Procedural Satellite Model Generation for Plausible 3D Variants

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies are incapable of programmatically generating high volumes of digital 3D models of satellites with a wide variety of plausible configurations, including hypothetical designs, and are limited to real-world objects that can be photographed.

Innovation Solution

A satellite model generation system that uses pseudo-random number generators to create a plurality of 3D satellite models based on configuration parameters and plausibility constraints, enabling the rapid generation of hundreds of thousands of realistic satellite configurations in less than an hour.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual sculpting or photogrammetry methods are used to generate 3D satellite models, then model accuracy and realism are improved, but productivity and the ability to generate high volumes of diverse configurations are severely limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeneration speed and volume of modelsVSAvoidvariety of plausible satellite configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes parameters by using procedural generation with configurable parameters that define satellite components, their arrangements, and physical properties. By systematically varying these parameters across multiple generations, the system produces high volumes of diverse satellite models with plausible configurations, resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining libraries of satellite components, attachment rules, and validation constraints before generation. This preparatory work enables rapid generation of plausible configurations without manual intervention during the actual model creation process, significantly improving productivity while maintaining configuration validity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing model generation technologies are used, then models of real-world objects can be created, but the ability to generate hypothetical and fictional satellite designs is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeneration of hypothetical satellite designsVSAvoidconfigurational plausibility and physical accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies dynamics by implementing configurable generation rules and validation constraints that adapt to different satellite types and configurations. The plausibility validation dynamically checks generated models against physical and operational constraints, ensuring that even hypothetical designs maintain configurational accuracy and realism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves universality by creating a multi-functional generation framework that can produce both real-world and hypothetical satellite designs through the same procedural process. The configurable parameters and validation rules allow the system to adapt to various satellite types while maintaining plausibility, enabling generation of diverse designs without sacrificing accuracy.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive plausibility validation is applied to ensure realistic satellite configurations, then configuration accuracy is improved, but generation time and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfigurational plausibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments plausibility validation into multiple independent checks organized in a validation tree structure. Each node in the tree represents a specific validation rule (e.g., component attachment feasibility, physical constraints, operational requirements), allowing comprehensive validation to be broken down into manageable, modular components that can be evaluated systematically without overwhelming complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4632681A1Satellite model generation system
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 THE BOEING CO
  • EP4632681A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4632681A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4632681A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A method for satellite model generation includes generating a plurality of satellite generation values based on an input seed value. Using a satellite model generation system, a plurality of different three-dimensional (3D) satellite models are generated, wherein the plurality of different 3D satellite models differ according to a plurality of satellite configuration parameters, and wherein, for each 3D satellite model of the plurality of different 3D satellite models, the satellite configuration parameters of the 3D satellite model are determined based at least in part on the plurality of satellite generation values and a plurality of configuration plausibility constraints of the satellite model generation system. The plurality of different three-dimensional (3D) satellite models are output.