Stylized Quad Mesh Conversion for Manufacturable 3D Forms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generative design processes often produce 3D object designs with organic shapes that are aesthetically unappealing and difficult to manufacture, requiring tedious manual modifications to reflect non-functional preferences.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that generates a simplified quad mesh from a triangle mesh, applying preferred orientations and complexity constraints to convert it into a stylized T-spline, automatically modifying the design to improve aesthetics and manufacturability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If generative design processes are used to optimize functional goals and design constraints, then the performance of 3D object designs is improved, but the resulting designs have organic shapes that are aesthetically unappealing and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the design modification process into distinct stages: generating initial organic shapes through generative design, then applying separate processing steps including mesh generation, T-spline conversion, and stylization operations. This segmentation allows functional optimization to occur independently while subsequent stages address manufacturability and aesthetics without compromising the original performance benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the geometric representation from triangle meshes to quad meshes to T-splines, and by applying stylization parameters that modify surface characteristics. These parameter transformations convert difficult-to-manufacture organic shapes into forms with better manufacturability while preserving the functional performance optimized in the generative design stage
2Shape
If manual processes are used to modify designs to reflect aesthetic preferences, then the aesthetics of 3D object designs are improved, but the time and effort required for design activities increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the design system to automatically perform stylization operations without requiring manual designer intervention. The automated process includes generating quad meshes from triangle meshes, converting to T-splines, and applying stylization algorithms that automatically adjust shapes to reflect aesthetic preferences, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual modification process while still achieving improved aesthetic quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual mechanical design processes with automated computational algorithms. Instead of designers manually manipulating 3D models to achieve aesthetic preferences, the system uses automated mesh generation, T-spline conversion, and stylization algorithms that computationally determine optimal aesthetic modifications, dramatically reducing design time while maintaining or improving aesthetic quality
3Productivity
If fewer modifications are made to organic shapes to save time, then the design time is reduced, but the manufacturability of the design becomes sub-optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing stylization operations automatically during the design phase rather than leaving modifications for later manufacturing planning. The system proactively generates quad meshes, converts to T-splines, and applies stylization algorithms before manufacturing, ensuring manufacturability is optimized in advance without requiring additional time during the manufacturing planning stage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by integrating multiple processing steps into a continuous automated workflow. The process flows seamlessly from triangle mesh generation through quad mesh generation, T-spline conversion, and stylization operations without interruption or manual intervention, maintaining high design efficiency while continuously optimizing manufacturability throughout the entire process
Data Source
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AI summary
In various embodiments, a stylization subsystem automatically modifies a three-dimensional (3D) object design. In operation, the stylization subsystem generates a simplified quad mesh based on an input triangle mesh that represents the 3D object design, a preferred orientation associated with at least a portion of the input triangle mesh, and mesh complexity constraint(s). The stylization subsystem then converts the simplified quad mesh to a simplified T-spline. Subsequently, the stylization subsystem creases one or more of edges included in the simplified T-spline to generate a stylized T-spline. Notably, the stylized T-spline represents a stylized design that is more convergent with the preferred orientation(s) than the 3D object design. Advantageously, relative to prior art approaches, the stylization subsystem can more efficiently modify the 3D object design to improve overall aesthetics and manufacturability.