Time-Varying 3D Object Display Through Modular Part Joining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for generating 3-dimensional objects that change shape over time are inefficient and require large amounts of data storage and processing, often resulting in unnatural appearances or high computational demands.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of a reference part and difference data to generate 3-dimensional objects, where each part's shape is defined relative to the reference part, reducing data processing by sending only difference data to the graphics processor and ensuring seamless joins between parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If each iteration of the 3-dimensional object is modeled in advance at different times, then the object can change or evolve over time, but it is time-consuming and requires large amounts of data storage and processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to change over timeVSAvoidtime-consuming preparation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the 3-dimensional object into multiple parts, where each part can be independently defined and processed. This allows the object to be constructed from modular components that can change over time without requiring complete remodelling of the entire object at each time iteration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by defining the initial state and transformation rules for each part in advance, rather than modelling every time iteration completely. The object evolves over time by applying predefined transformations to the initial part definitions, reducing the time-consuming nature of preparing each iteration individually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If a computer is used to procedurally model the static images of the 3-dimensional object, then data preparation is automated, but the objects tend to be identical or unnatural in appearance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated data preparationVSAvoidnatural appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different parts of the 3-dimensional object to have different properties and transformation rules. Each part can be individually configured with specific characteristics that contribute to natural appearance, while still benefiting from automated procedural generation. This enables varied and natural-looking objects rather than identical repetitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If large amounts of data are sent to the graphics processor for display, then the 3-dimensional object can be displayed in detail, but processing may not always be practical or feasible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay detailVSAvoidprocessing feasibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the 3-dimensional object into multiple parts that can be processed and displayed independently. This segmentation reduces the complexity of processing the entire object at once, making it feasible to handle detailed representations without overwhelming the graphics processor. Each part can be processed with appropriate detail levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by allowing the 3-dimensional object to evolve over time through transformations of its parts. Rather than processing static detailed models for every time iteration, the system dynamically generates object states by applying transformations to base part definitions, reducing processing requirements while maintaining display detail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3850592B1Generating display of a 3-dimensional object
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3850592B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3850592B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3850592B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A first part of a 3 dimensional object is generated for display and displayed on a display device. The first part has at least a base interface and a first interface. The displayed first part is caused to change shape. A second part of the 3 dimensional object is generated for display, the second part having at least a base interface. The second part is translated and oriented so that the base interface of the second part mates with the first interface of the first part when the second part is displayed on the display device. The second part is displayed on the display device with the base interface of the second part mating with the first interface of the first part.