Reverse Engineering Mesh to CAD Conversion with Logical Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reverse engineering software requires high proficiency to convert mesh data into CAD data, making it difficult for users to obtain accurate and intended CAD data, as it involves complex geometric operations and requires distinguishing between reference and combined data, with limited flexibility in operation order and type.
Innovation Solution
A reverse engineering support apparatus that acquires mesh data, extracts geometric elements, allows users to select and associate logical operations with these elements, and displays the results, enabling users to easily perform set operations like addition and subtraction, and update the synthetic elements, thus simplifying the conversion process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If general reverse engineering software is used to convert mesh data into CAD data through CAD modeling and set operations, then CAD data can be created, but the operation becomes difficult and requires high proficiency level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex CAD modeling process into distinct geometric element extraction and set operation components. The system automatically extracts geometric elements (planes, cylinders, cones, spheres) from mesh data and separates them into additive and subtractive groups, allowing users to perform set operations without needing to understand complex CAD modeling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic geometric element extraction and classification from mesh data without requiring user intervention in the complex modeling process. The software automatically identifies and separates geometric elements into additive and subtractive groups, enabling users to simply select operations rather than manually build models.
2Ease of manufacture
If set operations are performed with mesh data and CAD data overlapping on display screen, then CAD data can be created, but it becomes unclear what shape the result will have
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy or representation of the mesh data as extracted geometric elements before performing set operations. This allows the system to calculate and display the resulting shape based on the geometric element operations without displaying the potentially confusing overlapping mesh and CAD data, preserving shape information clarity.
3Productivity
If conventional set operations are used where only addition or subtraction can be designated in one operation, then operations can be performed, but trial and error becomes difficult due to fixed operation order and signs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic set operation system where users can freely configure the sequence of operations and switch between addition and subtraction for each geometric element group. The system allows flexible arrangement of operation order and signs, enabling users to perform trial and error adjustments to achieve the desired CAD data without being constrained by fixed operation sequences.
Data Source
AI summary
A reverse engineering support apparatus includes: an extraction unit that extracts a geometric element from mesh data; a reception unit that receives selection of one geometric element from among a plurality of the geometric elements extracted by the extraction unit and selection of a type of a logical operation; a registration unit that registers a plurality of records in which types of logical operations received by the reception unit are associated with the geometric elements, respectively, in a synthesis processing table; a computing unit that executes a logical operation of a geometric element for each of the registered records based on a type of the logical operation associated with each of the records to create a synthetic element; and a display control unit that displays the synthetic element on the display unit.