures that can serve multiple functions and different design variations. The standardized task definition framework and heuristic sequencing algorithm allow the same assembly methodology to be applied across diverse garment types and design configurations, enabling easy modification while maintaining consistent, reliable results through universal principles.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3273367B1Computer-implemented method for designing a garment or upholstery by defining sequences of assembly tasks
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 DASSAULT SYSTEMES SA
  • EP3273367B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3273367B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3273367B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(e)

AI summary

A computer-implemented method for designing a virtual garment or upholstery in a three-dimensional scene comprising the steps of: a) providing a three-dimensional manikin, a set of pattern parts of said virtual garment or upholstery and a set of seam specification; b) receiving from a user a plurality of declarations of assembly tasks (A, B, C, D1, D2, E1, E21, E22, F2) for assembling the garment or upholstery; c) receiving from the user at least a declaration of a partial ordering relationship between two or more of said assembly tasks; d) executing said tasks according to said partial ordering relationship, each task changing a state of the garment or upholstery under assembly; characterized in that it further comprises a step of: e) while executing the tasks, generating a tree data structure comprising nodes linked by directed arcs, each node being associated to a state of the garment or upholstery and each arc being associated to an assembly task. A computer program product, non-volatile computer-readable data-storage medium and Computer Aided Design system for carrying out such a method. Application of the method to the manufacturing of a garment or upholstery.