3D Surface Point Connectivity Graph for Hair Interpolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer-generated image technologies face challenges in determining point connectivity on 3D models, particularly for hair or fur interpolation, leading to uneven generation and loss of user control due to lack of connectivity information between guide curves across multiple surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A method involving recursive shape segmentation and association to create a connectivity graph, allowing for precise connection of guide points and manipulation of surfaces, enabling more flexible placement of guide curves and improved hair or fur generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If guide curves are placed freely across multiple surfaces without connectivity information, then user freedom in placement is improved, but interpolation accuracy deteriorates due to incorrect guide curve application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary data structure (connectivity information/association diagram) that mediates between the user's free guide curve placement and the interpolation process. This intermediary stores the topological relationships between guide curves and surface regions, allowing the system to correctly interpret which guide curves apply to which regions even when placed freely across multiple surfaces, thus resolving the contradiction between placement freedom and interpolation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-computing and storing the association diagram that maps guide curve locations to their regions of influence before the actual interpolation occurs. This preliminary connectivity analysis enables the interpolation process to quickly and accurately determine which guide curves apply to each surface region, maintaining precision despite free placement
2Manufacturing precision
If restrictions are imposed on guide curve placement to ensure connectivity, then interpolation accuracy is improved, but user control and freedom are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically computing the connectivity information and association diagram without requiring user intervention to define placement constraints. The user simply places guide curves freely, and the system autonomously analyzes the geometry and topology to determine regions of influence and construct the connectivity data structure, thereby maintaining both user freedom and interpolation accuracy
3Measurement precision
If connectivity information is computed for unordered guide curves across multiple faces, then complete area of influence determination is improved, but computational intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex global connectivity problem into smaller local problems. The association diagram is constructed by processing each surface face and its adjacent faces separately, determining local connectivity relationships incrementally. This segmentation reduces the computational burden compared to computing global connectivity all at once, while still achieving complete area of influence determination
Data Source
AI summary
One particular implementation of the present invention may involve a method for determining connectivity of a plurality of points on a surface of a computer-generated object in 2D or 3D space. In general, the method may utilize a recursion process to determine or approximate a plurality of association region boundaries related to the points on the computer-generated object. The method may include a first stage of a refinement operation that may recursively search the surface of the computer model for the region boundaries of the set of points, a stopping operation that may cease the recursive search when an acceptable tolerance is achieved and a connecting operation that may use the determined region boundaries to connect the series of points on the surface of the model to form a connectivity graph of the points. The connectivity information obtained through the above method may be utilized as part of an interpolation process to generate hair or fur along the surface of the object.