3D Surface Patch Generation from Unconstrained Wireframe Curves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D modeling systems impose strict constraints on 3D wireframe curves, limiting the ability to generate surface representations for complex shapes and making it difficult for designers to achieve intended designs, as they require curves to be embeddable on a sphere, 2-manifold surfaces, and enclosing closed volumes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating 3D surface patches from unconstrained 3D wireframe curves, which automatically creates surface patches based on curve connectivity and intersection points, allowing for user input to adjust and refine the surface representation, enabling the creation of water-tight surfaces without the need for strict constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems use strict constraints on 3D wireframe curves (embeddable on sphere, 2-manifold surfaces, closed volumes), then the surface generation process is simplified and reliable, but the ability to model complex shapes and designer freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex surface generation problem into multiple triangular patches, each constrained by three curves. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex shapes by breaking them down into simpler, manageable triangular elements that can be independently generated and then assembled into the complete surface model.
2Ease of operation
If conventional systems require strict constraints on wireframe curves, then automated surface generation is more reliable, but user control and design flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates iterative refinement where initially generated triangular patches are evaluated and adjusted based on user feedback. Users can modify control points and curve definitions, and the system regenerates the surface patches to reflect these changes, allowing continuous refinement while maintaining geometric integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic modification of the wireframe curves and control points after initial surface generation. Users can adjust the underlying curve definitions, and the triangular patches automatically update to maintain proper geometric relationships, enabling flexible design iteration without losing the reliability of the constrained generation process.
3Productivity
If conventional systems use embedded sphere constraints and closed volume requirements, then water-tight surface models are achieved, but the modeling process becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary organization of the wireframe curves into closed loops and identifies boundary curves before generating triangular patches. This preliminary structuring ensures that the curves are properly arranged to form water-tight surfaces, eliminating the need for complex post-processing while maintaining the efficiency of automated generation.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a system and methods for generating 3D surface patches from unconstrained 3D curves are described. The system may receive a set of unconstrained 3D wireframe curves that represent a 3D wireframe model. The 3D wireframe curves may be unorganized, may have inconsistent orientations, and may have an arbitrary number and type of curve intersections. The system may automatically generate the 3D surface patches, dependent on the 3D wireframe curves. The 3D surface patches may form a 3D surface that connects the 3D wireframe curves. The 3D surface patches may be generated from faces of the 3D wireframe model. The faces may be elementary cycles extracted from the 3D wireframe model. The system may receive user input which indicates changes to the 3D surface patches. A user may change, create, and/or delete 3D surface patches to achieve a desired 3D surface that represents the 3D wireframe model.