3D Scan Mesh Region Modeling in CAD
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD systems require time-consuming intermediate conversions of 3D scan data into CAD part bodies for modeling, limiting the direct use of 3D scan data in CAD part body operations.
Innovation Solution
A computerized process that allows direct use of point cloud or mesh models from raw scan data for CAD part body operations by treating model regions as surface bodies, eliminating the need for preliminary conversion and enabling automatic recalculation of implied surfaces upon region modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If 3D scan data is converted to CAD part body through intermediate steps, then modeling precision is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to time-consuming conversion processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate conversion step from the traditional workflow. By allowing direct usage of mesh regions as surface bodies in CAD operations, it removes the unnecessary conversion process while maintaining modeling precision through the implied surface body mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes mesh regions multi-functional by enabling them to serve dual purposes: they remain as scan data representations while simultaneously functioning as surface bodies for CAD operations. This universality eliminates the need for conversion while preserving precision.
2Productivity
If mesh regions are used directly as surface bodies, then productivity is improved by eliminating conversion steps, but device complexity increases due to hybrid data type handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an implied surface body as an intermediary concept that bridges mesh regions and CAD surface bodies. This mediator allows the system to handle hybrid data types seamlessly by creating a virtual surface representation from mesh data without requiring physical conversion, thus managing complexity while maintaining productivity gains.
3Reliability
If intermediate conversion to CAD part body is performed, then system reliability is maintained through standardized data formats, but loss of time occurs during conversion processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the implied surface body relationship between mesh regions and surface bodies during the scanning and meshing phase. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for time-consuming conversion actions later, while reliability is maintained through the consistent mathematical relationship defined by the implied surface body.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for enabling a user to treat 3D scan data model regions as surface bodies so as to eliminate the need to convert model regions to parametric surfaces as a prerequisite to performing part body modeling operations is discussed. During CAD re-modeling raw 3D scan data is imported. The present invention allows a user to use a region directly as an input argument for a part body modeling operation as long as a sheet body (surface body) is applicable as a modeling input argument. Additionally, if any regions used in the body modeling are modified by the user, surfaces which have been generated from fitting regions are also recalculated and the body model is updated automatically. The region modification can happen when the user includes more scan data in the region, excludes scan data from the region, smoothes geometry, or uses other editing functions.