Image correction with 3D printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing methods on apparel result in distorted patterns when the garment is worn due to nonuniform stretching and conforming to irregular three-dimensional surfaces, such as the human body, leading to loss of recognizable design features.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for direct three-dimensional printing onto apparel, involving the creation of a predistorted pattern from an undistorted design, accounting for the geometric distortions that occur when the garment is worn, using a computing device and a 3D printing system with a rotatable cylinder to maintain a simple surface for printing, ensuring the pattern remains undistorted on the wearer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If direct 3D printing is performed onto apparel, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but pattern distortion occurs due to nonuniform stretching when the garment is worn
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs predistortion of the pattern before printing, calculating and applying the necessary geometric transformations in advance to compensate for the nonuniform stretching that will occur when the garment is worn. This preliminary action ensures the pattern appears undistorted in its final worn state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric parameters of the pattern through predistortion calculations, transforming the original undistorted pattern into a predistorted version that accounts for the specific stretching characteristics of the garment material and construction. This parameter transformation allows the pattern to maintain its intended appearance after wearing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the apparel conforms to irregular three-dimensional surfaces, then wearability is improved, but pattern recognition is lost due to geometric distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by predistorting the pattern in the opposite direction of the expected distortion from garment construction and wearing. This counter-distortion compensates for the irregular surface conforming, allowing the pattern to remain recognizable when the garment is worn on the body.
3Device complexity
If a simple three-dimensional shaped object is used for printing, then printing process is simplified, but the pattern becomes distorted when transferred to irregular surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary predistortion calculations that incorporate the specific geometric characteristics of both the simple printing surface and the target irregular surface. This advance preparation allows the pattern to be printed on a simple object and then transferred to or worn on irregular surfaces without loss of pattern recognition.
Data Source
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AI summary
An article of apparel (1200) is disclosed. The article of apparel having a predistorted three-dimensional pattern (1240) printed thereon, appearing distorted in an unworn and approximately two-dimensional and relaxed state of its material, wherein the printed pattern (1340) manifests itself in an undistorted manner on the article of apparel when worn on an irregular three-dimensional shape of a wearer.