Non-destructive Multi-resolution Surface Mesh Clipping via Spatial Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clipping algorithms for multi-resolution surface meshes are resource-intensive, struggle with complex tasks, and often result in visual interference or destructive modifications, making them inefficient for real-time operation, especially on low-power devices.
Innovation Solution
The technique involves caching clip geometries and meshes in separate files, using a spatial index with unique identifiers for clip objects, and performing clipping based on visibility and priority, with optional skirt generation to prevent visual artifacts, while maintaining the original surface mesh integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing clipping algorithms are used to clip large multi-resolution surface meshes, then clipping functionality is achieved, but resource consumption increases and real-time operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the surface mesh into multiple resolution levels (LODs) and processes only the visible portions at appropriate resolutions. The mesh is segmented into octree nodes that can be independently clipped and rendered, allowing the system to focus computational resources only on visible regions rather than processing the entire mesh at full resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies clipping only to the portions of the surface mesh that are currently visible in the camera view, rather than clipping the entire mesh. The system determines visibility based on camera position and orientation, and performs clipping operations selectively on visible octree nodes, significantly reducing computational overhead.
2Ease of operation
If clipping is performed on the original surface mesh, then clipping for display is achieved, but the original surface mesh is modified and accurate analysis is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the surface mesh data structure (octree) specifically for clipping operations. The original surface mesh remains unchanged and available for accurate analysis, while the copied octree structure is modified to contain clipping information. This allows independent manipulation of clipping parameters without affecting the source data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate octree data structure that serves as a mediator between the original surface mesh and the clipped display output. The octree contains pointers to mesh data and clipping information, allowing the system to perform clipping operations on the intermediate structure while preserving the original mesh integrity for analysis purposes.
3Extent of automation
If clipping operations are performed in real-time, then user interaction and design exploration are enabled, but processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clipping that automatically adjusts based on camera position, orientation, and zoom level. The system continuously updates which octree nodes are visible and performs clipping operations only on those nodes, allowing real-time interaction without requiring full re-clipping of the entire mesh on every user action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs clipping operations periodically based on user interactions rather than continuously. Clipping is triggered by events such as camera movement, object placement, or explicit user requests, reducing processing requirements compared to continuous real-time clipping while maintaining acceptable interactivity.
4Manufacturing precision
If high-resolution clipping is applied to all regions, then visual accuracy is improved, but computational resources are wasted on low-significance areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different levels of clipping precision to different regions of the surface mesh based on their visual significance. High-resolution clipping is applied only to regions that are currently visible and contain important features, while less visible or less important regions use lower resolution clipping. This local adaptation of quality levels optimizes the balance between visual accuracy and computational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment, a technique is provided for surface mesh clipping. A surface mesh file and clip objects are received, and a unique identifier of a clip object is added to each node of a spatial index of the surface mesh that intersects the respective clip object. For any currently visible nodes, clip geometries and a series of meshes that partition the node into clipped regions are computed and stored in a clip file separate from the surface mesh file. Any non-currently visible nodes are computed and the clip file updated in response to display of the respective node. A clipped surface mesh is rendered by assembling regions of the surface mesh that are not affected by clip objects and clipped regions from the clip file, and the rendered clipped surface mesh is displayed.