Hybrid Solid Surface Modeling for CAD Memory Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD systems face challenges in efficiently rendering and editing complex 3D models due to high memory requirements, particularly in interactive 3D applications, as they often lose design topology features when converting data into triangular meshes for processing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a 'hyper model' system that uses two types of objects: one for defining the shape of an object as a complex surface, polygon, or array of triangles/ quads, and another for storing transformations, allowing for efficient memory usage and flexible rendering while preserving editability and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If computer-aided design objects are represented using traditional solid modeling with full topological information, then editability and design accuracy are maintained, but memory requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the representation of 3D objects into two distinct types: solid models that preserve full topological information for editing, and surface models that provide visual representation with reduced data. This segmentation allows the system to maintain editability where needed while reducing memory usage for visualization purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the 3D object in surface model format that retains visual appearance and essential geometric information while removing redundant topological data. This copy enables memory-efficient rendering and visualization without sacrificing the original solid model's editability.
2Productivity
If data is transformed into triangular meshes optimized for GPU processing, then rendering speed and interactivity are improved, but original design topology and CAD capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the rendering pipeline into two independent representations: solid models that maintain full topological information for CAD operations, and surface models that are optimized for GPU rendering. This allows both high-speed rendering and topology preservation to coexist without compromising either.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces surface models as an intermediary representation between the solid models and the GPU rendering pipeline. This intermediary layer translates complex solid geometry into optimized surface data for rendering while preserving a reference to the original solid model topology, thus mediating between fidelity and performance requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex 3D models are stored with full geometric detail and topology, then manufacturing precision and design accuracy are maintained, but system performance in interactive applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified surface model copy that retains sufficient geometric detail for accurate visualization and manufacturing information, while removing computationally expensive topological data. This copy enables fast interactive processing and rendering while preserving the precision needed for manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different levels of geometric detail to different parts of the model based on their importance for rendering versus manufacturing. Critical surfaces that need visual accuracy are maintained with high detail, while internal topological structures that are only needed for editing are simplified or removed from the rendering representation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for modeling computer-aided design (CAD) environments and objects are disclosed. The systems and methods provided herein comprise a hybrid between solid modeling and surface modeling. The methods and systems are directed to structures that represent objects and rendering of the objects. The hybrid solution combines the modeling features and rules of solid modeling and the performance abilities provided by surface modeling.