3D Printing Slice Image Creation at Contour Intersections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-dimensional printing devices face challenges in accurately creating slice images for complex objects with intersections, leading to incorrect peeling and failure in distinguishing printing and non-printing regions, resulting in incomplete or incorrect object printing.
Innovation Solution
A slice image creation device and method that includes a circulation direction setting processor, peeling line segment setting processor, intersection information acquisition processor, transfer processor, and creation processor to correctly determine the next peeling line segment at intersections by acquiring intersection angles and circulation direction information, ensuring accurate separation of printing and non-printing regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional peeling methods are used for complex objects with intersections, then the processing is simpler, but the peeling accuracy deteriorates leading to incorrect distinction of printing and non-printing regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex contour tracing problem into distinct phases: identifying intersection points, determining circulation directions for each contour, and applying peeling rules at intersections. By dividing the processing into these manageable segments, the system achieves high peeling accuracy for complex objects without overwhelming computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-identifying all intersection points and pre-determining circulation directions for each contour before executing the peeling process. This preliminary preparation ensures that when peeling reaches an intersection, the correct next line segment can be determined immediately based on pre-calculated circulation directions, eliminating ambiguity and ensuring accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If simple contour tracing is used, then the processing is faster, but it fails to correctly handle intersections leading to incorrect slice images
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the geometric properties of the contours themselves (their circulation directions and intersection angles) to determine the correct peeling path. The contours provide their own guidance information through their inherent geometric characteristics, eliminating the need for external complex decision-making algorithms and achieving both accuracy and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from simple sequential tracing to a parameter-based decision system that considers circulation direction parameters and intersection angle parameters. By incorporating these additional parameters into the tracing logic, the system can correctly navigate intersections while maintaining efficient processing through mathematical rather than brute-force methods.
3Manufacturing precision
If circulation directions are not considered at intersections, then the processing is simpler, but the distinction between printing and non-printing regions becomes incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to determine the next line segment through complex forward reasoning at each intersection, the patent inverts the approach by using the circulation direction (a property that can be easily determined) to guide the peeling process. The circulation direction, which naturally indicates the orientation of the contour, becomes the key parameter for making correct peeling decisions at intersections.
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
Ensures correct peeling and contour tracing even at intersections, resulting in the creation of desired slice images and successful printing of complex objects by determining the correct line segment to transfer at intersections based on intersection angles and circulation directions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical device that is located below the table and outputs light. Light that is output from the optical device is directed toward the photocurable resin in the tank through the opening in the table. A portion of the photocurable resin, accommodated in the tank, that is irradiated with the light is cured.
Data Source
AI summary
In a slice image creation device, a peeling processor performs peeling on a peeling line segment in a circulation direction of the peeling line segment. When the peeling reaches an intersection at which line segments of contours cross each other, an intersection information acquisition processor acquires intersection information including an intersection angle defined at the intersection by the peeling line segment and each candidate line segment connected to the intersection in a direction that is the same as the circulation direction of the peeling line segment. A transfer processor sets one of the candidate line segments that has the smallest intersection angle as the line segment to which the peeling is going to be transferred next from the peeling line segment at the intersection. A creation processor sets the line segments on which the peeling has been performed continuously as one generated contour and divides a target slice model into a printing region and a non-printing region based on the generated contour to create a target slice image.