3D Printing Slice Image Grayscale Compensation for Sub-Pixel Sizing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3D printing technologies face challenges in achieving accurate size adjustments, particularly for small size adjustments below the pixel level, due to curing contraction of photosensitive resin materials, which can lead to printing residues and reduced accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for processing slice images in 3D printing that involves determining a size adjustment value and grayscale compensation parameter based on the slice image, applying grayscale processing to edge pixels to compensate for size deviations, and using these processed images for printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If size adjustment is performed by inward or outward offsetting image contour, then large size adjustment can be achieved, but accurate size adjustment below pixel level cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize adjustment accuracyVSAvoidadjustment method limitation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter representation from binary (inward/outward offset) to continuous (grayscale values 0-255). By mapping grayscale values to size adjustment amounts, the system achieves sub-pixel level precision. Each grayscale value corresponds to a specific adjustment amount, allowing fine-grained control beyond the discrete pixel level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of control by using grayscale intensity values instead of simple spatial offset. This transforms the adjustment mechanism from a one-dimensional spatial operation to a two-dimensional operation involving both position and intensity, enabling precise control of size adjustment at the pixel level and below.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If large-area solid exposure surface is continuously exposed, then printing coverage is improved, but printing residues occur and accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting coverageVSAvoidprinting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different grayscale values to different regions of the exposure surface, creating local variations in exposure intensity. Edge pixels receive different grayscale treatment compared to internal pixels, allowing localized control of curing behavior. This prevents uniform over-exposure of large areas while maintaining overall printing coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses grayscale compensation to apply partial exposure action to edge pixels rather than full exposure. By reducing the exposure intensity (grayscale value) at edges compared to the center, the system prevents the excessive action that leads to residues, while still achieving complete coverage through the overall exposure process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables accurate size adjustment requirements to be met, reducing printing residues and improving the accuracy of 3D printing by compensating for edge pixel errors in the slice images.

Implementation Method 1

The technology uses the principle of curing a liquid photosensitive resin after irradiating the liquid photosensitive resin with a light projector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotocuring: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS20240116249A1Method, System and Apparatus for Processing Slice Image for 3D Printing, and Storage Medium
Publication Date: 2024.04.11 GUANGZHOU HEIGE ZHIZAO INFORMATION TECH CO LTD
  • US20240116249A1 patent drawing
  • US20240116249A1 patent drawing
  • US20240116249A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed in the disclosure are a method, system and apparatus for processing slice image for 3D printing, and a storage medium. The method includes: acquiring a slice image of a three-dimensional model, and a relationship between a grayscale compensation parameter and a size adjustment value; determining at least one size adjustment value according to the slice image; determining at least one grayscale compensation parameter according to the at least one size adjustment value and the relationship between the grayscale compensation parameter and the size adjustment value; and respectively performing grayscale processing on edge pixels of corresponding contours in the slice image according to the plurality of grayscale compensation parameters, where the processed slice image is used for 3D printing.